Mastering Punctuation: Commas, Semicolons, and Colons

Dan from BBC Learning English answers a question from Hany in Germany about punctuation in English. He explains the use of commas in non-defining relative clauses and lists, semicolons for separating complex list items, and colons for introducing lists and quotations. Dan concludes by inviting viewers to send their questions to BBC Learning English.

What is the main topic of Hany's question?

• Punctuation in English

• Usage of articles in English

• Adjective order in English

• Verb conjugation in English

In which type of relative clauses are commas used?

• Non-defining relative clauses

• Neither defining nor non-defining relative clauses

• Defining relative clauses

• Both defining and non-defining relative clauses

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas in a list?

• I need an apple; a banana; a car; a dog; and an egg.

• I need an apple, a banana, a car, a dog and an egg.

• I need an apple a banana a car a dog and an egg.

• I need an apple, a banana, a car, a dog, and an egg.

When are semicolons typically used in lists?

• When the items are simple

• When the items are short

• When the items are long

• When the items are complex

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

• I need an apple; a banana, a car, a dog and an egg.

• I need an apple from Spain; a banana which isn’t too soft; a car that hasn’t been driven on a Monday; a dog who’s only got three legs.

• I need an apple; a banana; a car; a dog; and an egg.

• I need an apple, a banana; a car, a dog and an egg.

What punctuation is used to introduce lists?

• Comma

• Semicolon

• Colon

• Period

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a colon?

• The prime minister said. “There is no need to panic.”

• The prime minister said, “There is no need to panic.”

• The prime minister said: “There is no need to panic.”

• The prime minister said; “There is no need to panic.”

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