Commas, Colons, 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 a comma be used in a list?

Back

A comma should be used to separate three or more items in a list to clarify the items.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When is it appropriate to use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

What is a colon?

Back

A punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

When should a colon be used?

Back

A colon should be used before a list or an explanation that follows an independent clause.

Front

What is the purpose of the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, used before 'and' or 'or' to avoid ambiguity.

Front

How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence can be punctuated with a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connecting two independent clauses.

Front

What is the difference between a comma and a semicolon?

Back

A comma indicates a pause or separates items, while a semicolon connects closely related independent clauses.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation.