Comma, Semicolons, and Colons

The following are requested: (a) Wool sweater in case of cold weather (b) Wet suits for snorkeling (c)Introduction to the local dignitaries

Capitalization and punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases in bulleted form. If each bullet is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and each sentence with a proper ending punctuation.

Freddy, who has a limp, was in a soccer incident.

If something is sufficiently identified, the description following it is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas.

He ran quickly but still did not win the race.

If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, do not use a comma.

You will want to bring many things; for example, water, chewing gum and snacks.

It is preferable to use a semicolon before the introductory word of a sentence.

My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew.

To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words or word groups with a series of three of more.

Garlic in used in Italian cooking: it greatly enhances the flour of pasta dishes.

Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the second sentence explains the first sentence and no coordinating conjunction is being used. If only one sentence follows the colon, do not capitalize the first word of each sentence following.

To apply for this job, you need a masters degree in Biology. Therefore (,) no credit cards can be used at the Opa Greek Festival.

Use a comma after phrases of more than three that begin a sentence, but if the phrase is less than three comma is optional.

I can go, can't I?

Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.

That is my Nutella, not yours.

Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.

I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1997. I moved back to Philadelphia, PA in 2009.

Use a comma to separate the city from the state and after the state in a document. If the state abbreviation is used the comma is omitted after the state.

He is a strong, healthy man.

Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word "and" can be inserted between them.

Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.

Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

Will you, Aisha, do the assignment for me?

Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.

I studied, therefore, I hope to do well on the final exam.

Use commas surrounding words such as therefore and however when they are used as interrupts.

I am, as you have probably noticed, nervous about taking my English exam.

Use commas to set off expressions interrupting sentence flow.

Al Mooney, M.D., knew Sam Sunney Jr. adn Paul Charles III.

Use commas to surround degrees or titles used with names. Commas are not required around Jr. and Sr. and they never set off II, III and so on.

You may bring certain items to your exam, e.g. water, gum and snacks.

Use either a comma or a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., e.g., for example, or for instance when they are followed by a series of items. Use a comma after the introductory word.

You must bring: Nutella, Lindt Chocolate, and Oreos.

Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when the introductory words (namely, for example, that) do not appear.

Dear Pablo:

Use the colon to follow the salutation of a business letter even when addressing someone by his/her first name. Never use a semicolon after a salutation. A comma is used after the salutation for a personal correspondence.

The author of Harry Potter, J.K Rowling, wrote in the first chapter: Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn't hold with such nonsense.

Use the colon to introduce a direct quotation that is more than three lines in length. In this case, leave a blank line below and above the quoted material and single space the long quotation. No quotation marks.

When I finish this assignment, I will get you some Nutella; and that is a promise I intend to keep.

Use the semicolon between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence.

I have lived in Abington, Pennsylvania; Milan, Italy; Segrate, Italy; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one of more of the units contains commas.

"Why," I ask, "do you always forget to buy Nutella?"

Uses commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines.

If you are not sure about this, let me know now.

When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it. If the sentence starts with a strong clause there is no comma needed.

Time flies when we are having fun, and we are always having fun.

A COMMA SPLICE is an error caused by joining two strong clauses with only a comma instead of separating the clauses with a conjunction, a semicolon, or a period. A RUN-ON SENTENCE, which is incorrect, is created by joining two strong clauses without ANY punctuation.

I have four goals in life: 1. Stay healthy. 2. Be safe. 3. Be happy 4. Be successful. OR I want an assistant who can (1) input data, (2) write reports and (3) complete tax forms.

A colon should not precede a list unless it follows a complete sentence, however, the colon is a style choice that some publication allow.

I was born on September 18, 1997, in Philadelphia. I moved to Italy in March 2005 during first grade.

Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year. Also, if any part of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.

I chose the colours green, orange and red was his first choice.

Use a comma to separate two sentences if it will help avoid confusion.

I have finished the entire essay, but he is still working on his third body paragraph.

Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Felix was a lonely, confused boy.

Use a comma when an -ly adjective is used with other adjectives.

Yes, I do need a good grade on my English exam.

Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words (well, now, yes).

You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans and warm clothes.

Use either a semicolon or a comma before introductory words such as namely, for example, however, therefore, that is, i.e., e.g., or for instance, when they introduce a lis following the complete sentence.