Many writers either neglect to use or overuse commas, which complicates their sentences, or can sometimes obscure the meaning. But the ops example takes the wording two steps farther, and those steps, i think, are the source of the disagreement over whether a comma or a semicolon is the better punctuation mark. Apply proper use of sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation enl18 clr. Semicolons the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Rule 1 to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
Like the comma, a semicolon and colon both give pause, but the semicolon is the choice for separating two complete thoughts when you dont want to use a conjunction. Originally, typewriters had monospaced fonts skinny letters and fat letters took up the same amount of space, so two spaces. When choosing to punctuate a compound sentence one with two independent clauses, semicolon use is another option. I took angie, the one with the freckles to the movie last night. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and. The first appropriate use of the semicolon is to connect two related sentences. Commas quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and punctuation.
The semicolon provides a stronger separation between each of the items and aids reader clarity. Maybe thats why we toss these punctuation marks around like grammatical confetti. This userfriendly resource includes simple explanations of grammar, punctuation, and usage. Semicolons can also be used instead of commas to separate the items in a list when the items themselves already contain commas example 2 below. In the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the. Yes, ting said i did see the baby panda at the zoo today. It also prevents confusion in sentences especially lists with lots of commas. Look for the part in bibliographical references of books where the publisher. Semicolons and colons quiz 2 the blue book of grammar. Problems with semicolons except when used to separate items in a series, a semicolon must be followed by an independent clause or else you create a sentence fragment. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically. Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a.
An indispensable tool for busy professionals, teachers, students, homeschool families, editors, writers, and proofreaders. Emma bryce clarifies best practices for the semiconfusing semicolon. Denise prefers to eat chicken or fish, im a vegetarian. Overview of conjunctive adverbs from grammar bytes. The blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition pages. Yes, ting said, i did see the baby panda at the zoo today. What are commas, semicolons, and colons they add pacing and clarity. The semicolon represents a break midway between a comma and a full stop, and is principally used to separate independent sentencelike clauses that are strongly related never use a lathe or any other machine in the workshop if you are feeling ill or tired. Its no accident that a semicolon is a period atop a comma. The blue book of grammar and punctuation by jane straus the authority on english grammar. Interestingly, the dispute was resolved through the use of semicolons and cash. Written without jargon for all of us who need simple answers to our everyday questions, this new, updated version has 50% more materialrules, exercises, tests, and answersand a new cover that is both sleek and durable. Jan 01, 1997 the blue book of grammar and punctuation is filled with easytounderstand rules, realworld examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre and posttests. We use semicolons to punctuate a complex list, which is when list items contain commas.
Comma placement in compound sentences exercise from dyouville college. I took angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie, last night. Adjoins two main clauses containing opposite ideas. A paragraph without punctuationno periods, commas, apostrophes, etc. Sep 20, 2006 the semicolon is sort of like a cross between a comma and a period. The semicolon semicolons can be used in english to join phrases and sentences that are thematically linked without having to use a conjunction example 1 below. Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses and to separate. Our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywhere. My estate goes to my husband, son, daughterinlaw, and nephew. With over 200,000 copies sold, this is one of the most highly trusted english language resources available. Commas 1 commas and semicolons these are some basic rules regarding commas and semicolons. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items.
It doesnt take a lifetime to master english grammar and punctuation. No one writing handbook or grammar guide should suffice for careful writers, and though jane strauss the blue book of grammar and punctuation is less comprehensive than some other resources, its largeformat workbook approach provides a readerfriendly introduction to the intricacies of proper prose. Once again, i dont see any reason for a semicolon enthusiasts to object to the internal punctuation. The blue book of grammar and punctuation a short list of rules. Im providing you only with the information related to some of the most common errors i see in student writing. A comma is clearly all you need to divide the two clauses. And, yes, i had a major grammar mistake in my last post. 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. Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a. How to use semicolons correctly rules and common mistakes.
Among such rare grammar books is the one written by jane straus, named as the blue book of grammar and punctuation. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in the above example, it is known as the oxford comma. Handbooks on english grammar are too numerous, yet few are written with keeping in mind the usual problems of students. When to use a semicolon best known for its utility in making winky faces, the semicolon can also be a useful grammatical tool. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 the blue book of grammar. The semicolon parts 1, 2, and 3 video punctuation, colons, colon information, colon videos, colon exercises, grammar mugs resources kate aslogo240. This handy workbook is ideal for teachers, students in middle school through college, esl students, homeschoolers, and professionals.
I took angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie last night. I assume their excitement means they go home and practice what theyve learned. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that commas. We offer a 10 percent discount on all my books and seminars. The blue book of grammar and punctuation 11th edition. Punctuation, capitalization, and writing numbers pretest. All it takes is the blue book of grammar and punctuation. These websites explain everything you need to know. Most newspapers and magazines drop theoxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling its unnecessary. The candidates spoke to the crowds during election day.
For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct comma placement. Strongcomma semicolons kathy steinemann on december 15, 2016 11. But, if its a complex list, then you dont need commas or colons. I took angie the one with the freckles, to the movie last night. T he s em i col on recognize a semicolon when you see one. The blue book of grammar and punctuation is a concise, entertaining workbook and guide to english grammar, punctuation, and usage. Commas quiz 2 the blue book of grammar and punctuation. 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. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct punctuation. Grammar and punctuation the blue book of grammar and. Choose from 500 different sets of grammar semicolons colons flashcards on quizlet. Its main function is to connect two independent clauses that are closely related. Review the blue book of grammar and punctuation young.
Ophelia is picking up the food, and i am making the centerpieces. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in theabove example, it is known as the oxford comma. Erika suffern is the head of book publications at the mla. Semi colons provide medium separation between ideas and can help vary your sentence structure.
These grammar lectures have been thrilling to my students in honors 10 am lit. Feb 10, 2014 the blue book of grammar and punctuation, eleventh edition. Semicolons are used in place of a period to separate two independent clauses that are joined without a conjunction. Our rule 1 of spacing with punctuation states, with a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation marks. The blue book of grammar and punctuation will amuse you while demystifying the rules of grammar and punctuation. Colons and semicolons are two valuable pieces of punctuation that separate sentence elements from each other. When should one use the comma versus the semicolon, and vice. Sep 23, 2015 it may seem like the semicolon is struggling with an identity crisis. Semicolon exercises wilmu student writing resources. In writing, we use colons and semicolons to make connections and introductions.
Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real. Video series on subordinate conjunctions and complex sentences from 321 grammar. Semicolons and colons quiz 1 from the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Commas with quotation marks this article is about commas with quotation marks enjoy. The main function of a colon is to introduce what follows it.
Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pauseslightly longer than a commas, but short of a periods full stop. Use italics or underlining around titles of newspapers, magazines, books, albums, tv shows, and films. Learn grammar semicolons colons with free interactive flashcards. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Serial commas and serial semicolons the mla style center. If the series is long and complex or any one element has a comma within it, separate each element of the series with a semicolon. Not knowing the difference between a colon and semicolon, for instance, is like not. Proofreading for punctuation communication at work. Ophelia is picking up the food and i am making the centerpieces. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif. Grammar quiz commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. This timesaving video by brightstorm explains how to properly use semicolons. 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. Beyond commas other punctuation marks grammar, punctuation.
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