{"id":58,"date":"2021-03-03T10:47:57","date_gmt":"2021-03-03T10:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/chapter\/punctuation\/"},"modified":"2025-07-17T21:06:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T21:06:02","slug":"punctuation","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/chapter\/punctuation\/","title":{"raw":"Punctuation","rendered":"Punctuation"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nBy the end of this chapter, you should be able to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>List the differences between a comma, semicolon, and colon.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Explain when to use a semicolon instead of a comma in a list.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Determine which punctuation to use in a sentence.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\"Punctuation marks are the road signs placed along the highway of our communication, to control speeds, provide directions and prevent head-on collisions\" (Iyer, 2001).\r\n<h1>The Basics<\/h1>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Consider how punctuation can change the meaning of the following <strong>[pb_glossary id=\"239\"]run-on sentence[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><span style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 1em;\">I have two hours to kill someone come see me.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\r\nThe primary function of punctuation is to separate <strong>[pb_glossary id=\"191\"]phrases[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> and [pb_glossary id=\"196\"]<strong>clauses<\/strong> [\/pb_glossary] into meaningful units of information. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the basic structure of sentences, phrases, and clauses, to understand the proper uses of punctuation. When punctuation is missing or incorrectly used, the reader may get a completely different message than the one intended.\r\n\r\nTake the sample sentence above. A period placed in the wrong place can greatly affect the information communicated to the reader.\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Example #1: <span style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 1em;\">I have two hours to kill. Someone come see me. <\/span>\r\nExample: #2: <span style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 1em;\">I have two hours to kill someone. Come see me.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\r\nHere's another example using commas.\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Example #1: Let's eat, grandma!\r\nExample #2: Let's eat grandma!<\/div>\r\nAll the above examples communicate drastically different messages. Errors like this can confuse readers, waste time, and have disastrous results in cases where the writing has legal, economic, or safety implications.\r\n<figure><\/figure>\r\nThe article \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/report-on-business\/comma-quirk-irks-rogers\/article1101686\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Comma Quirk Irks Rogers<\/a>\u201d exemplifies how a punctuation error can have real-world costs and consequences. One comma error in a 10-page contract cost Rogers Communications 2 million dollars (Robertson, 2016). If you need further evidence, read about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/culture\/culture-desk\/a-few-words-about-that-ten-million-dollar-serial-comma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">case of the trucker's comma<\/a> that went to the Supreme Court, resulting in a 10 million dollar payout (Nast, 2017)!\r\n\r\nSeveral helpful rules will help you determine where and how to use punctuation, but first, it might be beneficial to understand the origins. Punctuation was initially developed to help people give speeches or read aloud. Various kinds of punctuation indicate when and for how long the reader should pause between phrases, clauses, and sentences:\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Comma = 1-second pause<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Semicolon = 2 second pause<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Colon = 3-second pause<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Period = 4-second pause<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nThese \"pause rules\" can still offer some guidance, but they are not foolproof because someone might pause while speaking for many reasons. These reasons can be that the speaker ran out of breath, got distracted, or needed time to think of a word.\r\n\r\nBelow are some more consistent rules that you should follow to punctuate your sentences correctly. These rules are presented numerically to help you remember them more easily. We will start with commas since they are among students' most common errors.\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h2>The Comma (,)<\/h2>\r\nCommas are one of the most versatile pieces of punctuation out there. They can do many things, which means they are easily misused. Before jumping into the five rules, here is a quick overview video. The video focuses on how commas are used with<strong> [pb_glossary id=\"195\"]coordinating conjunctions[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> and <strong>[pb_glossary id=\"192\"]subordinate conjunctions[\/pb_glossary]\u00a0<\/strong>which you should already be familiar with.\r\n\r\n[embed]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=GHnl1O3NGJk[\/embed]\r\n\r\nLink to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/commaTED\">tinyurl.com\/commaTED<\/a>\r\n\r\nNow, let's get to the rules.\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #1 - Introduce the Subject<\/strong><\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">If the subject is not the <strong>first<\/strong> word\/phrase in the sentence, place a comma before it to separate it from the introductory element and indicate clearly the subject of the sentence.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nSentences are strongest when the subject is the first element of the sentence. However, the subject must sometimes be delayed until later in the sentence.\r\n\r\nTake a look at the following example:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Before starting the project<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">,<\/span><\/strong> we should ask the customer what they want.<\/div>\r\nThe sentence's subject is \"we,\" which is delayed by the introductory phrase \"Before starting the project.\" Including that comma helps the reader understand the sentence's meaning by assisting them to identify the subject more easily.\r\n\r\nWhile it is still possible that a reader will understand the sentence if the comma is left out, there are times when it is essential. Otherwise, the sentence will be unclear.