Commas, Full Stops, and Semicolons

When should you use a comma in a sentence?

• You should use a comma in a sentence to indicate a question

• You should use a comma in a sentence to emphasize a point

• You should use a comma in a sentence to separate every word

• You should use a comma in a sentence to separate items in a list, to separate independent clauses when joined by a coordinating conjunction, after an introductory phrase or clause, before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence, and to set off non-essential information.

What is the purpose of a full stop?

• To indicate a pause in speech

• To separate words in a sentence

• To emphasize a point

• To indicate the end of a sentence.

Give an example of a sentence using a semicolon correctly.

• I like pizza; my favorite topping is pineapple.

• She is a great singer; she also plays the guitar.

• The movie was amazing; I couldn't stop laughing.

• I have a big test tomorrow; I need to study all night.

What is the difference between a comma and a semicolon?

• The difference between a comma and a semicolon is that a comma is used to separate items in a list or to join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, while a semicolon is used to join two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

• A comma is used to end a sentence, while a semicolon is used to separate items in a list

• A comma is used in formal writing, while a semicolon is used in informal writing

• A comma is always followed by a coordinating conjunction, while a semicolon is not

Explain the rule for using a comma before a coordinating conjunction.

• A comma should be used before a subordinating conjunction

• Using a comma before a coordinating conjunction is optional

• A comma is only used before a coordinating conjunction in formal writing

• The rule for using a comma before a coordinating conjunction is to separate two independent clauses when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).

How does a full stop differ from a comma?

• A full stop ends a sentence, while a comma separates items in a list or joins independent clauses.

• A full stop is used for emphasis, while a comma is used for clarification.

• A full stop is used in spoken language, while a comma is used in written language.

• A full stop is used in mathematics, while a comma is used in literature.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

• When you want to separate items in a list within a single sentence.

• When you want to join two dependent clauses together.

• When you want to separate two unrelated independent clauses without using a conjunction.

• When you want to separate two closely related independent clauses without using a conjunction.

How could you fix the following run-on sentence:

"It was so cold outside that my ears froze they didn't warm up until I came indoors?"

• It was so cold outside, that my ears froze, they didn't warm up , until I came indoors.

• It was so cold outside that my ears froze, they didn't warm up, until I came indoors.

• It was so cold outside that my ears froze; they didn't warm up until I came indoors.

Which sentence is a comma splice?

• He enjoys reading, he often visits the library.

• She loves to dance, she is always practicing.

• I went for a run, I felt energized afterwards.

• The sun is shining, it's a beautiful day.

Which is a run-on sentence?

• Jackson amused the class he put breath mints up his nose.

• Jackson might be the funniest student in Mrs. Felte's class because of his jokes.

• 
  Jackson amused the class when he put breath mints up his nose.