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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 use a semicolon before except?
No, a semicolon is not typically used before "except" in a sentence. Instead, a comma may be used to separate clauses or phrases when necessary.
Do you put a comma after a transition word?
Yes, typically a comma is used after a transition word or phrase at the beginning of a sentence to separate it from the rest of the sentence for clarity.
When to use a comma before which?
when name of places, person, things are written all together ,then we use comma. Also, in our spoken English when we pause for a very short period of time that time we use comma. Like Europe, Asia, Australia are continents.
What is the difference between a comma and a hyphen?
A comma is used to separate elements within a sentence, such as items in a list or clauses. A hyphen is used to join words together to create a compound word or to show a connection between words in a phrase.
When to use comma before where and when not?
Put a comma when "where" introduces a non-restrictive adjective clause:
EXAMPLE: He went to college in Seattle, where the people are always friendly.
NO COMMA: He forgot where he put his wallet. He goes where no one has gone before.
Do you need a comma after the word next?
Yes, a comma should be used after the word "next" when it is at the beginning of a sentence or when it is used to signal a transition or sequence. For example, "Next, we will discuss the results of the study."
How do you know if a sentence is a run on or comma splice?
A RUN-ON SENTENCE (sometimes called a "fused sentence") has at least two parts, either one of which can stand by itself (in other words, two independent clauses), but the two parts have been smooshed together instead of being properly connected. Review, also, the section which describes Things That Can Happen Between Two Independent Clauses.
It is important to realize that the length of a sentence really has nothing to do with whether a sentence is a run-on or not; being a run-on is a structural flaw that can plague even a very short sentence:The sun is high, put on some sunblock.
An extremely long sentence, on the other hand, might be a "run-off-at-the-mouth" sentence, but it can be otherwise sound, structurally. Click here to see a 239-word sentence that is a perfectly fine sentence (structurally)
When two independent clauses are connected by only a comma, they constitute a run-on sentence that is called a comma-splice. The example just above (about the sunscreen) is a comma-splice. When you use a comma to connect two independent clauses, it must be accompanied by a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so).
The sun is high, so put on some sunscreen.
Run-on sentences happen typically under the following circumstances*:
- When an independent clause gives an order or directive based on what was said in the prior independent clause:This next chapter has a lot of difficult information in it, you should start studying right away. (We could put a period where that comma is and start a new sentence. A semicolon might also work there.)
- When two independent clauses are connected by a transitional expression (conjunctive adverb) such as however, moreover, nevertheless.Mr. Nguyen has sent his four children to ivy-league colleges, however, he has sacrificed his health working day and night in that dusty bakery. (Again, where that first comma appears, we could have used either a period --- and started a new sentence --- or a semicolon.)
- When the second of two independent clauses contains a pronoun that connects it to the first independent clause.This computer doesn't make sense to me, it came without a manual. (Although these two clauses are quite brief, and the ideas are closely related, this is a run-on sentence. We need a period where that comma now stands.) Most of those computers in the Learning Assistance Center are broken already, this proves my point about American computer manufacturers. Again, two nicely related clauses, incorrectly connected --- a run-on. Use a period to cure this sentence. I hope this helps if not sorry!:D
What words should you use a comma?
listen to ur english teach.
mine is mrs koch
appositive and compound
Do you put the comma before or after quotations?
In American English, commas and periods are typically placed inside the quotation marks, while in British English, they are placed outside. It's important to check the style guide you are following for specific guidelines.
Should you put a comma before the words in that?
Not necessarily. There is no word or phrase that requires a comma. When it means "because," the phrase "in that" often introduces a clause, in which case it is the clause that takes the comma, not the words.
Should comma be put after like?
A comma is often used before and after "like" when it is used to make a comparison or give examples. For example: "She sings, like a bird, in the morning."
Do you put a space after a comma in a sentence?
Yes, it is standard to put a space after a comma in a sentence according to most style guides and conventions in English writing. This helps with readability and clarity in separating different elements of the sentence.
What word can you use before green?
The word "emerald" can be used before the word "green" to describe a particular shade or type of green.
Should it be a comma before or after brackets?
