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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
Do you need to use a comma before the rd although?
Basically, a comma is a direction from the writer to the reader to give a little pause while reading. If the sentence begins with the word 'although, no comma is required. If the sentence has although in the middle, a comma may be place after it.
I helped him, although he had never helped me.
What is the meaning of inverted commas?
Inverted commas, also known as quotation marks, are punctuation marks used to indicate direct speech or a quotation in writing. They are placed at the beginning and end of the quoted text to show that the words inside the marks are from another source.
How would you see ia a sentence had a comma splice?
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. If each of the two parts separated by the comma can stand on its own as a complete sentence, then you have a comma splice.
Example: I did not get any sleep before my early flight, I slept on the plane.
Each of the two parts can stand alone as a sentence: "I did not get any sleep before my early flight." "I slept on the plane."
When these two parts are joined by only a comma, the result is a comma splice.
When do you put a comma after the word SINCE?
A comma is typically not used after the word "since" when it is used to indicate time ("since 2010"). However, a comma may be used after "since" when it is being used as a conjunction to introduce a dependent clause ("Since you are here, let's get started").
Do you use a comma after the word fortunately?
Commas are a feature of sentence structure. There is no word or phrase in English that requires one. Whether a word has a comma after it depends on the word's function in the sentence.
For example:Fortunately for you, the train is on time.
Fortunately, the train is on time.
The train was fortunately on time, so I caught it.
When do you use single inverted commas?
She said "I thought 'Gone with the wind' was a good film".
Otherwise, without using single quotes, the sentence would look like this:
She said "I thought "Gone with the wind" was a good film".
Why is it important to correct comma splices and fused sentences?
Correcting comma splices and fused sentences is important because they create confusion and can make the writing difficult to understand. These errors also affect the flow and coherence of the text, leading to a lack of clarity in the writer's message. By fixing these mistakes, you can improve the overall quality of your writing and effectively convey your ideas to the reader.
Should there always be a comma after the word hopefully?
No, there should not always be a comma after the word "hopefully." It depends on the sentence structure. When "hopefully" is at the beginning of a sentence, it is often followed by a comma, but if it is used within a sentence, a comma is not necessary.
Can you put comma after the word said?
Certainly, I can add a comma after the word "said," as requested.
Do you need a comma after a time connective?
Yes, a comma is typically used after a time connective when it is at the beginning of a sentence to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. For example: "After lunch, we went for a walk in the park."
Yes, a comma is needed after "why" if it is used to introduce a subordinate clause. For example: "I don't understand why he left, it doesn't make sense to me."
When do you put a comma in front of a conjunction?
Always use a comma between two clauses if both clauses are independent clauses.
Otherwise, the word following the conjunction (part of a different clause) might be mistakenly read as part of the first clause.
For example - there should be a comma before these conjunctions:
His house is built of wood and brick in many varied colors, mainly red and brown, is used in the garden planters.
He was a friendly fellow but a serial murderer, wanted in several states, almost took advantage of his helpful nature.
Which word is not a coordinating conjunction and because for or nor?
Because is not a coordinating conjunction. It is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause that explains the reason for the main clause. The coordinating conjunctions are for, or, and nor, which connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.
It depends on how the word is being used.
A comma is placed anywhere a natural breaking point in speech would be used. It creates a pause, or hesitation to clarify what is coming next.
For examples:
I also would like to go with you.
This does not require a comma.
I would like to order this steak; also, I would like a side of vegetables.
This requires a comma.
Is there a rule for using commas before concluding phrases?
Yes, it is common to use a comma before concluding phrases such as "in conclusion" or "in summary" in formal writing to signal the end of a thought or to transition to a final point. However, the use of commas may vary depending on the context and style guide being followed.
Are semi-colons used between phrases that contain opposite ideas?
Semi-colons are typically used to separate independent clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences. If the phrases contain opposite ideas, it may be clearer to use a conjunction like "but" or "however" instead of a semi-colon.
How is a comma splice different from a run-on sentence?
A comma splice consists of independent clauses separated by only a comma; a run-on sentence consists of independent clauses one directly following another, not separated by a conjunction or punctuation.
Comma splice example: The flowers were pretty, I didn't pick them.
Run-on sentence example: The flowers were pretty I didn't pick them.
What are three ways to use a introductory comma?
- To separate an introductory phrase from the main clause, as in "After the meeting, we went out for lunch."
- To set off introductory words or adverbs at the beginning of a sentence, such as "However, I disagree with your assessment."
- To add clarity by signaling the beginning of the main idea or subject in a sentence, like in "In conclusion, we need to find a solution."
Do you put a comma after perhaps?
Yes, a comma is typically used after "perhaps" when it appears at the beginning of a sentence to create a pause and improve readability.
Do you put a comma after the word nowadays?
Yes, it is often preferred to use a comma after the word "nowadays" when it is used at the beginning of a sentence to separate it from the rest of the sentence. For example: "Nowadays, people rely heavily on technology."
Can you use a semicolon before while?
Punctuation is a feature of sentence structure. There is no word that must take any particular punctuation, and no word that cannot take any particular punctuation.
Should you put a comma before'as well as'?
Yes, a comma should be placed before "as well as" when it is used to introduce non-essential information. If "as well as" is essential to the meaning of the sentence, then a comma is not necessary.
How are comma splices and run-ons similar?
Both comma splices and run-on sentences involve the improper joining of independent clauses in a sentence. The difference is that a comma splice separates the two clauses by a comma, and the run-on sentence has one clause directly following the other, with no punctuation in between.
- Comma splice example: Reggie had eaten the last apple, we still had lots of pears.
- Run-on sentence example: Reggie had eaten the last apple we still had lots of pears.
To correct comma splices or run-on sentences, separate the independent clauses with a semicolon, comma and coordinating conjunction, or period:
- Semicolon: Reggie had eaten the last apple; we still had lots of pears.
- Comma and coordinating conjunction: Reggie had eaten the last apple, but we still had lots of pears.
- Period: Reggie had eaten the last apple. We still had lots of pears.
Is there a comma behind the word is in a sentence?
There is typically no comma placed behind the word "is" in a sentence, unless it is part of a list or if the sentence structure requires it for clarity.