\r\n\r\nIn the following sentence, see if you can determine what the subject is without a comma to help you:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Based on that initial design concepts will be generated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nThe subject\u2014and, therefore, the sentence's meaning\u2014depends on where you place the comma. It could go in a couple of places. If the initial phrase is \"Based on that,\" and \"that\" refers to some previously stated idea, then the sentence indicates that the subject is \"initial design concepts,\" and the verb is \"will be generated.\" Here's what that would look like:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Based on that<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong><\/span> initial design concepts will be generated.<\/div>\r\nHowever, if the initial phrase is \"Based on that initial design,\" then we already have an initial design to work from and do not have to generate one. We are now focusing on creating more advanced \"concepts\" that will be \"based on that initial design.\"\r\n\r\nHere's what that would look like:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Based on that initial design<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong> <\/span>concepts will be generated.<\/div>\r\nSo if the subject is not the first <span style=\"font-size: 1em;\">word<\/span> <span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">in your sentence, place a comma before it to clearly show what the subject is (hence \"comma rule #1\"). <\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">In each of the following examples, the subject of the main clause is <\/span><strong style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">bolded<\/strong><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">.<\/span>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>After an introductory word<\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">Finally, <strong>the design<\/strong> must consider all constraints.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>After an introductory phrase<\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">Initially, <strong>the design<\/strong> must meet early objectives.\r\n\r\nMeeting all the client's needs, <strong>this design<\/strong> has the potential to be very successful.\r\n\r\nUnlike Emma, <strong>Karla<\/strong> loves mechatronics.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>After <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/chapter\/basicelements\/#chapter-354-section-2\">a subordinate clause<\/a><\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">If the design meets all the objectives, <strong>we<\/strong> will get a get a raise.\r\n\r\nAlthough we are slightly over budget, <strong>the design<\/strong> will be\u00a0 cost effective overall.\r\n\r\nWhile he interviews the client, <strong>she<\/strong> will do a site survey.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #2 - Interrupt the Subject and Verb<\/strong><\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Never place a single comma between the subject and verb of the sentence; you need either two commas (like brackets) or no commas between the subject and verb.<em>\r\n<\/em><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nWhen you place an interrupting word, phrase, or clause between the subject and verb, if that phrase is a non-essential element, you must enclose that phrase in commas (use the \"bracket test\": if you could enclose it in brackets, then you can use commas).\u00a0 If the phrase is essential to the meaning, omit the commas.\r\n\r\nThe words interrupting the subject and verb are <strong>bolded<\/strong> in the examples below.\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>Interrupting word<\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">Communication errors, <strong>unfortunately<\/strong>, can lead to disastrous design flaws.\r\n\r\nThe rules, <strong>however<\/strong>, are quite easy to learn.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>Interrupting <span style=\"font-size: 14.4px;\">Nonessential<\/span>\u00a0Phrase or Clause<\/em>\r\n\r\n(<strong>these phrases or clauses<\/strong> could be bracketed, and even omitted, without changing the meaning of the sentence)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">The Johnson street bridge, <strong>commonly known as the \"Blue Bridge,<\/strong>\" had to be replaced.\r\n\r\nThe new bridge, <strong>completed last year,<\/strong> is a rolling bascule design.\r\n\r\nThe new bridge, <strong>which is a rolling bascule design<\/strong>, was completed last year.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>Interrupting Essential phrases or clauses<\/em>\r\n\r\ndo not use commas; <strong>these phrases or clauses<\/strong> are essential to the meaning of the sentence<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">The objective <strong>that is most critical to our success<\/strong> is the first one.\r\n\r\nThat bridge <strong>that needed replacing<\/strong> was the Blue Bridge.\r\n\r\nThe man <strong>with the yellow hat<\/strong> belongs to Curious George.\r\n\r\nThe student <strong>who has the best design<\/strong> will get an innovator's award.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nIf you would like more information on Essential vs Non-Essential elements and when to use \"that\" vs \"which,\"\u00a0 check out this <em><strong>Grammar Girl<\/strong><\/em> link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickanddirtytips.com\/education\/grammar\/which-versus-that-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Which versus That<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Beware the \"Pause Rule\"<\/strong>\u2014many comma rule #2 errors occur when a sentence has a long subject phrase followed by the verb \"is.\" People tend to want to place a comma here, even though it is incorrect, simply because they would typically pause here when speaking. Below is an example of the wrong use:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">The main thing that you must be sure to remember about the magnificent Chinese pandas of the southwest<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">, <\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is that they can be dangerous.<\/div>\r\nIn this case, a comma should not be used.\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #3 - The Serial Comma<\/strong><\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">When listing a series of 3 or more items, separate the items with commas.