1. Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
Colons and Commas
– Items in a Series

2. Commas
Commas separate words or thoughts. A written list of things in a sentence is called a series.
Commas are inserted between each item in a series to help the reader understand the list.

3. Colons Colons are used to introduce a list in a sentence.
Mom needs to get these things from the store: bread, milk, and eggs.

4. Colons
Colons are also used to separate the hour and minutes when writing the time.
7:15 AM

5. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Red, white, and blue are the colors in the American flag.

6. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Countries in Africa include the following: Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria.

7. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Ethan, Riley, and Tyler will be here at 7:30.

8. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
I have a lamp a desk and a dresser in my bedroom.

9. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
My uncle collects flags stamps and maps.

10. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Please be home by 4 15 at the latest.

11. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Bring these items to the first day of class a pencil a ruler and a notebook.

12. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Mark likes to play soccer basketball baseball and football.

13. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Add the following ingredients vanilla flour and eggs.

14. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
Hannah Lucy Mary and Laura usually get home around 3 30.

15. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
incorrect
correct
Every year my family travels to Texas, Iowa, and Maine.

16. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
incorrect
correct
Swimming classes are offered each day at the following times: 12:00, 3:30, 4:30, and 6:00.

17. Colons and Commas – Items in a Series
incorrect
correct
My favorite dish has chicken lettuce, and tomatoes in it.