Commas, Colons and Semi-Colons

​Commas for Lists

​Use commas to separate items in a list.

For example:

Samson needs to go to the store to buy a dog bed, dog food, treats, toys, a leash, and a collar.

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FUN FACT: The last comma in a list (before "and" or "or") is called an Oxford Comma.​

HINT: Count the items in your list. Subtract 1 from that number. That's how many commas you need.​

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct usage of a comma to separate items in a list.

• Samson loved to eat peanut butter coconut oil green beans and, whipped cream.

• Samson loved to eat peanut butter, coconut oil, green beans and, whipped cream.

• Samson loved to eat peanut butter coconut oil green beans and whipped cream.

• Samson loved to eat peanut butter, coconut oil, green beans, and whipped cream.

​Commas with Introductory Phrases/Clauses

​Use when a pause is necessary

For example:

Running at top speed, Gene chased down the school bus.

During the night, Lindsey dreamed she saw a UFO.

Because he enjoys music, Sean bought tickets to the orchestra.

​IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAUSE, DON'T USE A COMMA!

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct usage of a comma after an introductory phrase/clause.

• Jennifer hid her lucky marbles, in the bushes.

• Jennifer hid her lucky marbles in the bushes.

• Jennifer hid, her lucky marbles in the bushes.

• Jennifer, hid her lucky marbles in the bushes.

​Commas with Multiple Adjectives

Hint: If you can put "AND" in between the adjectives and it sounds natural, you can use a comma.

​Example: Lou plucked a juicy AND sweet apple from the tree.

Also correct: Lou plucked a juicy, sweet apple from the tree.​

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct usage of a comma after in a list of adjectives.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was sweet playful and cuddly.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was sweet, playful and cuddly.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was sweet playful, and cuddly.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was sweet, playful, and cuddly.

Colons

Use when you have two complete thoughts and the second complete thought explains/summarizes the first.

​Example: This is my point: if we buy Judy a plane, she might take us for a ride.

NOTE: A comma is not strong enough to join two complete thoughts.​

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct usage of a colon.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was sweet: he liked to cuddle after a long day.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was sweet, he liked to cuddle after a long day.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was: sweet he liked to cuddle after a long day.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was sweet he liked to cuddle: after a long day.

Colons

A colon can also introduce a list when you have a complete thought BEFORE the colon.

Example: To make a cake you need a few basic ingredients: butter, milk, eggs and sugar.

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Multiple Choice

Choose the correct usage of a colon introducing a list.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog was: sweet, friendly, and cuddly.

• Samson was the ideal dog: sweet, friendly, and cuddly.

• Mrs. Mulder's dog: was sweet, friendly and cuddly.

• Samson was the ideal: dog, sweet, friendly, and cuddly.

Semi-Colons

Semi-colons also connect two complete thoughts; but the second complete thought introduces a new idea.

Example: Karina is a great leader; I will vote for her for president.

A comma is not strong enough to join two complete thoughts.

A colon cannot join these two complete thoughts because the second thought does not explain/summarize the first thought.​

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Multiple Choice

Choose the correct usage of a semi-colon.

• Samson is a good dog; he could be first place in an obedience show!

• Samson is a good; dog he could be first place in an obedience show!

• Samson is a good dog he could be; first place in an obedience show!

• Samson is a good dog he could be first place; in an obedience show!