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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
Is a comma always required in a sentence prior to the usage of the word which?
Not always: the word "which" requires a comma when used as an indefinite pronoun, in contrast to the incorrect use that was originally in this post: "sentences which require a comma before the word "which" are far less frequent" (not only is that incorrect - that use of the word would take a comma as well - it is an unverifiable assertion). That sentence should have taken the definite "that", as in, "sentences that require..."
" In speech, the difference is usually expressed by a difference in intonation. In writing, a restrictiverelative clause is not set off by commas, and that is the preferred subject or object of the clause, although many writers use which and who or whom for such clauses. A nonrestrictive clause is set off within commas, and which, who, or whom, not that, is the relative pronoun to use as the subject or object of the verb of the clause."
What is an example of not using a correct colon usage?
A colon is mis-used when it is placed at the end of any group of words that does not make up an independent clause. One example of such incorrect usage is as follows: "She ran to the end of the street so that she: being in the mood for ice cream, could catch the ice-cream truck."
Would you put a comma before after all .?
Yes. And after it as well. E.g. 'Because, after all, he loved her'.
What are the 2 ways of using commas?
better if we do not use comma by either way. Best of luck guys and dont make your life a comma.
What is an example of a sentence that contains a comma splice?
He desperately wanted to buy his dream car, he never spent any money
Do you use a comma after both?
If you mean in a sentence such as, "I believe that the new hours will work best for both the store and its patrons", then no a comma is not needed.
Yes, most mild interjections are treated as parenthetical elements and should be set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma or a set of commas. This helps to separate the interjection from the main clause and improve readability.
Do you put commas after time order words?
Generally, you put commas before anything that precedes the subject of a sentence.
Firstly, I want you to know I really care for that.
Secondly, I would like to tell you about my experience with it.
Lastly,
Next,
Finally,
List of words separated by a comma or semicolon?
A list of words is typically separated by a comma; however, a list of phrases would be separated by a semicolon.
For example: For dinner I ate chicken, broccoli, potatoes, and bread.
Since the list only consists of words, only commas are necessary to separate them.
Another example: In order to prepare dinner I cut up the chicken and put in on the grill; steamed the broccoli; boiled and mashed the potatoes; and baked the bread after I mixed up the dough and let it rise.
Because the phrases in the list are longer (some of them use "and"), it is a good idea to separate them using semicolons in order to emphasize which phrase is which.
Should you put a comma after otherwise at the beginning of a sentence?
No, typically a comma is not needed after "otherwise" at the beginning of a sentence. It is not a coordinating conjunction that requires a comma to separate independent clauses.
Do you put a comma before the word consistent with?
Yes, a comma should go before the phrase "consistent with" when it is used to introduce additional information in a sentence. For example: "The results were, consistent with previous studies, inconclusive."
Does a comma come after such as?
Yes, a comma typically comes after "such as" when it is used to introduce examples in a sentence.
Do you need to put a comma after wow?
No, you do not need to put a comma after "wow" unless it is part of a direct address. For example, in the sentence "Wow, that was amazing," the comma is used because "Wow" is directly addressing someone.
When do you put a comma before but?
The best guide is to put a comma when there is a short gap between the words when spoken.
You can use a colon when you want to state a concept: then, provide the details, without starting a new sentence.
Read more, below.
What are the rules of the first comma in a sentence?
These are basic rules when using a comma:
- Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
- Use commas after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main clause. This being said, do not put a comma between a main clause when a dependant clauses follows.
- 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. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of a pause.
- Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
- Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.
- Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.
Reference: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
Does a semicolon come before the use of ie?
No, a semicolon is not necessary before using "i.e." in a sentence. The abbreviation "i.e." (id est) is normally used after a complete independent clause, followed by a comma. For example: "She prefers hot beverages, i.e., coffee and tea."
Do you always put a comma before but?
No, it is not always required to use a comma before but. Usually the only time you will put a comma before the word 'but' is when you are separating two independent clauses.
Examples of a sentence that doesn't require a comma:
1. "We enjoy eating fish but not squid."
2. "Everyone but Sally eats fish."
Does a comma always go after the word which?
No. There is no rule that a comma must always follow the word "which." In a parenthetical or appositive phrase, however, a comma may be required.
Example:
I did what I thought was right which, as I came to find out, was not.
Should a comma come before as well?
If you are not using "as well" to indicate an appositive phrase (e.g. He went to the store as well as the bakery) then no comma is required. If you're using "as well" to indicate an appositive (e.g. He thinks oranges are good, and he things apples are good, as well.) then a comma is required.
What is a sentence that combines two independent clauses with a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb?
Cats have tails; similarly, dogs have tails as well.
Any two sentences that are combined with a semicolon and one of the following conjunctive adverbs will suffice.
accordingly, furthermore, moreover, similarly,
also, hence, namely, still,
anyway, however, nevertheless, then,
besides, incidentally, next, thereafter,
certainly, indeed, nonetheless, therefore,
consequently, instead, now, thus,
finally, likewise, otherwise, undoubtedly,
further, meanwhile.
It is called aComplex sentence.Do you capitalize a list after a colon?
It depends on the style guide you follow. Some style guides recommend capitalizing the first letter after a colon if the text following the colon is a complete sentence. Others suggest using lowercase unless the text is a proper noun or begins a complete sentence.
Two sentences written as one sentence and usually separated by comma?
A comma splice is the use of a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. It is considered an error in formal writing.
