Commas and Semicolons

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A punctuation mark used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and'?

Back

Use a comma before 'and' when connecting two independent clauses.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses.

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

Use a semicolon when connecting two independent clauses that are closely related but not joined by a conjunction.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a list?

Back

To separate items in a series to clarify meaning.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Place a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause.

Front

How do you use a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs?

Back

Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (like however, therefore) when connecting two independent clauses.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify the same noun.