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nWhether you are listing three or more nouns, verbs, adjectives, phrases, or even clauses, use commas to separate them. In general, do <strong>not<\/strong> place a comma before the first item or after the last item. If you only list two items, do not separate them with commas. Note what happens when you forget to put commas in the following sentence:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">I love cooking my family and my pets.<\/div>\r\nThe author may have intended to list three things she loves, but without punctuation, she ends up listing two things she loves cooking. Here is the correct version:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">I love cooking<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong> <\/span>my family<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong> <\/span>and my pets.<\/div>\r\nOnly use the commas if three or more elements are being listed. Make sure to list the elements in a consistent grammatical form (all nouns, all verbs, or all using parallel phrasing).\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 297px;\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"border\" style=\"height: 105px;\">\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 22.1536%; height: 105px;\"><em>2 listed elements<\/em>\r\n\r\n(no commas needed)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 77.8464%; height: 105px;\">All initial designs must incorporate mechanical structures and electrical systems. (2 nouns)\r\n\r\nSquirrels eat acorns and sleep in trees.\u00a0 (1 subject + 2 verbs)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"border\" style=\"height: 159px;\">\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 22.1536%; height: 159px;\"><em>3 listed elements<\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 77.8464%; height: 159px;\">The final design must incorporate mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems.\u00a0 (3 adjectives describing different subsystems)\r\n\r\nSquirrels eat acorns, sleep in trees, and dig holes in the garden.\u00a0 (3 verbs)\r\n\r\nThe proposed designs must not go over budget, use more than the allotted equipment, or take longer than 1 week to construct.\u00a0\u00a0 (3 verbs:\u00a0 go, use, and take)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"border\" style=\"height: 33px;\">\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 22.1536%; height: 33px;\"><em>faulty parallel phrasing<\/em>\r\n\r\n(one of these things is not like the others...)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 77.8464%; height: 33px;\">Proposed design concepts must adhere to all constraints, meet all objectives, and <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">the components <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/span> must be on the approved list.\u00a0 (2 verbs and a <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">1 noun<\/span>)\r\n\r\nThe new bridge is aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound, and <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">has <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/span> a pedestrian walkway.\u00a0 (2 adjectives and <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">1 verb<\/span>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nThere is some debate about placing a comma before the \"and\" used before the final listed item. This comma, referred to as the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcooperative.com\/say-hello-to-the-switzerland-of-oxford-comma-opinions-a96e9ab4afc8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oxford Comma<\/a> since Oxford University Press requires it, is optional in many situations. For an optional piece of punctuation, the Oxford Comma has stirred up a surprising amount of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.quiet.ly\/community\/should-you-use-the-oxford-comma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">controversy<\/a>!\r\n\r\nHere's a video that explains that controversy if you're interested.\r\n\r\n[embed]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ptM7FzyjtRk[\/embed]\r\n\r\nLink to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/oxfordcontr\">tinyurl.com\/oxfordcontr<\/a>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #4 - Joining Clauses<\/strong><\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Separate <strong>[pb_glossary id=\"194\"]independent clauses[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> by placing a comma before the<strong> [pb_glossary id=\"2057\"]coordinating conjunction[\/pb_glossary].<\/strong><em>\r\n<\/em><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nWhile you might occasionally omit commas if the two clauses you want to join our very short (\"She drove and he navigated.\"), it is a good habit to separate them with a comma for clarity.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 1em;\">FANBOYS is the mnemonic device for remembering the coordinating conjunctions that can link two independent clauses together <\/span>(<em>for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so<\/em>). When you have two complete sentences but want to join them together to make one larger idea, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; text-align: center;\"><strong>FANBOYS<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Two clauses joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, for<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">Thank goodness next week is reading break<strong>, for<\/strong> we all need rest.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, and<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">Vampires drink blood<strong>, and<\/strong> zombies eat brains.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, nor<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">You should not play with vampires, nor should you hang around with zombies.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, but<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">The undead are not acceptable playmates<strong>, but<\/strong> werewolves are ok.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, or<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">You can simply avoid werewolves during the full moon<strong>, or<\/strong> you can lock them in the basement.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, yet<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">Some rules of etiquette suggest it is rude to lock someone in the basement,<strong> yet<\/strong> safety is of paramount concern.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, so<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">I think you understand my concerns<strong>, so<\/strong> I will leave it at that.