For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Semicolons and colons provides students with the correct. Commas, semicolons, colons, hyphens, dashes, and parentheses. All it takes is the blue book of grammar and punctuation. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it. Yes, it is a general rule that there should not be a space before a semicolon or colon. The same is true of periods, question marks, commas, and exclamation points. Cool off your comma splices with fanboys and semicolons. How to use the semicolon learn about english grammar and.
It may be substituted for a period between two grammatically complete sentences that are closely connected in sense. Theyre never too young to begin learning parts of speech and proper grammar. Like the comma, a semicolon and colon both give pause, but the semicolon is the choice for separating two complete thoughts when you dont want to use a conjunction. When the quoted matter ends with a semicolon, the semicolon is dropped. Remember that the comma joins or separates parts closely connected. It is generally considered acceptable to place a semicolon before and or but in order to break up a very long sentence, especially when there are already. Overuse of exclamation points is a sign of undisciplined writing. When too many commas are used in one sentence, the sentence becomes confusing. I agree with jerry, except for the fact that this last clause is an independent clause. The blue book of grammar and punctuation a short list of rules. The semicolon should be placed outside quotation marks.
Other short introductory phrases there are others include however, for example, and first. The difference is that the semicolon between the two independent clauses shows they are connected, as illustrated in the following examples. Sep 20, 2006 the semicolon is sort of like a cross between a comma and a period. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. The semicolon is generally used in long sentences, but you can also use it properly in short ones. When a sentence contains multiple commas in the first clause, it is appropriate to use a semicolon before a conjunction to join two clauses. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of grammar, punctuation, and usage. Review the blue book of grammar and punctuation young. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. Semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key grammar. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif.
Using semicolons before conjunctions and, or, but, etc. Its an ugly, common sentence combination mistake, but its also an easy fix with a little help from coordinating conjunctions and the semicolon. Using a semicolon to merge two sentences a semicolon can be used to replace a full stop period when a smoother transition is required between sentences. Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. It doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. Learn how to tell the difference between the semicolon and its grammatical cousin, the colon. To distinguish between the comma and the semicolon is an achievement, a real test of understanding punctuation. The semicolon prevents the repetition of the comma and keeps apart the more important members of the sentence. The colon is a punctuation mark, visually consisting of two equally sized dots. A common mistake is to use a comma where a semicolon is needed.
Use a semicolon to separate phrases a phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. To help the flow of the writing but still leave much of the punch of two complete sentences, try using a semicolon to join two closelyrelated ideas. It is a very strong mark of punctuation, and can do all by itself what normally requires a comma plus a coordinating conjunction to accomplish. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas.
Discover how semicolons can be used instead of words like. A comma splice is a type of runon sentence that joins two independent clauses in other words, two separate. Semicolons and semicolon usage luther rice college. Exclamation points the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Commas punctuation rules the blue book of grammar and. To help the flow of the writing but still leave much of the punch of two complete sentences, try using a. Although i had to come to school early today, i was glad of the additional time to complete my homework. When i ventured into the grammar course about 3 years ago i discovered that there were many good. They also emphasize cause and effect relationships. Cant come up with a bnf grammar for the sequence of characters possibly empty, separated by comma, but not starting or ending with a comma, so this is ok. Among such rare grammar books is the one written by jane straus, named as the blue book of grammar and punctuation.
Do not use even one of these marks unless youre convinced it is justified. May 06, 2015 is a semicolon correct after the greeting. For helping me finish this project, i would like to thank my parents, karl marx and god. A period is a full stop, and a piece with too many will be very jarring to read. The semicolon functions, structurally, just like a period. Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Aldus manutius the elder first used a printed semicolon in 1494, and established its use to separate opposed meaning words in order to allow fast direction change in the connection of interdependent. The first appropriate use of the semicolon is to connect two related sentences. First of all, the semicolon is a statement separator, not a line separator. Scott fitzgerald once said, an exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke. In it, tim and moby introduce you to a strangelooking but very important punctuation mark. In real life, semicolon usage is a little more flexible, and the choice to use when can sometimes be more a matter of claritystyle than one of grammar. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Comma or semicolon after no when responding to a question.
Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items. Finding nouns, verbs, and subjects quiz 1 the blue book. Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. A semicolon helps to break up the clauses and avoid confusion for the reader. A language ignores whitespace to allow the programmer to format the source code as he likes it. Ill write the sentence without the commas on one side, then the other side will have the correct sentence. Is the author thanking four peoplehis mother, his father, karl marx, and god. It is a matter of life and death that teachers at my school are arguing about this point. But remember, dear isnt required in email, even when writing to a stranger. When choosing to punctuate a compound sentence one with two independent clauses, semicolon use is another option.
