How do you use commas semicolons and colons?
How do you use commas semicolons and colons?
Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Within Sentences
- Rule: Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them.
- Rule: If the clauses are both short, you may omit the comma.
- Rule: If you have only one clause (one subject and verb pair), you won’t usually need a comma in front of the conjunction.
How do you use a colon semicolon and dash?
- Semicolons. Use a semicolon to separate two related independent clauses (clauses that can stand as sentences on their own) that are not linked by a comma and coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, yet, and so).
- Colons. Use a colon to introduce a list.
- Dashes. A dash is typed as two hyphens.
What is the difference between a colon semicolon and dash?
Semicolons and colons, for instance, look a lot alike, but they signal completely different things (semicolons usually connect whole sentences while colons introduce specific bits of information). Dashes have many different uses, but they always have an informal quality.
What is colon in punctuation mark?
The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed one above the other on the same vertical line. A colon often precedes an explanation, a list, a quotation, or a block quotation.
How do you use a colon punctuation mark?
You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related.
Where do we use punctuation?
Punctuation
- Period [.] Use a period to show the end of a sentence.
- Question Mark [?] Use a question mark at the end of a sentence to show a direct question.
- Exclamation Mark [!] Use an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence to show surprise or excitement.
- Comma [,]
- Apostrophe [‘]
- Quotation Marks [“]
- Colon [:]
- Semicolon [;]
Do you put a comma after for example?
Rule 2 – Use a comma before and after introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a series of items. Example: You may be required to bring many items, e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
What is the purpose of semicolon?
A semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them. Include a semicolon before the final conjunction.
How many times can you use a semicolon in a sentence?
In general, I use semicolons for two purposes: to link together two sentences that are related without having the pause you get with a period, and to separate things in a list where commas are being used.
Do you start a list with a colon or semicolon?
Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list. He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
Which Colon comes before a list?
Use a colon to introduce an item or list, if the list comes after a complete sentence or independent clause. For example: There are three things every dog needs: food, water and healthcare.
How do you use a colon before a list?
Colon
- Introducing a list. The colon is used to introduce a list of items.
- Between independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first. The colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.
- Emphasis.
Can you use a comma in a simple sentence?
Simple sentences A simple sentence contains only one independent clause and no dependent clauses. With a simple sentence, however, the general rule is to omit the comma. Rule: Do not use a comma before a coordinating conjunction if the sentence contains only one independent clause.
In which sentence is a colon used correctly?
What is a semicolon sentence?
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
What is the proper way to use a semicolon?
Semicolons with independent clauses Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
How do you know if you use a semicolon correctly?
If you want to check whether or not you’re using a semicolon correctly, just read the two clauses on their own and see if they make sense. If they don’t, it’s a miss. In the first example, a semicolon is used to introduce a list; it should be a colon.
Can you use semicolons in a list?
It is usual to use commas to separate the items in a list. However, when the list items themselves contain commas, you can “outrank” those commas by using semicolons as the separators for your list items.
Can I use a colon before a quote?
You can use a colon before a quotation when the quotation is at least one sentence. Having a quotation that is a full sentence (or more) is far more common than having an introduction that is an independent clause.
How many semicolons is too many?
Used the first way, I’d say anything more than one semicolon is too many (unless you are deliberately creating an atmosphere where you want the reader to not breathe to create tension).
Can you overuse semicolons?
A Word, Please: Semicolons have two specific purposes, so don’t overuse.
Is a colon used to emphasize the speaker of a sentence?
A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. The words on either side of the colon should be able to stand on their own.
How do you use a colon in a question?
Use a colon at the end of a complete statement to introduce a question. Example: The primary question is this: Should we give up or keep working diligently toward our goal? Use a colon to separate a title from its subtitle.
How do you blend sentences?
English Sentences Focusing on Words and Their Word Families The Word “Blend” in Example Sentences Page 1
- [S] [T] Tom poured milk into the blender. (
- [S] [T] Instead of eating vegetables, he puts them in a blender and drinks them. (
- [S] [T] I like this blend of coffee. (
- [S] [T] Blend the red paint with the blue paint. (
What are three techniques you can use to blend quotations into your own writing?
There are three strategies you can use to embed quotations: set off quotations, build in quotations, or introduce quotations with a colon. Set-off quotations are set off from the sentence with a comma. Capitalize the first word of the quote. Notice the signal phrases (in bold print) used in the following examples.
What does it mean to blend quotations into your own writing?
Quote = words from another text put directly into your own writing.
Why is it important to blend quotes?
One of the most important skills you can learn before graduating is blending quotations into your own writing. When quotations are poorly blended, or simply stand on their own, they look very awkward and disjointed.
How do you join two quotes together?
Quotes in quotes: For quotes within quotes, use single quote marks, both opening and closing, for the internal quote. If both quotes end together, you would end with a single quote mark and double quotes marks. Example: He said, “The surgeon called it ‘just a simple technique.
What does it mean to paraphrase?
Paraphrasing means formulating someone else’s ideas in your own words. To paraphrase a source, you have to rewrite a passage without changing the meaning of the original text. Paraphrasing is an alternative to quoting, where you copy someone’s exact words and put them in quotation marks.
When paraphrasing text what is most important?
When reading a short text, identify the topic sentence in each paragraph. A topic sentence holds the most important information in a paragraph. Therefore, a summary can be written simply by paraphrasing the topic sentences into your own words.
What is the benefit of paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing give you the chance to express important ideas in your own words, by doing so you increase your understanding of the topic. It’s therefore a more effective way to learn than memorising. A paraphrase can be more flexible for the future than a quotation as you don’t need to remember the exact words.