Commas and Semicolon
How would you fix this sentence? Anthony's favorite television programs are Sponge Bob House Hunters and Go Diego Go.
Anthony's favorite television programs and Sponge Bob, House Hunters, and Go Diego Go.
Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. An appositive are phrases, set off by commas, that modify the noun directly before it.
Apples, which are my favorite fruit, are the main ingredient in this recipe.
non-essential phrase
Apples, which are my favorite fruit, are the main ingredient in this recipe.
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.
introductory clause
Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.
Fix the sentence: Call me tomorrow. I will give you the answer then.
Call me tomorrow; I will give you the answer then.
Fix the setence: All the cafeteria's vegetables - broccoli green beans peas and carrots - were cooked to a gray mush.
Fix the sentence: All the cafeteria's vegetables - broccoli, green beans, peas, and carrots - were cooked to a gray mush.
non-essential phrase
Fred, who often cheats, is just harming himself.
How would you fix this sentence? From the ceiling in the kitchen we hung colorful lights
From the ceiling in the kitchen; we hung colorful lights. (don't forget the period!)
Fix the sentence: On Wednesday November 26th 2008 my sister was born.
On Wednesday, November 26th, 2008, my sister was born.
How would you fix this sentence? The best production facilities are in Atlanta Georgia Boston Massachusetts and Phoenix Arizona.
The best production facilities are in Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; and Phoenix, Arizona.
Fix the sentence: The two kids involved in the incident who have been found guilty of cheating should be on academic probation or even expelled.
The two kids involved in the incident, who have been found guilty of cheating, should be on academic probation or even expelled.
conjunctive adverb
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.
How would you fix this sentence? We danced talked and laughed all evening long.
We danced, talked, and laughed all evening long.
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.
introductory clause
While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.
Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.
adjectives
Your cousin has an easy, happy smile.
Coordinating conjunctions
and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet
Nonrestrictive elements
clauses, phrases, and words that don't limit the meaning of the words they modify
Use commas to break apart
contrasting elements, interjections, direct address, and tag questions
transitional expressions
however, also, instead, similarly, in fact, therefore, as a result, for example, in addition
Use commas to seperate
items in a series
Use a comma to set off
nonrestrictive elements
A comma precedes a coordinating conjunction
that joins two independent clauses in a compound sentence
Use a comma after any word, phrase, or clause
that precedes the subject of the sentence
Use a comma
to seperate clauses in compound sentences
Use commas
to set off introductory elements
Use a semicolon in place of a period to seperate
two closely related sentences not joined with a coordinating conjunction
Use the semicolon to seperate
units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas
Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
"I was able," she answered, "to complete the assignment."
dialogue
"I was able," she answered, "to complete the assignment."
Connect the sentences in two ways: I like surfing. My brother bought me a nine foot long board for my birthday.
1) I like surfing, therefore my brother bought me a nine foot long board for my birthday. 2) I like surfing; my brother bought me a nine foot long board for my birthday.
Connect the sentences in two ways: Many readers view Macbeth as a tragic hero. He exhibits many of the same character traits as Homer's Odysseus and Sophocles' Oedipus.
1) Many readers view Macbeth as a tragic hero, because he exhibits many of the same character traits as Homer's Odysseus and Sophocles' Oedipus. 2) Many readers view Macbeth as a tragic hero; he exhibits many of the same character traits as Homer's Odysseus and Sophocles' Oedipus.
Connect the sentences in two ways: Winter break is still many weeks away. I'm already dreaming about sleeping in until 10 a.m.
1) Winter break is still many weeks away, but I'm already dreaming about sleeping until 10 a.m. 2) Winter break is still many weeks away; I'm already dreaming about sleeping until 10 a.m.
Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. An appositive are phrases, set off by commas, that modify the noun directly before it.
Fred, who often cheats, is just harming himself.
Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.
He was a difficult, stubborn child.
adjectives
He was a difficult, stubborn child.
You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.
I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there.
conjunctive adverb
I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there.
You can use a semi-colon to join two independent clauses. Joining two independent clauses this way implies that the two clauses are related and/or equal.
I am going to visit Anna in St. Louis next weekend; we'll get to see the Arch, Busch Stadium, and the Landing.
semi-colon
I am going to visit Anna in St. Louis next weekend; we'll get to see the Arch, Busch Stadium, and the Landing.
