How to use commas(,) and semi-colons(;)

We are going to read the AT LOUD. If you do not understand any word, we can use the
dictionary online :D
Comma Rules:
1. Use a comma before the conjunction (and, for, but, or, nor, so) that joins the two independent clauses
in a compound sentence.
Examples:
I like working outside, and I also enjoy reading.
He got out of school early, so he took a nap.
2. Use a comma after relatively lengthy introductory phrases or dependent (subordinate) clauses.
Examples:
In order to be successful, one must learn to write well.
After she learned the rules for using commas, her grades improved.
3. Use commas to separate items in a series.
Example:
Amy ordered two hamburgers, a Coke, and a large order of fries.
4. Use commas before and after non-essential elements (parts of the sentence providing information that
is not essential in order to understand its meaning).
Example:
Horace Mann Elementary, which is the smallest school in the district, enrolls only 160 students.
5. Use commas between coordinate adjectives (of equal importance) that modify the same noun. Do not
separate adjectives of unequal importance. A good way to determine if the adjectives are of equal
importance is to reverse them in the sentence. If the sentence does not read well after the reversal, do
not use a comma between them.
Examples:
By the end of the game, the field was a slippery, wet mess.
Her big blue eyes and bright red hair made her strikingly beautiful.
6. Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places.
Examples:
The date was June 12, 1999.
He was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
7. Use a comma before a direct quotation. Also, as shown in the example, commas (and periods as well)
go inside the quotation marks.
Example:
When asked if he had studied for the test, Paul replied, "Only a little," and his grade showed it!
8. Use commas before and after words and phrases like however and never the less that serve as
interrupters. Example:
Adam did not like math. He was, however, very successful in his math classes.

Semi-Colon Rules:
1. Use a semi-colon in place of the comma and conjunction to separate the two independent clauses in a
compound sentence.
Example:
I like working outside; I also enjoy reading.
2. Use a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb (such as however and therefore) that joins two
independent clauses. Be sure to put a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
Example:
I like working outside; however, I also enjoy reading.
3. Use semi-colons to separate elements in a series if they contain internal punctuation.
Example:
On his fishing trip, Jeff caught rainbow, brook, and lake trout; large-mouth, small mouth, and
white bass; and a few northern pike.

Exercise I: Commas and Semicolons

What is a comma? Commas indicate a brief pause; they are not as final as periods.
What is a semi-colon? Semicolon is a period on the top of a comma. They indicate an audible
pause, a little bit longer than a comma's.

Complete the sentences below by correctly inserting commas and semi-colons.

1. Juan Pedro and Martin all play on the soccer team.

2. Maria was very mad with her boyfriend she had never felt more betrayed.
3. Although I have never been in any part of Europe I have always wanted to travel there.
4. Manuel who is the youngest boy in our family was born February 10 2012.
5. Ana didn't feel well today however she came to work anyway.
6. I went to the grocery store today and bought some orange juice milk eggs cookies and bread.
7. When I asked if he was hungry Mario replied "I'm starved"
8. I planted some apple trees pines and red bushes and red yellow and white roses.

How to use colons ( : )

Colons
1. Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such
as namely, for example, or that is do not appear.
Examples:
You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
2.

A colon should not precede a list unless it follows a complete sentence; however, the colon is a
style choice that some publications allow.
Example:
If a waitress wants to make a good impression on her customers and boss, she should (a)
dress appropriately, (b) calculate the bill carefully, and (c) be courteous to customers.

3.

Capitalization and punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases in bulleted form.
If each bullet or numbered point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end each
sentence with proper ending punctuation. The rule of thumb is to be consistent.
Examples:
want an assistant who can do the following:
(a) input data,
(b) write reports, and
(c) complete tax forms.

4.

Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the second sentence explains or
illustrates the first sentence and no coordinating conjunction is being used to connect the
sentences. If only one sentence follows the colon, do not capitalize the first word of the new
sentence. If two or more sentences follow the colon, capitalize the first word of each sentence
following.
Example:
I enjoy reading: novels by Kurt Vonnegut are among my favorites.

5.

Use the colon to introduce a direct quotation that is more than three lines in length. In this
situation, leave a blank line above and below the quoted material. Single space the long quotation.
Some style manuals say to indent one-half inch on both the left and right margins; others say to
indent only on the left margin. Quotation marks are not used.
Example:
The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter: Georgia went back to her bed
and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in the translucent glass of the
overhead light.
6.

Use the colon to follow the salutation of a business letter even when addressing someone by
his/her first name. Never use a semicolon after a salutation. A comma is used after the salutation
for personal correspondence.
Example:
Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

Exercise II: Colons

Put colons and commas where appropriate in the following sentences.
1. Berto was proud of his new title Vice President of the Senior Class.
2. Valeria had several people working for her a secretary an assistant and a
research aide.
3. Maria avoided making appointments at inconvenient hours before 10:00 AM or
after 2:00 PM.
4. Eduardo developed some new golfing skills working out in the gym and going to
afternoon ball games.
5. Valerias secretary Miss Paxton had to do the work of three her own Lucy's and
Lidia's.
6. Dear Miss Rivera I would like to have a meeting with you soon.