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.
Posted on Sunday, October 1st, 2006 at 10:15 pm
69 Responses to “Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons within Sentences”
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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!
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
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.
Will it be wrong if we used a semicolon after the word win in the third example?
It’s better to use the colon, Ravi.
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?
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.
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!
You’re right, Ravi. While both those commas were optional, they are preferred. I have changed the blog to reflect your comments.
Can you explain to me the orgin of e.g. and how to properly use? Thanks, FS@62
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.
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!
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!
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.”
In Australia I wouldn’t put a comma here. It’s not direct speech and flows naturally, without the comma, as a quote.
Jessica, I agree with Marie.
do I have the commas in the correct space? I have two clients, Ed and Pat, whom I have worked with for several years…
Yes. Good job.
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.
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.
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
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?
Yes, that’s great!
Thanks so much–
Cheers,
Emily
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
Yes.
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!
#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.”
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.
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.
Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?
A. Elias said, “…but it is going to rain…”
B. Elias said, “but it is going to rain.”
C. Elias said, “…but it is going to rain….”
(Note: the (Should “the” be capitalized? I think it should not be.) original quote reads, “It is sunny today but it is going to rain tomorrow.”)
Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?
A. I do not care if Cornelius is “angrier than an old wet hen”!
B. I do not care if Cornelius is, “angrier than an old wet hen!”
C. I do not care if Cornelius is, “angrier than an old wet hen”!
D. I do not care if Cornelius is “angrier than an old wet hen!”
(Note: the original quote reads, “I am angrier than an old wet hen!”)
#1: I would pick A as the correct answer. If “but” is the first word of the sentence, it should be capitalized.
I don’t understand your question about capitalizing “the” because I don’t see it in the sentence.
#2: I would pick D. Because this is not a direct quote, no comma is needed after “is.” Also, the exclamation point goes inside the quotation mark.
The “the” I inquired about follows each of the colons in the following statements:
(Note: the original quote reads, “It is sunny today but it is going to rain tomorrow.”)
(Note: the original quote reads, “I am angrier than an old wet hen!”)
Should it be written, “Note: The…” or written, “Note: the…”? The successive statement is following “Note,” which is an incomplete sentence. Basically, I wonder if a warning following, say, “Caution,” should begin with an uppercase or a lowercase letter.
P.S. Sorry for the confusion. I was just making the most of my post.
With just one complete sentence (excluding the quote) following a colon, do not capitalize the first word of the new sentence following the colon.
Note: the original quote reads, “It is sunny today…”
I hope I understood your question this time and answered it clearly.
You understood correctly!
If you do not mind, please clarify something that has confused me for the longest:
If I wanted to rewrite, “I did not attend the party, for I was not invited,” in a different way, which of the following would be the correct/best way to do so:
A. I did not attend the party. I was not invited.
B. I did not attend the party; I was not invited.
C. I did not attend the party: I was not invited.
A and B are both equally correct choices. C is also correct since you mean “for.” When the second sentence explains something about the first sentence, you may separate the two sentences with a colon.
I have a simple question: how many semicolons and/or colons can you have in a single sentence?
There is no limit to the number of semicolons and/or colons you can have in a single sentence. However, I would recommend using only one of each and then starting a new sentence.
Note that my last sentence could have been written as follows: There is no limit to the number of semicolons and/or colons you can have in a single sentence; however, I would recommend using only one of each and then starting a new sentence.
A friend is creating a website and I’m helping edit it.
In the following heading, I say use commas and he believes semi-colons are correct.
What do you say?
Message from the Mayor; Community Groups; City Library and
City Railroad Heritage Society:
Is this one heading? Why? Is it possible to make separate headings and not use any punctuation, which would be cleaner? In any case, you can’t leave “City Library” without punctuation.
Thanks for your response.
Here is the heading and the lead paragraph. I have replaced the city name for the sake of privacy.
Message from the Mayor;
Community Groups;
MacTier Library and
MacTier Railroad Heritage Society:
It is with great pride that we welcome all who come to visit our town and its website. Please relax and enjoy the site while you are here. We look forward to seeing you whenever you visit us in 2010/2011 and beyond.
It is still unclear to me whether there are separate messages from the mayor, community groups, etc. If so, I would write it this way:
Messages from:
The Mayor
Community Groups
MacTier Library
MacTier Railroad Heritage Society
The semicolons after each one are optional. See below.
Messages from:
The Mayor;
Community Groups;
MacTier Library;
MacTier Railroad Heritage Society.
It’s one message. The assumption is it’s from all of the people mentioned in the heading.
Please clarify if the following examples are written and punctuated correctly:
1. I have to take an early flight to Tokyo, for rough weather is forecasted for tomorrow,” she cried, while packing her suitcase hurriedly.
2. You should bring canned goods, such as vegetables, soup, and pasta.
3. We cannot make it to the start of the movie, even if we take the shorter route.
4. Can you help me move this couch, please?
They are all correct in terms of grammar and punctuation. However, I would change #3: We cannot arrive before the start of the movie…
Would you say that any of those commas are optional? I ask because I have trouble with the no-comma-before-the-weak-clause rule.
Which commas?
For example, is the comma before “such” necessary (You should bring canned goods, such as vegetables, soup, and pasta.)?
