Commas, Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, and Parentheses Punctuation Lesson

But why does it matter? Because it saves lives. Let’s eat Grandma. Let’s eat, Grandma. Punctuation gives us pauses between words and ideas. Imagine if you didn’t take pauses between words and sentences.

, Commas Separate items in a series. Set off interrupting information. Examples There will be drinks, snacks, and games at the party. Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is home to over three million people.

Interrupting Information Nonessential phrases may come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Examples On a beautiful spring day, they had a picnic. Picnics, an old tradition, can be a lot of fun. Dad grilled ribs, the big ones from Costco.

Practice Where would you put the comma? No Jackie I don’t want to go with Mark. No Jackie, I don’t want to go with Mark. My mom who is a nurse cares for the sick injured and disabled. My mom, who is a nurse, cares for the sick, injured, and disabled.

; Semicolons Semicolons connect independent clauses – parts of the sentences that could stand as their own sentences. Examples My mom said I couldn’t go to the party; I didn’t want to go anyway. Bananas are a healthy snack; they contain potassium which may help your vision. He loved that car; it was his greatest treasure.

You should always use a semicolon in these two situations… …between items in a series where commas are used for each item: …between independent clauses, especially if the two sentences “feel related”: Science fiction includes Star Trek, with Mr. Spock; Battlestar Galactica, with its Cylons; and Star Wars, with Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Even baby giraffes are tall; their average height is six feet! Mushrooms grow very quickly; in fact, after a good rain, it takes only a few hours and you start picking them.

Practice Where would you put the semicolon? In Western films, dark hats often represent bad or evil characters a white hat does just the opposite. In Western films, dark hats often represent bad or evil characters; a white hat does just the opposite.

Colons Colons introduce lists and explanations. It’s also like using the words “and here it is” or “and here they are.” Examples There are many reasons to exercise: it’s good for your health, it’s fun, and it’s free. The supreme court justice had this to say on the issue: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Practice Where would you put the colon? My teacher gave us a practice packet for one reason only to help us ace the test. My teacher gave us a practice packet for one reason only: to help us ace the test.

Parentheses Usually surround words or phrases that break a sentence’s train of thought, but provide explanatory information. Between sentences to add more information. Example Their road trip (which they made in a convertible) lasted three weeks and spanned fourteen states. Their road trip lasted three weeks and spanned fourteen states. (The one they took two years ago lasted two weeks and covered ten states.) When they got home they were exhausted.

Dashes Indicate and abrupt break in thought or an insertion of additional, explanatory information. Examples He walked so slowly—with his lame leg he couldn’t go much faster—that even his neighbor’s zombie toddler eventually overtook him. I don’t have the heart to refuse a friend’s request for help—do you? Her taste in music—from country to rap—exemplifies her eclectic personality.