Commas & the Semicolon

1. Commas & the Semicolon

2. Comma Rule #1 • To separate two contiguous clauses with a coordinating conjunction. • Tom went to the store, and he bought milk.

3. Comma Splice • To separate two contiguous clauses with a comma and no conjunction • Tom went to the store, he bought milk.

4. Semicolon Rule #1 • To separate two contiguous clauses without a conjunction. • Tom went to the store; he bought milk.

5. Comma Rule # 2 • To indicate an introductory word, phrase or clause. • First, she went to school. • After eating dinner, Passion went to go read a book. • Since Passion did not have a book, she went for a walk. • I believe that if she wanted to read, she could have found something.

6. FYI • Remember, the following is a fragment: • But I have homework tonight. • Then, I said that there is a quick fix which is shown below: • But, I have homework tonight. • The introductory word “But” is still conditional, and should have been answered in a previous sentence.

7. Comma Rule #3 • To indicate nonessential or nonrestrictive phrases. • Rachel, who broke her leg, had to stay in bed for a week. • Her mother, Jane, went to the store for her.

8. Comma Rule #4 • To separate items in a list or series. • He bought milk, eggs, and butter. • She went to the school, to the store and to her job.

9. Comma Rule #5 • To separate two adjectives. • He rode the old, red bicycle. • He rode the old and red bicycle.

10. Comma Rule #6 • To indicate dialogue • John said, “hello.”