Concepts covered include applying comma and semicolon rules, navigating verb tenses, writing in the active voice, applying principles of capitalization, and more. Do not capitalize the first item after the colon unless its a proper noun. That punctuation mark made an emphasis, where a comma wouldve been rather weak. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. So right after telling you that semicolons shouldnt be used like commas, we should discuss one situation where the semicolon does function more like a comma. Jul 20, 2015 the semicolon joins ideas and slows the reader even more. It also prevents confusion in sentences especially lists with lots of commas. Introduction top writers do not use the semicolon as much today as they did in the past. Like the comma, a semicolon and colon both give pause, but the semicolon is the choice for separating two complete. Colons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar and. Colons and semicolons as linking punctuation part i one of the important functions of the colon.
We are glad to hear that you find the blue book of grammar and punctuation helpful. Functioncategory clause elements word categories verb categories finite nonfinite complete thought. Use a semicolon between two main clauses if they are not separated by and, or etc. You should use a semicolon when youre joining two independent clauses without a connecting word. A semicolon is used to designate a pause in a sentence. 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. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation succeeds at a rare feat. Effective semicolons add variety to sentence structure. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions. These websites explain everything you need to know. We offer a 10 percent discount on all my books and seminars. The semicolon joins ideas and slows the reader even more.
The two parts of the sentence separated by the semicolon must be closely related. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. Colons and semicolons should never be used interchangeably. We use semicolons to punctuate a complex list, which is when list items. Some languages use the new line character as statement separator, but languages which ignore all whitespace tend to use the semicolon.
Includes detailed terms, interactive exercises, handouts, and more. Adjoins two main clauses containing opposite ideas. The semicolon is sometimes described as stronger than a comma but weaker. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real. A semicolon is less of a speed bump than starting a new sentence.
Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. And, yes, i had a major grammar mistake in my last post. Semicolon goes outside this article is about semicolon goes outside enjoy your reading. Click on the movie icon to the left to watch a poormans animated exercise on uses of the colon. The mark does have its uses, however, and when you do join two independent clauses without a conjunction, you must use the semicolon or a. The greatest trouble in international communication between nations is neither distance, nor different habits and customs, nor national interests. With over 200,000 copies sold, this is one of the most highly trusted english language resources available. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how the emphasis is distributed. Aug 31, 2015 semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key. Its main function is to connect two independent clauses that are closely related. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage.
Grammar and punctuation the blue book of grammar and. How to use the semicolon english language help desk. This 121page bundle of grammar packets is a helpful resource for teaching composition at the middle and high school levels. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Use a semicolon between two main clauses with conjunctions e. If a no by itself would suffice to answer the question, the semicolon version would demonstrate that the reasoning is a little tacked on. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to reallife, entertaining examples. Aug 31, 2015 aug 31, 2015 semicolon or comma worksheet and answer key. As a matter of style, you should try to avoid using too many sentences consisting of two independent clauses joined by a semicolon.
Lesson 246 or clauses a clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb. T he s em i col on recognize a semicolon when you see one. Top writers do not use the semicolon as much today as they did in the past. No semicolon before and or but the critical reader. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and.
Chapter 3 semicolon this article is about chapter 3 semicolon enjoy your reading. The semicolon recognize a semicolon when you see one. This fun picture book teaches students the importance of using punctuation. In fact, rather surprisingly, the majestic pike is hardly used in cooking today.
Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition. Finding nouns, verbs, and subjects quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. At one time these punctuation marks were known as semiperiods.
There are a few cases in which leaving out the comma can become confusing. To combine two sentences that have no conjunction but, yet. The only difference in meaning would be that the comma version makes more sense when the reasoning is essential. I have read in comprehensive english grammar that we can use semicolon but it is not common. But if what follows is a general or formal statement, many writers and editors. Some common phrases are prepositional, gerund, participial, and infinitive. This worksheet covers some of the most common uses of colons and semicolons. However, this is a very particular situation, so youll want to pay close attention. Handbooks on english grammar are too numerous, yet few are written with keeping in mind the usual problems of students.
Semicolon before a conjunction when a sentence made up of two independent clauses contains commas, it is possible to use a semicolon before a conjunction which joins the two independent clauses to outrank any commas in those clauses. Book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. The period, question mark, and exclamation mark are the three musketeers of punctuation. If you think a semicolon helps you digest food, its time for you to watch this brainpop movie. If you have microsoft powerpoint pc or mac version installed on your computer, you can download the powerpoint presentation on the semicolon to the right and the colon to the. Similarly, one can use a semicolon to separate items in a list if the items themselves contain commas or are very long. All three marks of punctuation have the same function.
1085 1053 1315 747 416 1286 8 1141 525 431 174 282 344 538 1459 772 395 1108 1451 1342 929 740 825 851 463 68 109 940 831 522 1178 1271 800 671 377 1093