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?
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apples, oranges, and bananas (commas separate all items)- When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?
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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'?
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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.
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Before I go to bed, I always lock the door. (comma after the introductory clause)- When do you use commas with coordinate adjectives?
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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.'
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No. 'Bright red' is not coordinate adjectives; 'red' modifies the noun, 'bright' modifies 'red'- What is an appositive and when do you punctuate it?
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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.'
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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?
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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.'
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I think, however, that you are right. (commas surround the parenthetical expression 'however')- When do you use a comma between a city and state?
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Always; use a comma to separate the city from the state in an address- Punctuate this date: 'June 15 2025 was when I graduated.'
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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?
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When directly addressing someone by name, set the name off with commas- Punctuate this dialogue: 'Why are you late she asked.'
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"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.'
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She studied all night; she was still tired. (semicolon joins two related independent clauses)
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