1. Commas, Semicolons, Colons
Grammar Review
Commas, Semicolons, Colons

2. Why use punctuation correctly?

3. Why use commas correctly?

4. Why use commas correctly?

5. Why use commas correctly?

6. Why use commas correctly?

7. Why use commas correctly?

8. Commas ,
Commas group words that belong together and separate words that don’t belong together.

9. Place markers in numbers
Commas are used to distinguish number places (hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.)
Ex: $11,000,000

10. Cities, States, and Countries
When the state or country is listed after the city, it is separated by a pair of commas.
Denver, Colorado, is the capital of Colorado.

11. Month, Day, & Year
When the month, day, and year are written out within a sentence, the year is separated by a pair of commas. When only the month and day are given, do NOT use a comma.
We’ll meet May 9.
We’ll meet May 2011.
We’ll meet May 9, 2011.

12. Letter Greetings and Closings
Commas are used after the greetings and closing in a letter.
Dear Jane,
How are you? I am fine.
Sincerely,
Bob

13. Items in a series (list)
Items in a series can be nouns, verbs, phrases, and clauses. The comma before the and is optional. (But more writers use it.)
My niece wants a doll, a dress, and a book for Christmas.

14. Extra Information Commas group any extra information in a sentence.
Intro: By the way, Charles said hello.
Appositives: Aaron, the neighbor’s son, is already driving.
Nonrestrictive info: Charles, by the way, said hello.
“Tagged-on” words: You’re coming, aren’t you?

15. Quotations After quote: “Books are wonderful,” said Mrs. Martin.
Before quote: Mrs. Martin said, “Books are wonderful.”
Split quote, “Books,” said Mrs. Martin, “are wonderful.”

16. Comma DON’Ts
DO NOT separate a subject from its verb with a single comma.
NO: How the Broncos lost the Superbowl, is a mystery to their fans.
YES: How the Broncos lost the Superbowl is a mystery to their fans.
NO: Football, is an important American tradition.
YES: Football is an important American tradition.

17. Comma DON’Ts
DO NOT separate the verb from its object with a single comma.
NO: Important Christmas traditions are, a Christmas tree, carols, and Santa Claus.
YES: Important Christmas traditions are a Christmas tree, carols, and Santa Claus.
NO: Over 100 million Americans celebrate, at least in some way this December tradition.
YES: Over 100 million Americans celebrate, at least in some way, this December tradition.

18. Comma DON’Ts
DO NOT separate the final adjective from the word it modifies.
NO: She was a pretty, smart, and charming, woman.
YES: She was a pretty, smart, and charming woman.

19. Colons :
Colons are used AFTER independent clauses (sentences) to direct attention to a list, an appositive, or a quotation.
DON’T capitalize the first word of the list or appositive. DO capitalize the first word of a quotation.

20. Colons
List : We plan to visit all the great tourist spots: the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Barney’s Diner.
Appositive: His laundry pile could be described in two words: big and smelly.
Direct quotation: Consider the advice we give to writers: “Approach writing like you would any other art form.”

21. Colons
Another use: Colons can also be used between sentences if the second sentence summarizes or explains the first. The first word after the colon can be capitalized or left lowercase. Just be consistent!
Example: Faith is like love: It cannot be forced.

22. Colons
Tip! An independent clause (complete sentence) ALWAYS comes before a colon. What comes AFTER a colon may or may not be a complete sentence.
Incorrect: Please bring: a sleeping bag, sturdy hiking shoes, and a flashlight.
Correct: Please bring some supplies for camping: a sleeping bag, sturdy hiking shoes, and a flashlight.

23. Semicolons ;
Semicolons are used in place of a period to indicate a close relationship between independent clauses. They are also used as a sub for commas to improve clarity.

24. Semicolons ;
Semicolons are used when two sentences are closely related in meaning but aren’t joined by a conjunction (and, but, etc.).
I don’t know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned about what his grandson will be. –Abraham Lincoln

25. Semicolons ;
Semicolons can also be used between independent clauses linked with a adverb or transitional phrase.
Sandy plans to travel to Jamaica over spring break; however, she still hasn’t purchased her airline ticket.

26. Semicolons ;
Semicolons are also used between items in a series containing internal punctuation. They can be used to separate items that already contain commas.
Example: I have lived in Missoula, Montana; Chicago, Illinois; and Seattle, Washington.

27. Semicolons ;
Tip! Unless you’re using one with a list, there should always be a complete sentence BEFORE and AFTER a semicolon.
Incorrect: I can’t even clear my throat in five minutes; much less introduce the president.
Correct: I can’t even clear my throat in five minutes, much less introduce the president.
Correct: I can’t even clear my throat in five minutes, much less introduce the president; I won’t even try!