Fix the sentence: I asked you not your brother to sweep the porch.
I asked you, not your brother, to sweep the porch.
Use semi-colons between items in a list that already involve commas.
I have lived in Chicago, Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; and Omaha, Nebraska.
Fix the sentence: I have paid my dues, therefore, I expect to receive all of the privileges listed in the contract.
I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect to receive all of the privileges listed in the contract.
How would you fix this sentence? I have to finish my homework feed the dog and go to Joseph's house tonight.
I have to finish my homework, feed the dog, and go to Joseph's house tonight.
dependent clause at the end
I went to the store after I finished the movie.
Fix the sentence: If she is in shape by May, she will race the marathon, and if her husband is able to attend, he will be there to cheer her on.
If she is in shape by May, she will race the marathon; and if her husband is able to attend, he will be there to cheer her on.
Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!"
dialogue
In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!"
Fix the sentence: In the movie Harry Potter Harry is pushed to his limit.
In the movie Harry Potter, Harry is pushed to his limit.
You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.
It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway.
conjunctive adverb
It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway.
You can use a semi-colon to join two independent clauses. Joining two independent clauses this way implies that the two clauses are related and/or equal.
It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.
semi-colon
It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.
Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
John said without emotion, "I'll see you tomorrow."
dialogue
John said without emotion, "I'll see you tomorrow."
How would you fix this sentence? Johnny Depp my favorite actor is in this movie.
Johnny Depp, my favorite actor, is in this movie.
How would you fix this sentence? Kate swims well so everyone wants her for team captain.
Kate swims well, so everyone wanted her for team captain.
Fix the sentence: Many corals grow very gradually, in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries.
Many corals grow very gradually; in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries.
How would you fix this sentence? Our coach prefers a passionate dedicated player to a talented lazy player.
Our coach prefers a passionate, dedicated player to a talented, lazy player.
Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. An appositive are phrases, set off by commas, that modify the noun directly before it.
Professor Benson, grinning from ear to ear, announced that the exam would be tomorrow.
non-essential phrase
Professor Benson, grinning from ear to ear, announced that the exam would be tomorrow.
Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.
She often wore a gray wool shawl.
adjectives
She often wore a gray wool shawl.
Fix the sentence: Since I got up late this morning I decided to forgo my usual breakfast.
Since I got up late this morning, I decided to forgo my usual breakfast.
How would you fix this sentence? Susan Ling my piano teacher lives in Brentwood Tennessee.
Susan Ling, my piano teacher, lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
commas in a series
The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
essential phrase
The author Ray Bradbury uses figurative language on every page of Fahrenheit 451.
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
commas in a series
The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
Fix the sentence: The climbers must reach the summit today or they will have to turn back around.
The climbers must reach the summit, or they will have to turn back around.
Fix the sentence: The conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho, Los Angeles, California, and Nashville, Tennessee.
The conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.
essential phrase
The girl that finished her homework first is listening to music.
How would you fix this sentence? The movie I thought started at 7:45.
The movie; I thought started at 7:45.
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
The prosecutor argued that the defendant, who was at the scene of the crime, who had a strong revenge motive, and who had access to the murder weapon, was guilty of homicide.
commas in a series
The prosecutor argued that the defendant, who was at the scene of the crime, who had a strong revenge motive, and who had access to the murder weapon, was guilty of homicide.
essential phrase
The rats are nesting in the closet where Grandma hides her money.
Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.
compound sentence
The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.
dependent clause at the end
The students were happy when they finished their research paper
dependent clause at the end
The students worked on the grammar practice even though they didn't want to.
Use semi-colons between items in a list that already involve commas.
The sweaters I bought today were purple, blue, and green; yellow, white, and red; and pink, black, and grey.
You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.
You can use a semi-colon to join two independent clauses. Joining two independent clauses this way implies that the two clauses are related and/or equal.
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.
semi-colon
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
To get a seat, you'd better come early.
introductory phrase
To get a seat, you'd better come early.
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow morning.
introductory word
Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow morning.
compound sentence
Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.
Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.
Your cousin has an easy, happy smile.
Use a semicolon between
independant clauses linked with a transitional expression
Can use a semicolon between sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction
when one or more commas appears in the first sentence
