Semicolons, colons and commas: review

Key Notes:

The Comma (,)

A comma shows a small pause in a sentence. It helps to make meaning clear.

Uses of Commas:

1. To separate items in a list:
   🟢 Example: I bought apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes.
2. After an introductory word or phrase:
   🟢 Example: After school, we went to the park.
3. To separate two independent clauses with a conjunction:
   🟢 Example: I wanted to go out, but it started raining.
4. To set off extra information or appositives:
   🟢 Example: My brother, a great musician, plays the guitar.
5. To separate adjectives of equal rank:
   🟢 Example: It was a long, tiring day.

💡 Tip: Never put a comma between the subject and the verb. ❌

The Semicolon (;)

A semicolon joins closely related ideas or independent clauses without using a conjunction.

Uses of Semicolons:

1. To join two independent but related clauses:
   🟣 Example: I finished my homework; now I can relax.
2. Before transition words like however, therefore, moreover, consequently, etc.
   🟣 Example: She wanted to go; however, it was too late.
3. To separate items in a list when commas are already used:
   🟣 Example: We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.

💡 Tip: A semicolon is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. ⚖️

The Colon (:)

A colon introduces lists, explanations, examples, or quotations.

Uses of Colons:

1. To introduce a list after a complete sentence:
   🟡 Example: Bring the following items: a pen, a notebook, and a ruler.
2. Before an explanation or reason:
   🟡 Example: He had only one goal: to win the competition.
3. Before a quotation:
   🟡 Example: The teacher said: “Hard work always pays off.”
4. To emphasize or introduce details:
   🟡 Example: There is one thing she loves most: chocolate.

💡 Tip: Never use a colon right after a verb or preposition. ❌

Summary Table

Punctuation Mark	Main Use	Example
Comma (,)	To separate or pause ideas	I like tea, coffee, and juice.
Semicolon (;)	To join related clauses	She was tired; she went to bed early.
Colon (:)	To introduce lists or explanations	He has three pets: a dog, a cat, and a bird.

Remember:

✨ Commas = small pauses
✨ Semicolons = link related ideas
✨ Colons = introduce or explain something