Which sentence correctly uses commas to separate the nonessential element. The james madison memorial building built in 1981, houses the folger shakespeare library. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Uses of the comma commas can also join independent clauses as long as the comma is followed by a coordinating conjunction for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Alright, you also can use semicolons to separate a list in which certain items in the list already use commas. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct comma placement. Its main function is to connect two independent clauses that are closely related. Yes, ting said i did see the baby panda at the zoo today. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas. Most newspapers and magazines drop theoxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling its unnecessary. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in the above example, it is known as the oxford comma. This timesaving video by brightstorm explains how to properly use semicolons. Make a list of the commas used and see if you can explain why they are there, according to the rules presented.
Dont confuse these 3 punctuation rules on the act english section duration. Test your knowledge of comma usage by reading back through. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas. Commas punctuation rules the blue book of grammar and. Use a semicolon to separate phrases or clauses of equal rank which contain commas. The semicolon represents a break midway between a comma and a full stop, and is principally used to separate independent sentencelike clauses that are strongly related never use a lathe or any other machine in the workshop if you are feeling ill or tired. Use a semicolon to separate phrases a phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. This handy workbook is ideal for teachers, students in middle school through college, esl students, homeschoolers, and professionals. Using semicolons in lists semicolons can be used in lists to outrank any commas which appear in list items. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences.
Using semicolons in lists semicolons can be used in lists to outrank any. These websites explain everything you need to know. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym. Its extremely well organized, ensuring that readers can quickly locate a required topic. Parenthetical means not necessary to the meaning of the sentence, so if you take out the words enclosed in commas, the sentence would still make sense. Commas before and in a series grammar and punctuation. The last major use of the comma, semicolon, and period hierarchy is in erlang 1986, where commas separate expressions. Uses of the comma book summaries, test preparation. Would all of the following examples be correct with the semicolonsyes or no. If youre reading this to get that exact information, i suggest you stop wasting your time on this website and get busy weeping.
Commas quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Can semicolons be used instead of commas before coordinating conjunctions in sentences. Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. This post is all about colons and semicolons punctuation is the name for the marks we use in writing. Ive seen authors drop the commas and insert semicolons before the conjunctions in similar cases. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Paul high school, a smaller school in the larger twin cities area, competes well in athletic competitions. The blue book of punctuation and grammar gives this example. My girlfriend eats healthy foods such as oranges, yogurt, vegetables, and rice. Often, the appositive provides additional information about the noun or. How to use the comma and semicolon correctly pen and the pad.
Semicolons are used when separating two independent clauses. Grammar project commas, semicolons, colons youtube. Basically, this means you are using a comma where a period or semicolon should occur. Aug 31, 2015 aug 31, 2015 semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key stay safe and healthy. The semicolon represents a break midway between a comma and a full stop, and is principally used to separate independent sentencelike clauses that are strongly related. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a comma s, but short of a periods full stop.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. I have a question regarding the commas and periods quiz 1, on page 147 of the blue book of grammar and punctuation. It also prevents confusion in sentences especially lists with lots of commas. Add a semicolon and a comma, and it flows gently from idea to idea.
To separate two independent clauses without a conjunction. Cliffsnotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what youre studying, cliffsnotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in theabove example, it is known as the oxford comma. Grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. Colons and semicolons are two valuable pieces of punctuation that separate sentence elements from each other.
Thus, you only need semicolons to separate the units of the series from each other. In the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. A revised and updated new edition of the bestselling workbook and grammar guide. For instance, older, more traditional grammar books suggest the following sentence is correct. Its extremely well organized, ensuring that readers can. Commas quiz 2 140 semicolons and colonsquiz 1 141 semicolons and colonsquiz 2 142 question marks, quotation marks, and parenthesesquiz 1 143 question marks, quotation marks, and parenthesesquiz 2 144. Our rule 1 of spacing with punctuation states, with a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. Online writing lab semicolon use most writers think of semicolons as strong commas, when in reality they are more like weak periods. Written without jargon for all of us who need simple answers to our everyday questions, this new, updated version has 50% more materialrules, exercises, tests, and answersand a new cover that is both sleek and durable. Punctuation end marks, commas,semicolons,and colons, pp. The semicolon in such sentences brings clarity of meaning. Semicolons instead of commas before fanboys the grammar.
Using semicolons semicolons are used for making lists clearer and for controlling the flow of text from one sentence to the next. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. To use the choices worksheet, have each student pick. Another way to look at it is to consider the simplest form of the sentence, which could be pam reid, a registered nurse, attended the meeting. Use commas when an ly adjective is used with other adjectives. Commas and semicolons can easily become two of the most confusing punctuation marks to use properly. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. In the english language, a semicolon can be used between two closely related independent clauses, provided they. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it.
Interestingly, the dispute was resolved through the use of semicolons and cash. Concepts are described in clear and simple phrases, and backed up with examples one would find in everyday language. Ive been a technical writer for about 7 years, and jane straus the blue book of grammar and punctuation is the best reference ive found. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Semicolons are used in place of a period to separate two independent clauses that are joined without a conjunction. Rule 1 to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. The blue book of grammar and punctuation a short list of rules. In this sense the meaning of however is that the independent clause that. Generally, a semicolon should be used anytime a conjunctive adverb is used however, therefore, nevertheless, moreover, consequently, etc. Remember, semicolons are not interchangeable with commas or periods. Semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key with images. An appositive is a word or phrase that refers to the same thing as another noun in the same sentence. Written without jargon for all of us who need simple answers to our.
Grammar books disagree on whether or not the comma is necessary after the final item in a list. The blue book of grammar and punctuation will amuse you while demystifying the rules of grammar and punctuation. Dec 09, 2015 commas and semicolons can easily become two of the most confusing punctuation marks to use properly. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of grammar, punctuation, and usage. For instance, older, more traditional grammar books. Punctuation marks are tools that have set function. Test your knowledge of comma usage by reading back through this article. Often, the appositive provides additional information about the noun or helps to distinguish it in some way. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. I took angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie, last night. Sep 20, 2006 the semicolon is sort of like a cross between a comma and a period. Commas with quotation marks this article is about commas with quotation marks enjoy your reading. Semicolons instead of commas this article is about semicolons instead of commas enjoy your reading. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a.
When the phrases are short, a comma is preferable to the semicolon. There are special situations in which commas should also be used. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. Commas quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and punctuation. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition pages. The semicolon can be used before phrases like that is, for example, namely, and other similarly functioning words when they introduce an independent clause. Oct 01, 2006 in the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma.
Since the earliest days philosophers have dreamed of a country where the mind and spirit of man would be free. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. Jan 01, 1997 the blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests.
Thus, you only need semicolons to separate the units of the series from each other and not from the rest of the sentence. However, if the list items themselves contain commas, then semicolons can be used as separators to outrank those commas. Commas are used after introductory clauses and phrases, to set off interruptions within the sentence, with nonrestrictive phrases and clauses, and between items or modifiers in a series. While the semicolon does have quite a few uses in citations, grammar cat would rather clean litter boxes for eternity, sisyphusstyle, than optionally talk about citation formatting. Aug 31, 2015 semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key.
Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, im a vegetarian. I took angie, the one with the freckles to the movie last night. Act grammar and punctuation notes commas and semicolons. There are three and a half different ways to use however. My estate goes to my husband, son, daughterinlaw, and nephew.