To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. The blue book of punctuation and grammar gives this example. Semicolons separate three or more items in a series that already have commas in them. Most newspapers and magazines drop theoxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling its unnecessary. Some common phrases are prepositional, gerund, participial, and infinitive. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, an easytouse. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition.
This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of grammar, punctuation, and usage. Grammar books disagree on whether or not the comma is necessary after the final item in a list. How to use the comma and semicolon correctly pen and the pad. The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. A revised and updated new edition of the bestselling workbook and grammar guide the blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real.
Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a. Commas and colons and semicolons quiz sponsored by the center for teaching and learning at uis last edited 6302008 page 1 of 2 tf commas clarify meaning and set sentence meter for readers. Oct 01, 2006 in the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. Learn grammar semicolons colons with free interactive flashcards. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. All it takes is the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Interestingly, the dispute was resolved through the use of semicolons and cash.
I heard my teacher call my name, and everyone turned to stare at me. Many writers either neglect to use or overuse commas, which complicates their sentences, or can sometimes obscure the meaning. Strongcomma semicolons kathy steinemann on december 15, 2016 11. Rule 1 to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
In business writing, media writing or even in writing personal letters and emails, proper grammar helps you portray your message clearly and projects intelligence on your part. With over 200,000 copies sold, this is one of the most highly trusted english language resources available. Constitution but constitutional, the electoral college, department of agriculture. The semicolon an excellent overview, complete with lots of examples.
Search for your punctuation question at grammar girl. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences two weeks ago we revisited the case of the lawsuit brought by a group of maine dairy truck drivers that centered on the proper use of commas. Alright, you also can use semicolons to separate a list in which certain items in the list already use commas. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Link to an enlarged image of the blue book of grammar and punctuation. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition pages. Select the answer choice that corrects the punctuation errors. An easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes 11th edition. May 08, 2016 commas, colons, and semicolons are used within sentences as punctuation to separate clauses from one another.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. So thats more of a clarification thing so instead of using millions of commas in a sentence, youre going to separate it out and use the semicolons to provide that separation. Correct the punctuation in the following sentences by rewriting the sentence, adding semicolons and colons where they are needed and by changing other punctuation and capitalization as needed. Semicolons connect two independent clauses that are closely related. Uwmadison writing center another list of rules, along with some common errors. Commas are used to separate words in a series, such as peas, beans, potatoes, and corn.
For guidance in proper citation format, you should consult the bluebook, our bluebook. A revised and an updated new edition of the bestselling over 200,000 copies sold workbook and grammar guide. Use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Use a semicolon between items in lists if some items in the list include commas.
Daily grammar lesson 384 mechanics punctuation semicolons. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in theabove example, it is known as the oxford comma. The blue book of grammar and punctuation a short list of rules. Use a semicolon to separate an independent clause from a quotation. Booktopia has the blue book of grammar and punctuation, an easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes by jane straus. Sep 20, 2006 the blue book of grammar and punctuation a short list of rules. Oct 08, 2014 54 the blue book of grammar and punctuation commas rule 1. Series with commas i bought a scarf in paris, cheese in cheddar, a painting in toledo, and a pair of earrings in munich. Grammar project commas, semicolons, colons youtube. Mind mapping, note mapping, and concept mapping to promote logical thinking, reading comprehension, idea generation, and knowledge analysis. A semicolon can separate two independent clauses when you do not want to use a conjunction but are not.
For instance, older, more traditional grammar books suggest the following sentence is correct. The blue book of grammar and punctuation navy general. Lesson 82 using semi colons and colons lesson worksheets. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a comma s, but short of a periods full stop. It doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. Your list might be made up of nouns, as in the example above, but it could also be made up of verbs, adjectives, or clauses. Use a semicolon to separate phrases a phrase is a group of words used as a sentence part. If the items in a series have their own commas, the series commas become semicolons to make the sentence easier to read. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. This book lists the rules of grammar, punctuation and capitalization in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Buy a discounted paperback of the blue book of grammar and punctuation online from australias leading online bookstore. Oct 08, 2009 licensed to youtube by the orchard music on behalf of cobra entertainment llc. Displaying all worksheets related to lesson 82 using semi colons and colons. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences grammar and.
Worksheets are great grammar semicolons and colons, commas colons and semi colons oh my quiz answer key, the blue book of grammar and punctuation, grammar and language workbook student edition, language handbook work, wag 11 to penguin final, ab6 gp pe tpcpy 193605, exercises. What are commas, semicolons, and colons they add pacing and clarity. With todays almostilliterate younger generation, i often wonder how much punctuation, grammar, and spelling they notice as they spew out improper theyre, there, their, and countless other stupidities. Therefore, the comma is placed after the word gallery before and. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Use commas when an ly adjective is used with other adjectives. The three items, a book, a pen, and paper were on the table. My girlfriend eats healthy foods such as oranges, yogurt, vegetables, and rice. The blue book takes the guesswork out of editing, writing and grammar in general.
This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of. In the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. By following a few simple rules, you can learn how to use the comma and semicolon correctly. Use a semicolon to link complete clauses with a conjunctive abverb or transition word however, consequently, etc.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation by jane straus. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Jul 27, 2019 the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences.