Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons within Sentences
Punctuation within sentences can be tricky; however, if you know just a few of the following rules, you will be well on your way to becoming a polished writer and proofreader.
Rule: Use a comma between two long, independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them.
Example: I have painted the entire house, but she is still working on sanding the floors.
Rule: If the clauses are both short, omit the comma.
Example: I painted and he sanded.
Rule: If you have only one clause (one subject and verb pair), do not use a comma in front of the conjunction.
Example: I have painted the house but still need to sand the floors.
This sentence has two verbs but only one subject, so it has only one clause.
Rule: Use the semicolon if you have two independent clauses connected without a conjunction.
Example: I have painted the house; I still need to sand the floors.
Rule: Also use the semicolon when you already have commas within a sentence for smaller separations, and you need the semicolon to show bigger separations.
Example: We had a reunion with family from Salt Lake City, Utah; Los Angeles, California; and Albany, New York.
Rule: A colon is used to introduce a second sentence that clarifies the first sentence.
Example: We have set this restriction: do your homework before watching television.
Notice that the first word of the second sentence is not capitalized. If, however, you have additional sentences following the sentence with the colon and they explain the sentence prior to the colon, capitalize the first word of all the sentences following the colon.
Rule: Use a colon to introduce a list when no introductory words like namely, for instance, i.e., e.g. precede the list.
Example: I need four paint colors: blue, gray, green, and red.
February 17, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Is there a “golden rule” for spacing AFTER a period and before the next sentence? I’ve been arguing with someone for quite some time that it is one — NOT 2 — spaces after each period. Please help us settle our quarrel!
February 18, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I have ordered your book. Thank goodness for you! You make the arcane clear, and have lifted the fog that impeded my way in Grammarland. Thank you
February 26, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I suggest using one space after a period. While this is not yet a rule, I think it’s a trend that will eventually win out over using two spaces.
March 29, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Will it be wrong if we used a semicolon after the word win in the third example?
March 29, 2007 at 11:58 pm
It’s better to use the colon, Ravi.
April 9, 2007 at 12:52 pm
I notice people using just once space between sentences now, but we were taught that it is correct to use two. Has the rule changed?
April 9, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Yes, the rule has changed or at least is changing so rapidly that I would suggest using only one space after the ending punctuation mark.
April 15, 2007 at 5:48 am
In your last but one rule you have:
Not used the coma after Also?
Not used the coma before “and”?
May I be enlightened on this since you recommend using coma before and!
I find the coma most troublesome despite its tiny size!
April 16, 2007 at 2:13 am
You’re right, Ravi. While both those commas were optional, they are preferred. I have changed the blog to reflect your comments.
April 18, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Can you explain to me the orgin of e.g. and how to properly use? Thanks, FS@62
April 18, 2007 at 8:54 pm
e.g. is an abbreviation from the Latin “exempli gratia,” which translates to “for example”
Example: You will need some baking ingredients; e.g., butter and sugar.
April 23, 2007 at 7:12 am
Snip :
Rule: Use a comma between two complete, long clauses (two subject and verb pairs) when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them.
When I studied grammar (punctuation was part of grammar) in the early fifties in Australia, conjunctions (also referred to in Australia as joining words) and which also include “also” and “too” but not “for” had two rules :
1) They could never start a sentence; and
2) They could never have a comma in front of them (whether clauses were long or not).
If one was using a comma to denote a breathing space it always came after the conjunction.
I don’t know whether this is a difference between countries but Australia has traditionally used English as distinct from American English and up until about fifteen or so years ago there was no confusion but I notice this is changing rapidly here now as Australia becomes more and more Americanised. (Yes, “ised” not “ized”). I guess we’ll have to wait and see what develops. I don’t know what is currently being taught in schools.
As for spaces after a full stop (American = period), the printing industry has always used two as a standard. I suspect this is rapidly changing as the use of HTML for web pages only allows a standard one space. A non-breaking space has to be used to insert a second one and I suspect for most coders this is not worth the effort even if they are aware of the printers’ standard.
I only found this site by accident but it is real interesting. Keep up the good work. Viva la difference!
April 23, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Johno, if in Australia you cannot start a sentence with a conjunction and do not use commas in front of them ever, the rules there are different from American grammar and punctuation rules. “Viva la difference” is a good attitude to have!
May 12, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Could you clear up whether or not to put a comma in this example after ‘are’?