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #5 - Signal to the reader<\/strong><\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Use commas to indicate that a non-essential sentence element (a word, phrase, or clause) follows the comma or to signal an abrupt shift in thought.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<figure><figcaption>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_56\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"633\"]<img class=\"wp-image-56 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/ppsccom2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2021\/03\/Punc-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"438\" \/> Image #1: Punctuation makes all the difference[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Learning comma rules takes practice, of course.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Practice makes perfect, in the long run.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Vampires make everyone nervous, even the bravest slayers.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">I told you I need it by Wednesday, not Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\r\nConsider the difference between \"It's raining cats and dogs\" and \"It's raining, cats and dogs.\"\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Exercise #1: Identify the Broken Rule and Fix<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nBelow are six sentences. Identify the rule being broken, and put commas in the correct spots (if needed).\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\r\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code>[h5p id=\"22\"]<\/code><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\r\n<div>\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\r\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code><\/code><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h2>The Semicolon (;)<\/h2>\r\nMost people are pretty confident when it comes to rules around the comma. The semicolon, on the other hand, is another story entirely. Are they more like a comma or more like a period? Well, the answer is that they can work like both, depending on the situation!\r\n\r\nHere's a video that provides an overview:\r\n\r\n[embed]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=th-zyfvwDdI[\/embed]\r\n\r\nLink to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/semicolorules\">tinyurl.com\/semicolorules<\/a>\r\n\r\nSemicolons link ideas when something more substantial than a comma is needed. A semicolon has three main functions. Here are the first two:\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Semicolon Rule #1<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nUse a semicolon to join closely related [pb_glossary id=\"194\"]independent clauses[\/pb_glossary] into one sentence:\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nA semicolon may be appropriate if the two independent clauses are closely related in content.\r\n\r\nHere is an example:\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Scott was impatient to get married; Sharon wanted to wait until they were financially secure.<\/div><\/blockquote>\r\nThe subject in both sentences is strongly related\u2014indeed, in this case, they are engaged!\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Semicolon Rule #2<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nUse a semicolon to link two sentences joined by a [pb_glossary id=\"238\"]transition word[\/pb_glossary] (however, therefore, finally, moreover, etc.)\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nTransition words are a great way to connect your sentences. Here is an example:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em; background-color: #eeeeee;\">Canadian History is a rather dull class<\/span><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em; background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>; however<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em; background-color: #eeeeee;\">, it is a requirement for the elementary education program.<\/span><\/div>\r\nYou may have noticed that a semicolon works the same way a period does in both examples above. If you could put a period there, you can put a semicolon there\u2014as long as both sentences are related. The semicolon connects the ideas more closely as part of one key idea, making the pause between them a little shorter.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-57 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/ppsccom2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2025\/03\/Punc-3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"300\" \/>\r\n\r\nThe main rule you must remember is that if you use a semicolon this way, the clauses on either side of the semicolon must be complete sentences. You cannot use a semicolon to introduce a phrase or fragment.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Complete sentence; complete sentence.<\/em><\/p>\r\nPlease think of the semicolon as working like a hinge in a bi-fold door; it joins two complete door panels that each have their frame together.\r\n\r\nAlso, remember that you cannot simply use a comma instead of a semicolon to link the two clauses; doing so would result in a <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/run-on-sentences\/\">comma splice<\/a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Semicolon Rule #3<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nUse a semicolon to separate items in a complex list where one or more of the items have internal punctuation\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nTake a look at this sentence:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">The role of the vice-president will be to enhance the university's external relations, strengthen its relationship with alumni, donors, and community leaders, and implement fundraising programs.<\/div>\r\nWas it hard to read at all? It probably was because it's unclear what list items should be grouped together. This is where the third function of the semicolon comes in.\r\n\r\nHere's a correct example:\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">The role of the vice-president will be to enhance the university's external relations<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>;<\/strong> <\/span>strengthen its relationship with alumni, donors, and community leaders; and implement fundraising programs.<\/div>\r\nIn this case, the semicolon separates long, complex list items containing commas. Without the semicolon, we have a complicated sentence that is difficult to read.