Commas & the Semicolon

Comma Rule #1 To separate two contiguous clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Tom went to the store, and he bought milk.

Comma Splice To separate two contiguous clauses with a comma and no coordinating conjunction Tom went to the store, he bought milk.

Semicolon Rule #1 To separate two contiguous clauses without a conjunction. Tom went to the store; he bought milk.

Comma Rule # 2 To indicate an introductory word, phrase or clause. First, she went to school. After eating dinner, Passion went to go read a book. Since Passion did not have a book, she went for a walk. I believe that if she wanted to read, she could have found something.

Comma Rule #3 To indicate nonessential or nonrestrictive phrases. Rachel, who broke her leg, had to stay in bed for a week. Her mother, Jane, went to the store for her.

Comma Rule #4 To separate items in a list or series. He bought milk, eggs, and butter. She went to the school, to the store and to her job.

Comma Rule #5 To separate two adjectives. He rode the old, red bicycle. He rode the old and red bicycle.

Comma Rule #6 To indicate dialogue John said, “hello.”