Comma, Colons, and
Semicolons
Punctuation Lesson
Who Cares?
Using punctuation is like pausing between
words and ideas when you speak.
Imagine if you didn’t take pause between
words and sentences when speaking.
Would that be effective communication?
Commas
Separate items in a series.
Set off interrupting information.
,
Examples
Will there be drinks, snacks, and games at
the party?
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is home
to almost three million people.
Interrupting Information
Nonessential phrases may come at the
beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Examples
On a beautiful spring day, they had a picnic.
Picnics, an old tradition, can be a lot of fun.
Dad grilled ribs, the big ones from Costco.
The guy who sold them to him smiled.
Semicolons
Semicolons join independent clauses.
It’s also like using the word furthermore.
;
Examples
My mom said I couldn’t go to the party; I
didn’t want to go anyway.
Bananas are a healthy snack; they contain
potassium which may help your vision.
Colons
Colons introduce lists and explanations.
It’s also like using the words “and here it
is” or “and here they are.”
:
Examples
There are many reasons to exercise: it’s
good for your health, it’s fun, and it’s free.
Bananas are a healthy snack; they contain
potassium which may help your vision.
Practice
1. Write the following sentences.
2. Punctuate them as best as you can.
1
My sister Amy my friend Kyle and I went to
the park
2
I brought a lot of stuff food drinks and
blankets
3
My aunt Sally who is my favorite aunt talked
to my mom
4
Most fruits are low in fat they are also high in
vitamins
5
When we left the park the one at the end of
the block we went home.