Core comma, semicolon, and colon usage rules with an example sentence for each. Front: the rule or example sentence. Back: the rule explanation or corrected version.
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- Use a comma between items in a series. Which punctuation is needed here: apples oranges and bananas?
- apples, oranges, and bananas (commas separate all items)
- When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?
- Before the final item in a series (called the Oxford comma); it prevents ambiguity
- What punctuation error appears in: 'She walked into the store, and bought milk'?
- Unnecessary comma before 'and'; a comma before 'and' joins independent clauses only, not a simple compound verb
- Use a comma after an introductory clause. Fix: Before I go to bed I always lock the door.
- Before I go to bed, I always lock the door. (comma after the introductory clause)
- When do you use commas with coordinate adjectives?
- When two or more adjectives independently modify the same noun; test by placing 'and' between them
- Does this sentence need a comma? 'She wore a bright red dress.'
- No. 'Bright red' is not coordinate adjectives; 'red' modifies the noun, 'bright' modifies 'red'
- What is an appositive and when do you punctuate it?
- A noun or phrase that renames another noun; use commas around it if it is non-essential to the sentence
- Use a comma in a compound sentence. Fix: 'The rain stopped but the ground was still wet.'
- The rain stopped, but the ground was still wet. (comma before the coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses)
- What is a comma splice and why is it wrong?
- Joining two independent clauses with only a comma; independent clauses need a semicolon, conjunction, or period
- Use commas to set off a parenthetical expression. Fix: 'I think however that you are right.'
- I think, however, that you are right. (commas surround the parenthetical expression 'however')
- When do you use a comma between a city and state?
- Always; use a comma to separate the city from the state in an address
- Punctuate this date: 'June 15 2025 was when I graduated.'
- June 15, 2025 was when I graduated. (use commas around the year when the date is in the middle of a sentence)
- When do you use a comma with direct address?
- When directly addressing someone by name, set the name off with commas
- Punctuate this dialogue: 'Why are you late she asked.'
- "Why are you late?" she asked. (use a question mark before the closing quotation mark; comma before the dialogue tag)
- Use a semicolon between related independent clauses. Fix: 'She studied all night she was still tired.'
- She studied all night; she was still tired. (semicolon joins two related independent clauses)