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Commas Colons and Semicolons
Commas, colons and semicolons are commonly used punctuation marks. Commas are commonly used in listing items or after a phrase while colons are used to introduce or announce. Semicolons are used to create breaks or pauses.
1,988 Questions
Can you use a semicolon instead of a comma in a a list?
If the list of phrases contains commas, the list is properly delimited by using semicolons.
What are fragments run-ons and comma splices?
Fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject or verb. Run-ons are two or more independent clauses incorrectly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Comma splices occur when two independent clauses are incorrectly connected with a comma instead of a conjunction or appropriate punctuation.
The above punctuation mark is a semicolon.
There are three uses for the semicolon:
- To join two independent clauses (complete sentences) that are closely related, showing that the two clauses are similar or are close in idea. It also shows a kind of cause and effect relationship between the two clauses.
- To join two independent clauses when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase (therefore, however, as a result, in fact, etc.)
- To separate items in a series when one or more of the items contain a comma.
The semicolon serves the same purpose as a coordinate conjunction. However, the semicolon is used sparingly whereas the coordinate conjunction may be used often.
Example:
I love dogs; they are so cute.
rather than writing-
"The police officer pulled up to the house that had just made a call to the police department. But the front door was locked and he was forced to kick it open."
You could write this-
"The police officer pulled up to the house that had just made a call to the police department; but the front door was locked and he was forced to kick it open."
A semicolon is a symbol that looks like this:
;
Is there a comma before of whom in a sentence?
Yes, in most cases, a comma should be placed before "of whom" in a sentence. This comma is used to set off a dependent clause or phrase that is providing additional information about the subject.
Placement of comma between city and country?
Place a comma between the city and state in a zip code, as in Atlanta, GA, or Albany, NY. Place a comma between the city and the name of a county and the state and the country if you're being that detailed, as in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, USA.
When in punctuation should a colon and semicolon be used?
A colon is necessary when you want to emphasize something, establish a dialogue, start a list, or give clarity to titles. A semicolon is necessary when you need to give clarity to a series or indicate that two sentences are closely related to one another.
What word can go before all of these words stroke tail off work?
Brush! Took me a long time but there you go, brush!
What words can go before walk?
Some words that can go before "walk" are "take," "go for," "enjoy a," "long," "short," "power," and "brisk."
Do you put a comma after yes when starting a sentence?
No, a comma is not needed after "yes" when starting a sentence.
Do commas go before considering?
No, commas do not typically go before "considering" when it is used in the middle of a sentence. However, if "considering" is at the beginning of a sentence, a comma may be used after it.
I wonder Seema if you've thought through the implications of your actions. where do the commas go?
The commas should be placed before and after "Seema" for direct address. The sentence would read: "I wonder, Seema, if you've thought through the implications of your actions."
What are three examples of observational techniques used in counselling?
- Nonverbal observation - This involves paying attention to the client's body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to gain insights into their emotional state.
- Active listening - This technique involves fully engaging with the client's spoken words, showing understanding, and reflecting back their thoughts and feelings.
- Paraphrasing - Summarizing and reflecting back the client's words in a concise manner to ensure understanding and to facilitate further exploration of their emotions.
Do you put a comma before perhaps?
Yes, you can use a comma before "perhaps" when it is used as an introductory word in a sentence. Placing a comma helps to separate it from the main clause and improve clarity in the sentence structure.
What is the main usage of semi-colon in sentences?
The main usage of a semi-colon in sentences is to connect two closely related independent clauses. It can also be used to separate items in a list when the items contain commas.
A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses in a sentence that are closely related in meaning. It can also be used to separate items in a list when the items contain commas.
Would you put a comma or a period after a statement that is quoted?
It depends on whether the statement is a complete sentence or not. If the quoted statement is a complete sentence, you would use a period. If the quoted statement is within a larger sentence, you would use a comma.
Where does the comma go when you use the because?
Remember, it is the sentence structure that determines punctuation, not the word. There is no word or phrase in English that requires a comma.
The comma goes before the word "because" in the event that what follows "because" is a parenthetical phrase. Here is an example:
--I guessed that I would use WikiAnswers to answer this question, because many of my questions have been answered on the site before.
Here, the ending phrase refers to why "I guessed" rather than why "I would use WikiAnswers." For instance, you would use WikiAnswers because the answers are of high quality, not just because the answers are there. The previous sentence is also a good example.
Commas are placed before coordinating conjunctions. Because is not a coordinating conjunction.
Commas are also placed between dependent and independent clauses when the dependent clause precedes the independent clause. When a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, a comma is placed between the two.
Commas also separate items in lists such as red, yellow, blue and green.
Commas also follow introductory clauses. In the morning, I will go to the store.
In the following two examples, the comma is not at all necessary, and it forces an unnatural pause.
-- I use WikiAnswers a lot, because many of my questions get answered on the site.
-- The bus was late, because there was an accident on the highway that caused a traffic jam.
The comma is necessary after the clause or phrase introduced by 'because' if the word begins a sentence. For example:
Because many of my questions get answered on the site, I use WikiAnswers a lot.
Because of your help, I made it.
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Why are commas rather than dashes or parentheses used in this sentence?
Parentheses are used in a sentence to capture a note relating to the wording of the sentence. Dashes and commas set apart words in a sentence.
Where is the comma in the phrase This too shall pass?
The correct placement for the comma in that phrase is: "This, too, shall pass." The commas are used to set off the word "too" for emphasis and to indicate a slight pause in speech.
Do you always put a comma after oh?
No, a comma is not always necessary after "oh." It depends on the context of the sentence and whether the pause created by the "oh" requires a comma for clarity.
When did Napoleon quoted that ability is nothing without opportunity?
Napoleon quoted "Ability is nothing without opportunity" in 1796, in a letter to his brother Joseph. This quote emphasizes the importance of combining talent with the right circumstances for success.
Do you put a comma after frankly?
Yes, a comma is typically used after introductory words like "frankly" to separate them from the rest of the sentence. For example, "Frankly, I am not sure."
What is the purpose of the comma sign?
The purpose of a comma is to separate a sentence that has more than one clause that cannot be linked coherently, or to add extra information about a subject. An example is: Cats are furry, they can jump high.
A sentence splice (alternately, comma splice) is when 2 independent clauses are joined by a comma. This is not grammatically correct. To fix a sentence splice, you can either change the comma to a semicolon, or you can add a coordinating conjunction after the comma (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
