Commas, Semicolons, and Colons
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Introduction
Commas, semicolons, and colons are used to set off groups of words from one another.
· Use commas before coordinating conjunctions to separate two independent clauses.
For example: I hear you but I can’t see you. (insert a comma after you)
· Also use a comma between an independent clause and a dependent clause when the dependent clause is stated first.
For example: After the rain stops we can go outside. (insert a comma after stops)
For example: During the game the coach sat with the players. (insert a comma after game)
Commas, Semicolons, and Colons
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· Use a semicolon to separate two logically related independent clauses. It can be used with or without a conjunctive adverb to show a logical relationship.
For example: She gave the command they obeyed. (insert a semicolon after command)
For example: The water was extremely cold nevertheless, they went swimming. (insert a semicolon after cold)
· Use a colon to announce or call attention to the words that come after it.
For example: He ordered the following beans rice, and a salad. (insert a colon after following)
For example: I’m taking four classes biology, English, algebra, and history. (insert a colon after classes)
In each pair of sentences, determine the correctly punctuated sentence. Circle the correct answer.
1a. Whenever you want to go, I’ll be ready.
1b. Whenever you want to go: I’ll be ready.
2a. Take as much as you want, there’s plenty to go around.
2b. Take as much as you want; there’s plenty to go around.
3a. I like the story; nevertheless, I don’t believe it.
3b. I like the story: nevertheless, I don’t believe it.
4a. We’ve been hearing strange noises; squeaks, squeals, and growls.
4b: We’ve been hearing strange noises: squeaks, squeals, and growls.
5a. Before she started her homework; she brushed her teeth.
5b: Before she started her homework, she brushed her teeth.
Commas, Semicolons, and Colons
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The following is a rough draft of an essay on cowbirds. It contains errors in punctuation. Determine whether the revision or the existing sentence is correct.
Cowbirds
Most parasites feed on hosts: however, some parasites make use of their hosts in other ways. Because it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, the Brown-headed
(1)
Cowbird is considered a parasite. Cowbirds do not build their own nests: nor do they feed their own young. This enables them to devote more time and energy to
(2)
Getting food for themselves. Cowbirds are nomadic, feeding off the insects that cluster around herd animals such as cows and bison. Laying their eggs in the nests of other birds enables them to follow migrating herds. Cowbird hatchlings are usually stronger than the hatchlings of their hosts; so they manage to get most of
(3)
the food their hosts bring. This, cowbirds’ parasitism gives them many advantages over host species: Yellow Warblers, Sparrows, Ovenbirds, Red-eyed Vireos, and
(4)
others.
The following are suggested changes to the rough draft. Some of the changes improve the text. Others do not improve the text. Read each change and mark whether you would accept the change or leave the original text as it is.
1. Most parasites feed on their hosts; however, some parasites make use of their hosts in other ways.
___________Accept Revision ______________ Leave as is
2. Cowbirds do not build their own nests, nor do they feed their own young.
___________Accept Revision ______________ Leave as is
3. Cowbird hatchlings are usually stronger than the hatchlings of their hosts, so they manage to get most of the food their hosts bring.
___________Accept Revision ______________ Leave as is
4. Thus, cowbirds’ parasitism gives them many advantages over host species; Yellow Warblers, Sparrows, Ovenbirds, Red-eyed Vireos, and others.
___________Accept Revision ______________ Leave as is