Rules for commas, colons, semi-colons, phrases, and clauses

Use a semicolon to join two * creating a compound sentence

• dependent clauses

• independent clauses

• subordinate clauses

• coordinating phrases

Use semicolons to separate items in a series that contain *

• commas

• appositives

• cities and states or countries

• parentheses

Use a comma to set off an * (a nonessential phrase or clause) -a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of a sentence

• interrupter

• connector

• modifier

• transitional phrase

Use a semicolon and a *

to create a compound sentence

• transition or interrupter

• conjunction

• preposition

• interjection

Use a colon after a stop to introduce

• a summary or explanation

• a list of items

• a question

• a conclusion

Clause that contains a subject, verb, and a complete thought

• dependent

• independent

• subordinate

• compound

clause contains a subject and verb but not a complete thought

• independent

• dependent

• compound

• complex

Use a colon after a stop to introduce*

• a list

• a conclusion

• an example

• a question

Two causes of a run-on sentence

• lack of punctuation

• sentence fragment

• subject-verb agreement error

• comma splice

Three elements of a complete sentence

• subject

• verb

• complete thought

• adjective