Likewise, is the comma before “please” necessary (Can you help me move this couch, please?)?
I presume each of these commas are used to show a break in the flow of each sentence, but I am asking you for reassurance.
Place a comma before “such as” because it begins examples.
Place a comma before “please” because it is considered an interrupter.
I am confused by something found on your website. Specifically, I am confused by Semicolon’s Rule 1 and Colon’s Rule 4. For reference, I copied and pasted the rulings below:
Rule 1.
Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.
Examples: Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
Rule 4.
Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence and no coordinating conjunction is being used to connect the sentences. If only one sentence follows the colon, do not capitalize the first word of the new sentence. If two or more sentences follow the colon, capitalize the first word of each sentence following.
Now, should not the example under Rule 1 be written as, “Call me tomorrow: I will give you my answer then”? To me, it looks as if the second half of the sentence is explaining/illustrating the first part.
Good question! In my opinion, the second sentence does not explain or illustrate the first sentence. “Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.” In the following sentence, a colon would be appropriate because the second sentence does explain/refer to the first one: “Call me tomorrow: I will have had time to think about your question by then.” There is some room for the writer’s opinion here, of course.
In the following statement, should a comma or semicolon be placed after “pasta”?
You should bring canned goods, such as vegetables, soup, and pasta; and you need to bring your goods before the deadline, which is this Friday.
(I ask because of this ruling found on your website:
Rule 5.
Use the semicolon between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence.)
A semicolon is correct for the reason you cite.
I do not believe I saw a rule in your online guide explaining that a comma can be used to omit word/words. Here is an example to show you what I mean: Randall is going to his social studies class; Kevin, science; and Adam, math.
This is a legitimate function of the comma, correct?
Where does one put a question mark when one is asking about information contained in a quote, the quote being introduced by a colon? Example:
——————————————
Bob, what’s your opinion of how Churchill began this speech:
I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.
———————————————–
The question mark has to go somewhere, but where?
I would try to reword the sentence to eliminate the question mark.
Bob, I would like your opinion of the beginning of Churchill’s speech:
Jane, I’m having an argument with somebody right now about short independent clauses and commas. You state that it is not required to place a comma between two short independent clauses. The example I used was this sentence, “I like to eat oranges and midgets like to eat donuts.”
Is it, in fact, a “rule” that you don’t have to have a comma there, before and? Where can I find a reference to that rule?
The rule you are referring to is Rule 12 in the Commas section: “Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction–and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are both short.”
Likewise, the Chicago Manual of Style says, “When independent clauses are joined by and, but, or, so, yet, or any other conjunction, a comma usually precedes the conjunction. If the clauses are very short and closely connected, the comma may be omitted unless the clauses are part of a series.” (6.28)
Hi,
A- I’m sleeping in bed right now. I’m not working.
B- I’m sleeping in bed right now, I’m not working.
C- I’m sleeping in bed right now; I’m not working. (Here, I think that the second sentence does not illustrate the first one, it just confirm it.) Is it correct?
Which is correct here? And is the meaning of the sentence is right: to say I’m sleeping!
Both A and C are grammatically correct. I say grammatically correct because if you were really sleeping you wouldn’t be able to be writing at the same time! According to Rule 1 for semicolons, use a semicolon to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out. Rule 4 for colons says that if the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence, then a colon is used. Quite often it is the writer’s opinion that will determine which of the two is used.
Is it correct or incorrect to punctuate with a comma after the date in the following sentence: I asked her what dental trauma she believes occurred in the June 14, 2010, motor vehicle accident. In this sentence would the date be descriptive of the motor vehicle accident? Would motor and vehicle be adjectives to accident?
According to Rule 5a, “Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year.” The word motor is an adjective that describes the word vehicle and together they are both adjectives that modify the word accident.
Please Jane, help me
I’m not sure if this sentence is correct
”In a television advertisement for the popular Slovak beer Zlaty Bazant, a grinning man with a paunch stands on a sunny beach, nodding his head as the narrator says, “To want to borrow from everyone, that is Greek.”
Are the commas on their place?
Thank you
Yes, your sentence is correct.
Hi, is this sentence ok? I really struggle with grammar. I think this sentence is all over the place. Also im not sure if it is correct to use a colon and a semi-colon in the same sentence. please help.
Thank you.
However there are four ethical principles: autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice; these principles enable nurses to analyse care by circumstance, and aid the rationale of their actions.
It is acceptable to use a colon and a semi-colon in the same sentence. Grammatically, your sentence is fine. Simply add a comma after However and, unless you are British, spell analyse as analyze.
Thank you for your help! As a grandmother, I now know more than I want to know about punctuation! Anything to help the kids
Do you have a section how to write an essay? I, we, truly appreciate your help. Jennifer
We do not have a section on writing essays specifically, however, we do have one titled “Effective Writing.” You may find the information there to be helpful.
Do you need a comma before “if necessary” at the end of a sentence?
There is no specific rule about this. The author can use judgement as to how much of a pause occurs before “if necessary.” For example, I was able to find these two sentences in The Chicago Manual of Style:
“Convert files for use in the editing software required by the publisher, if necessary.”
“Some editors make daily backups and weekly sequential backups—so that an earlier stage of the editing can be consulted if necessary.”