Commas
Use a comma to:
- Separate items in a series
Ex: I always pack my toothbrush, toothpaste, and a comb.
*Note - This last comma (the one before the "and") is controversial! Some people recommend you don't use it, but it can help with clarity. Learn more about the Oxford (or serial) comma, as it's known.*
- Separate two adjectives modifying the same noun
- You don't need a comma before the noun
Ex: The hysterical, screaming fans frighten me.
- Link introductory elements to the rest of the sentence (introductory words, phrases, and clauses)
Ex: While under inspection, the criminal broke down in tears.
Ex: Strangely, I feel rested even though I barely slept last night.
Ex: Since you want money, why don't you get a job?
- Set off a direct address or interruption
Ex: Ryan, you love commas! or You love commas, Ryan!
- Separate geographical locations, addresses, and dates.
Ex: I live in Medfield, Massachusetts.
Ex: My birthday is October 20, 1994.
- Separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
Ex: I will bring chips, and you'll make cupcakes.
NOTE: FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
- Separate items in a series
Ex: I always pack my toothbrush, toothpaste, and a comb.
*Note - This last comma (the one before the "and") is controversial! Some people recommend you don't use it, but it can help with clarity. Learn more about the Oxford (or serial) comma, as it's known.*
- Separate two adjectives modifying the same noun
- You don't need a comma before the noun
Ex: The hysterical, screaming fans frighten me.
- Link introductory elements to the rest of the sentence (introductory words, phrases, and clauses)
Ex: While under inspection, the criminal broke down in tears.
Ex: Strangely, I feel rested even though I barely slept last night.
Ex: Since you want money, why don't you get a job?
- Set off a direct address or interruption
Ex: Ryan, you love commas! or You love commas, Ryan!
- Separate geographical locations, addresses, and dates.
Ex: I live in Medfield, Massachusetts.
Ex: My birthday is October 20, 1994.
- Separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
Ex: I will bring chips, and you'll make cupcakes.
NOTE: FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Comma Splices
- A comma splice is a type of run-on sentence with two independent clauses linked by a comma without a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
Ex: Wrong - The color black absorbs heat, white reflects it
Right - The color black absorbs heat, but white reflects it.
Ex: Wrong - The color black absorbs heat, white reflects it
Right - The color black absorbs heat, but white reflects it.
Semicolons
Semicolons do two things:
1. Link closely related complete ideas within the same sentence
Example: “We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us.” – Henry David Thoreau
Example: I like to eat Taco Bell; however, during healthier moments I will choose Qdoba.
NOTE: On each side of the semicolon, you MUST have a complete sentence!
2. Provide clarity to a list with multiple commas
Example: Campers should bring the following items this summer: a flashlight, to aid in the telling of scary stories; a sleeping bag, to provide a modicum of comfort at night; and candy, to bribe counselors into letting them use the pay phone.
1. Link closely related complete ideas within the same sentence
Example: “We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us.” – Henry David Thoreau
Example: I like to eat Taco Bell; however, during healthier moments I will choose Qdoba.
NOTE: On each side of the semicolon, you MUST have a complete sentence!
2. Provide clarity to a list with multiple commas
Example: Campers should bring the following items this summer: a flashlight, to aid in the telling of scary stories; a sleeping bag, to provide a modicum of comfort at night; and candy, to bribe counselors into letting them use the pay phone.
Colons
Colons are used to show an equivalence between items on either side (like an equals sign, almost!). The sentence preceding the colon should be complete.
Example: “I’m everything a real non-sexist person shouldn’t be these days: a chair pusher, an elbow holder, a door-opener.” – Herb Caen
Example: I couldn’t help but wonder: Are certain truths too cruel to utter?
NOTE: Don’t use a colon to separate a verb from its complement. You can avoid this by remembering that what comes before the colon should be able to stand alone as a sentence.
INCORRECT: The things I stole were: a car, his heart, and some ice cream.
Example: “I’m everything a real non-sexist person shouldn’t be these days: a chair pusher, an elbow holder, a door-opener.” – Herb Caen
Example: I couldn’t help but wonder: Are certain truths too cruel to utter?
NOTE: Don’t use a colon to separate a verb from its complement. You can avoid this by remembering that what comes before the colon should be able to stand alone as a sentence.
INCORRECT: The things I stole were: a car, his heart, and some ice cream.
