Semicolons and Commas with Compound Sentences

Grammar Practice: Commas & Semicolons

Comma Rules ReCap

• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction  (and, or, but, nor, yet,  for, so) that separates two independent clauses. 

• Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.

• Use a comma around unessential phrases in the middle of a sentence.

• Use commas between items in a list.

• Use a comma to separate 2 adjectives.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly.

• Interestingly many critics say students need to do more work.

• Interestingly, many critics say students need to do more work.

• Interestingly, many critics say, students need to do more work.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly.

• Maria won the award, but she was not able to be at the ceremony.

• Maria won the award but, she was not able to be at the ceremony.

• Maria won the award but she was not able to be at the ceremony.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly.

• Since the new software was introduced, it has been much easier, to keep track of grades.

• Since the new software was introduced, it has been much easier to keep track of grades.

• Since the new software was introduced it has been much easier to keep track of grades.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly.

• Traditional mealtimes are not observed very often, and many people find themselves eating all through the day.

• Traditional mealtimes, are not observed very often, and many people, find themselves eating all through the day.

• Traditional mealtimes are not observed very often and, many people find themselves eating all through the day.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly.

• We are having peas, and carrots, roast beef, and cake, for dinner.

• We are having peas and carrots, roast beef, and cake for dinner.

• We are having peas, and carrots, roast beef and cake for dinner.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly.

• Mrs. Schugar my English teacher, says we have to learn how to use commas.

• Mrs. Schugar, my English teacher says, we have to learn how to use commas.

• Mrs. Schugar, my English teacher, says we have to learn how to use commas.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly.

• The tall, majestic tree must have been over 100 feet tall.

• The tall majestic tree must have been over 100 feet tall.

• The tall, majestic, tree must have been over 100 feet tall.

Poll

How would you rate your comfort level with commas?

• I feel awesome! I totally understand.

• I think I understand, but I would like some more practice.

• I am completely lost.

THE SEMICOLON

;

Semicolons

• Use to separate 2 complete sentences.

• Use with a conjunctive adverb.

• Use to separate complex lists.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that places the semicolon between two complete thoughts.

• I loved the sweater; my friend bought me I wear it almost everyday.

• I loved the sweater my friend bought me; I wear it almost everyday.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that places the semicolon between two complete thoughts.

• I spend eight hours a day in a windowless classroom it's a relief; to get out in the open air after school.

• I spend eight hours a day in a windowless classroom; it's a relief to get out in the open air after school.

Poll

How would you rate your comfort level with semicolons?

• I feel awesome! I totally understand.

• I think I understand, but I would like some more practice.

• I am totally confused.