Research shows that teens are, “more likely to drop out if they do drugs.”
April 20, 2008 at 7:02 am
In Australia I wouldn’t put a comma here. It’s not direct speech and flows naturally, without the comma, as a quote.
April 20, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Jessica, I agree with Marie.
May 28, 2008 at 3:11 pm
do I have the commas in the correct space? I have two clients, Ed and Pat, whom I have worked with for several years…
May 28, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Yes. Good job.
July 31, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I was wondering whether it’s strictly wrong to have a conjunction after a coma in British English. I find that sometimes when sentences are very long it feels natural to have a coma before the word “and”. I am Swedish- can it be that Swedish punctuation rules differ from English ones? As far as I can remember there are occasions when it is correct to use a coma before conjunctions.
July 31, 2008 at 11:26 pm
In the U.S., it is preferred to use a comma before “and” in a series of three or more. However, in order to save precious space, newspapers do not use this comma. I believe that the preferred method in British English is to leave out the comma but I don’t believe it is considered wrong to put the comma in.
December 11, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Hello,
I had a question regarding the issue of one or two spaces following a colon that is followed by an independent clause. When you say that if the colon is followed by merely one complete sentence, that second clause should not be capitalized, but if it is followed by two or more, that same clause should be capitalized, do you mean “two or more” sentences in the same paragraph? Or two or more sentences that are closely related to the idea followed by the colon? Because I imagine most sentences are followed by another sentence, so I wasn’t quite sure what you meant there. It seems to be a sticky issue and most people don’t offer up a rule at all, so I’d really like to know what you think!
Cheers,
Emily
December 11, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Hi, Emily.
I think you have two questions here:
1. Use only one space following a colon no matter what.
2. You’re right that I should have written, “If the sentence ending with a colon is followed by two or more closely-related sentences, the first word of the sentence following the colon should be capitalized.”
Is that better?
December 11, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Yes, that’s great!
Thanks so much–
Cheers,
Emily
December 25, 2008 at 3:10 am
Hello
Could you tell me if you would put a comma before and in the following sentence.
Mary made a grocery list to buy the following ingredients: milk, butter, sugar and bread.
Thnks
December 25, 2008 at 11:53 am
Yes.
April 20, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hello! I am afraid that I am overusing commas. I feel like I am using them too much in the beginning of sentences. Here are the sentences I have questions with:
1. As a graduate of Wilkes University, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Elementary Education in May 2004. (do I need that comma in the beginning?)
2.. Prior to this employment, I completed two long-term teaching positions in the Dallas School District, both in a Kindergarten and Fifth grade classroom. (Do I need the comma after employment and after District?)
3. As a secondary learning support teacher, I have strengthened my skills in classroom management, particularly discipline procedures, and developed a strong understanding of the appropriate strategies needed to teach students of various skill levels. (Do I need the comma after teacher?)
4.As a co-teacher, I am responsible for learning the material in various content areas, without prior knowledge of the curriculum. (Do I need the comma after co-teacher?)
5. During my junior and senior year of college I spent time caring for a six year old boy with Down’s Syndrome. (Do I need a comma after college?)
6. In order to engage all students, I incorporate accommodations into lessons and activities, maintain effective communication with special and regular education staff, and ensure that IEP goals are properly met. (need the comma after students?)
7.With my qualifications and experiences in both special and regular education settings, I have developed into a more resourceful and confident educator. (need the comma after settings?)
8. It is with great anticipation that I am applying for a teaching position, on the elementary level, in your district. (do I need all of these commas here?)
Thanks so much for any feedback you may have. I have been over analyzing this for days!
April 20, 2009 at 10:47 pm
#1 yes
#2 yes; also “fifth-grade classroom”
#3 yes
#4 The comma after “areas” is optional
#5 Place a comma after “college”; also, “six-year-old boy”
#6 yes
#7 yes
#8 Leave out the comma after “level.”
July 24, 2010 at 12:18 pm
I have a question that has been eating at me forever. Is this considered to be a comma splice or is it an acceptable use of punctuation.
Hello, my name is Bill.
Every fibre of my being is saying that it should be.
Hello. My name is Bill.
Which is correct and are you able to tell me why.
July 25, 2010 at 10:42 am
Your being’s fibres/fibers are speaking truth to you. Essentially, “hello” is a complete expression and should be followed by a period in your example.