Commas & semicolons
The punctuation that keeps long sentences clear.
The rules
- A comma follows an introductory phrase before the main clause.
- A semicolon joins two complete, closely related clauses, without a conjunction.
- Non-essential information is enclosed in a pair of commas.
- Two clauses need a conjunction ("so") or a semicolon, not just a comma.
- Commas separate items in a list; the final comma before "and" is optional but tidy.
- A colon introduces what follows: a list, an example, or an explanation.
Examples
- After the meeting, we had lunch.
- I was tired; I went to bed.
- My sister, who lives in Rome, is visiting next week.
- It rained, so we stayed inside.
- We need eggs, milk, and bread.
- To introduce a list or explanation.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
2.Which uses the semicolon correctly?
3.My sister_____ who lives in Rome_____ is visiting next week.
4.Which sentence avoids a comma splice?
5.When do you use a colon?