Lesson 14: Colons and Semi-Colons

Commas, Semicolons, and

Colons

Commas to Introduce

• Commas separate transition words

• Commas separate introductions (a clause. Not a part of the main sentence)

• Commas separate speech tags and tag questions

Multiple Choice

In a sentence, which word would need a comma after it?

• The

• Secondly

• For

• Just

Commas in Series

• Series is a list of 3 or more items

• Put comma after each item (except the last one)

  • 1. fishermen

  • 2. laborers

  • 3. farmers

Multiple Choice

How many commas are needed to list these items:

dog

cat

bird

fish

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

Which one is separated by commas correctly?

• I like cake, candy, and lemonade.

• I like cake, candy and lemonade.

• I like cake, candy, lemonade.

• I, like cake, candy and lemonade

Semicolons in Series

• Use ; when the item that you are listing already has a comma in it

• Example: Whittier, California

• City, State

Semicolons in Series

• Dates are also separated by a comma

• February 22, 2021

• Monday, February 22nd.

Multiple Choice

Which one is separated correctly?

• Parent conferences are on Thursday, February 18; Friday, February 19; and Monday, February 22.

• Parent conferences are on Thursday; February 18. Friday; February 19. and Monday; February 22.

• Parent conferences are on Thursday; February 18; Friday; February 19; and Monday; February 22.

• Parent conferences are on Thursday, February 18; Friday, February 19, and Monday, February 22.

Colons

• Colons announce quotes

• Colons introduce lists

• Colons also separate hours from minutes (10:30)

A colon as an introduction

Multiple Choice

How should this sentence be separated?

With a comma, semicolon, or a colon?

My father always told me this piece of advice_ "Forgive and forget."

• comma

• semicolon

• colon

Multiple Choice

How should this sentence be separated?

With a comma, semicolon, or a colon?

The sunset is red_ yellow_ and orange.

• comma

• semicolon

• colon

Multiple Choice

How should this sentence be separated?

With a comma, semicolon, or a colon?

I like to go to the park_ beach_ and hiking.

• comma

• semicolon

• colon

Multiple Choice

How should this sentence be separated?

With a comma, semicolon, or a colon?

School will begin on Monday, March 1_ Monday, March 8_ and Monday, March 15.

• comma

• semicolon

• colon