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

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 should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (FANBOYS) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What does FANBOYS stand for?

Back

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So - coordinating conjunctions that can connect independent clauses.

Front

What is a conjunctive adverb?

Back

A word that connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between them, often requiring a semicolon before it.

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a list?

Back

To separate items in a series to clarify the meaning.

Front

What punctuation is needed in the sentence: 'I like apples _____ I like oranges.'

Back

A semicolon is needed to connect the two independent clauses.

Front

What punctuation is needed in the sentence: 'She loves to read, she also loves to write.'

Back

A semicolon is needed to connect the two independent clauses.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

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