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' in a list?

Back

Use a comma before 'and' in a list of three or more items (Oxford comma) to clarify the separation of 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 should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, without a conjunction.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to separate elements in a sentence, clarify meaning, and indicate pauses.

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

Front

What is an example of a sentence using a comma correctly?

Back

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is an example of a sentence using a semicolon correctly?

Back

I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

Front

What is a common mistake when using commas?

Back

A common mistake is using a comma to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

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