A comma should generally be placed before brackets if it is part of the main sentence structure. If the brackets are used for additional information within a sentence, then the comma should go before the opening bracket.
Do you use commas around as well as in the middle of sentence?
Yes because if you were reading a paragraph out loud, you would take a breath there.
(ex) I love desserts like pie, as well as, tart and brownies.
See why you need a comma? Hope this helped you with your problem!
Where do you use semi colon in a sentence?
Using SemicolonsSemicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.
Connect closely related ideasLink two independent clauses to connect closely related ideas
Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil.
Link clauses connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases to connect closely related ideas
But however they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods.
Link lists where the items contain commas to avoid confusion between list items
There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
Link lengthy clauses or clauses with commas to avoid confusion between clauses
Some people write with a word processor, typewriter, or a computer; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil.
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.
When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil.
Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.
But however they choose to write, people are allowed to make their own decisions; as a result, many people swear by their writing methods.
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.
Some people write with a word processor, typewriter, or a computer; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil.
Correct: The cow is brown; it is also old.
What's going on here? Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction. This mistake is known as a comma splice.
Incorrect: I like cows, however, I hate the way they smell.
Correct: I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell
What's going on here? The conjunctive adverb however signals a connection between two independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef, which also tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.
Correct: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good; they give us beef, which also tastes good; and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.
What's going on here? It's unclear what the three list items are, since the items are separated by commas.
Incorrect: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millenia, are still one of the great species of this planet, domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by.
Correct: Cows, though their bovine majesty has been on the wane in recent millenia, are still one of the great species of this planet; domesticated, yet proud, they ruminate silently as we humans pass tumultuously by.
What's going on here? It's unclear where the first independent clause ends and the second independent clause begins.
Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed:Incorrect: The cow is brown; but not old.Correct: The cow is brown, but not old.
What's going on here? The coordinating conjunction but doesn't require a semicolon, since the second part of the sentence isn't an independent clause.
Incorrect: Because cows smell; they offend me.
Correct: Because cows smell, they offend me.
What's going on here? The first part is not an independent clause, so no semicolon is required.
Do you always use a comma when using but in a sentence?
No, a comma is not always required before "but" in a sentence. It depends on the structure of the sentence and the context in which "but" is used. If "but" is connecting two independent clauses, a comma is typically used before it.
The new driver, Ms. Peters, found the school run along the main street very tiring.
In case you wanted to know, the commas go there because you set off appositive phrases (such as Ms. Peters) with commas.
Do you use a comma before or after which?
Not necessarily. Commas are a feature of sentence structure. There is no word or phrase in English that requires one. When the word which begins a clause it may have a comma before it. A comma would go after which only for a parenthesis.
Normal: The movie which was shown later was better ( than the one shown earlier).
With a new clause: The movie, which was shown later, was better than the play.
And with parenthesis: The movie which, as I have already said, was better than the play
Do you use a comma before a quote?
A comma is typically used before a quote when the quote is being integrated into the sentence as part of the text, for example: She said, "Hello." However, if the quote is a standalone sentence that follows directly after an introductory phrase or verb, a comma may not be necessary.
When do you put a comma before so in a sentence?
There is a bear in my kitchen, so I will shut the door.
I have just broken my leg, so I'm going to go eat some pudding.
My TV set is broken, so I'm going to go sit on my neighbor's lawn and watch his TV through the window.
I hope that helped. :)
Where does a commas goes in a sentence?
A comma is used to separate items in a list, join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, set off introductory elements, and separate adjectives before a noun. It should not be used randomly in a sentence.
Do you use a comma after an introductory phrase beginning with the word as?
Yes. An example would be "As it is going to be a sunny day, we are all going to the beach."
How do you put commas to a sentence?
Commas are used to separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence, and to separate nonessential information in a sentence. It's important to use commas correctly to avoid confusion and ensure clarity in your writing.
Do you need to put comma after however?
Yes. Unless it is at the end of a sentence, use a comma.
Examples: The forecast for the afternoon was that it was to be clear and sunny. However, the clouds grew thicker until the first of the raindrops began to fall. I did not, however, go inside, for I liked rain, and there was no thunder. My friends did not like the rain, however.
