Grammar Presentation
“Commas, Colons, and Semicolons”
Ibrahim Al-Azri
Dana Atkinson
Yuki Browne
Karissa Garcia
Kristina Lei
Jackson Smith
Emily Victor
Commas:
Commas in the English language are used frequently in writing. They help to separate
the structural components of sentences into feasible segments. There are some rules to help
guide the writer when and where to use a comma. The rules listed below are courtesy of the
Purdue Owl website:
1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven
coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
- Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out
to dinner.
2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the
main clause.
- While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.
3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that
are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the
beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.
- This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food, on the
other hand, is rather bland.
4. Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning
with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following
a verb expressing mental action are always essential.
- She believes that she will be able to earn an A.
- It is up to you, Jane, to finish.
5. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
- The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and
judicial branches of government.
6. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Be
sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use
commas with non-coordinate adjectives.
- She often wore a gray wool shawl. (non-coordinate)
- Your cousin has an easy, happy smile. (coordinate)
7. Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to
indicate a distinct pause or shift.
- You're one of the senator's close friends, aren't you?
8. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer back to the beginning or
middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the
sentence without causing confusion.
- Laughing joyously, Lisa waved at Nancy. (correct)
9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day),
addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.
- Rachel B. Lake, MD, will be the principal speaker.
10. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
- "I was able," she answered, "to complete the assignment.“
11. Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading.
- To George, Harrison had been a sort of idol.
Activity: Commas
On the paper passed out in class, add the commas in the
proper place.
1.
We are having peas and carrots roast beef and cake for dinner.
2.
Mr. Morton my English teacher says we have to learn how to use commas.
3.
He says “Remember Bob use commas before and after you address someone directly.”
4.
Kelly said “Did you do the homework Angie?”
5.
Fred who often cheats on his homework is really only harming himself
6.
Now Mr. Bond we will saw you in half.
Activity: Commas (key)
1.
We are having peas and carrots, roast beef, and cake for dinner.
2.
Mr. Morton, my English teacher, says we have to learn how to use commas.
3.
He says, “Remember, Bob, use commas before and after you address someone directly.”
4.
Kelly said, “Did you do the homework, Angie?”
5.
Fred, who often cheats on his homework, is really only harming himself.
6.
Now, Mr. Bond, we will saw you in half.
Semicolons:
The semicolon is a tool used for emphasis.
There are two ways to use it:
1. To connect two closely related sentences:
- Creates shorter pauses therefore drawing attention to the connection.
- It can also be used as a replacement of the comma in this respect.
“Cats have fur, and they are soft.” vs. “Cats have fur; they are soft.” or “Cats have fur. They
are soft”
2. To separate items in a list or a series.
-These may already have commas. However, the semicolon may be a better option as in
the example below.
“I have traveled to many places, Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; Las Vegas, NV; and
Portland, Oregon.” compared to “I have traveled to many places, Seattle, WA, San Francisco,
CA, Las Vegas, NV, and Portland, and Oregon”
Activity: Semicolon or Comma?
Directions: determine whether the clauses need to be joined with
commas or semicolons. Put the proper punctuation on the blank.
1.
The artist preferred to paint in oils ____ he did not like water colors.
2.
Even when the house looks clean ____ there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under
the rug.
3.
I’m going to leave early today ____ unless the boss comes back from the meeting.
4.
The computer can perform many calculations at once ____ however, it cannot reason
at all.
5.
The challenges are not impossible ___ but they are very hard to clear.
6.
I’m going to do all of my English homework every night ____ because that’s how you
get an “A”.
Activity: Semicolon or Comma? (key)
1.
The artist preferred to paint in oils; he did not like water colors.
2.
Even when the house looks clean, there is usually a bunch of dirt swept under the rug.
3.
I’m going to leave early today, unless the boss comes back from the meeting.
4.
The computer can perform many calculations at once; however, it cannot reason at all.
5.
The challenges are not impossible, but they are very hard to clear.
6.
I’m going to do all of my English homework every night, because that’s how you get an “A”.
Colons:
A colon is used to join two complete and independent clauses. There is usually a list,
quotation, or appositive after the colon.
The first clause sets the focus, and the clause after the colon explains, illustrates, or expands
on the first clause.
1. I hate Mondays: something always goes wrong on a Monday
2. I’m impressed: you only tripped twice when going to class
3. Grocery list: milk, spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, some vegetables, and pizza
4. Self Help Guide: Dealing With an Existential Crisis
5. 8:30 am
Activity: Colon
On the paper passed out in class, add the colons in the
proper place.
1.
Dear Mr. Smith I would like to invite you..
2.
I play four sports soccer, football, rugby and baseball.
3.
There is only one reason you failed you didn’t prepare for the test.
4.
You will need to finish three chores vacuum, mow the lawn, make your bed.
5.
I have been really sad today I just found out my puppy Alvin just died.
6.
It is 4 30 pm.
Activity: Colons (key)
1.
Dear Mr. Smith: I would like to invite you..
2.
I play four sports: soccer, football, rugby and baseball.
3.
There is only one reason you failed: you didn’t prepare for the test.
4.
You will need to finish three chores: vacuum, mow the lawn, make your bed.
5.
I have been really sad today: I just found out my puppy Alvin just died.
6.
It is 4:30 pm.
Resources
- “Colon Worksheets.” Worksheets. Worksheetplace.com. Web. 12 May 2015.
- Dana Driscoll, Allen Brizee." Commas: Quick Rules." The Purdue OWL. Purdue U
Writing Lab, 17 Apr. 2010. Web. 13th May 2015.
- “Comma Worksheets and Activities | Reading Worksheets.” Reading Worksheets.
EREADING WORKSHEETS. Web. 12 May 2015.
- “Semicolon Worksheets and Activities | Reading Worksheets.” Reading Worksheets.
EREADING WORKSHEETS. Web. 12 May 2015.
Thank You.
Any Questions?