\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h1>The Colon (:)<\/h1>\r\nLike the semicolon, a colon is another type of punctuation that confuses many people. Thankfully, it serves a simple purpose. Here is a video to review its use:\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0yZ0ehTLxoo\r\n\r\nLink to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/linkingcolon\">tinyurl.com\/linkingcolon<\/a>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COLON RULE<\/strong><\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Use a colon to introduce amplification in the form of an example, explanation, quotation, summary, or list.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nRemember that when correctly used, colons are only placed where the sentence could come to a complete stop (<em>i.e.,<\/em>\u00a0you could put a period there instead).\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 25%;\"><em>Amplification<\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 75%;\">The hurricane lashed the coastal community: within two hours, every tree on the waterfront had been blown down.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 25%;\"><em>Example<\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 75%;\">The tour guide quoted Gerald Durrell\u2019s opinion of pandas: \u201cThey are vile beasts who eat far too many leaves.\u201d<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 25%;\"><em>List<\/em><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 75%;\">Today we examined two geographical areas: the Nile and the Amazon.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nRemember that when introducing a list, example, or quotation with a colon, whatever comes <em>before<\/em> the colon should be a complete sentence.\u00a0 You should not write something like this:\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Today we examine<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">d:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Three important objectives we must consider ar<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">e:<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\nIf these clauses cannot end in a period, they should <strong>not<\/strong> end in a colon. Whatever comes <em>after<\/em> the colon can be a fragment or list; it does not have to be a complete sentence.\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Exercise #2: Comma, Semicolon, and Colon Review<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n\r\nRead the sentences below. Drag and drop the correct punctuation mark into each blank.\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\r\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\">\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\r\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code>[h5p id=\"23\"]<\/code><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Proper punctuation is essential when conveying meaning in writing. When misused, it can have substantial financial consequences.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Commas<\/strong>, <strong>semicolons<\/strong>, and <strong>colons<\/strong> link ideas in different ways.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Commas<\/strong> can introduce the subject of a sentence, interrupt the subject and verb, be used to separate a list of three or more items, connect<strong> independent clauses<\/strong> with the addition of a <strong>coordinating conjunction<\/strong>, and indicate non-essential elements in a sentence.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Semicolons<\/strong> can join closely related independent sentences, link two sentences with a transition word, and separate items in a complex list.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Colons<\/strong> are only placed where the sentence could come to a complete stop. The information that follows the colon can amplify the information that came before it, provide an example, or provide a list.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nNow that you are finished with this chapter, you can either click on one of the other sentence-level issues and learn about them or continue to the next required chapter.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Go To Another Topic<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/sentence-fragments\/\">Sentence Fragments<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/run-on-sentences\/\">Run-On Sentences<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/verb-tense\/\">Verb Tense<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/eliminating-wordiness\/\">Eliminating Wordiness<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\">References<\/h2>\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<p id=\"a0\">Fogarty,\u00a0M. (2008, March 21).\u00a0<em>Which versus that<\/em>. Quick and Dirty Tips. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickanddirtytips.com\/education\/grammar\/which-versus-that-0\">https:\/\/www.quickanddirtytips.com\/education\/grammar\/which-versus-that-0<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p id=\"a1\">Iyer,\u00a0P. (2001, June 24).\u00a0<em>In praise of the humble comma<\/em>. TIME. <a href=\"https:\/\/content.time.com\/time\/magazine\/article\/0,9171,149453,00.html\">https:\/\/content.time.com\/time\/magazine\/article\/0,9171,149453,00.html<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p id=\"a2\">Nast,\u00a0C. (2017, March 17).\u00a0<em>A few words about that ten-million-Dollar serial comma<\/em>. The New Yorker. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/culture\/culture-desk\/a-few-words-about-that-ten-million-dollar-serial-comma\">https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/culture\/culture-desk\/a-few-words-about-that-ten-million-dollar-serial-comma<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p id=\"a3\">Robertson,\u00a0G. (2006, August 6).\u00a0<em>Comma quirk irks Rogers<\/em>. The Globe and Mail. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/report-on-business\/comma-quirk-irks-rogers\/article1101686\/\">https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/report-on-business\/comma-quirk-irks-rogers\/article1101686\/<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p id=\"a4\">Steck,\u00a0E. (2014, September 10).\u00a0<em>Word play: Should you use the Oxford comma? Let's review<\/em>. Quietly Blog.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.quiet.ly\/community\/should-you-use-the-oxford-comma\/\">https:\/\/blog.quiet.ly\/community\/should-you-use-the-oxford-comma\/<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p id=\"a5\">Trayser,\u00a0L. (2017, November 28).\u00a0<em>Say hello to the Switzerland of Oxford comma opinions<\/em>. The Writing Cooperative.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcooperative.com\/say-hello-to-the-switzerland-of-oxford-comma-opinions-a96e9ab4afc8\">https:\/\/writingcooperative.com\/say-hello-to-the-switzerland-of-oxford-comma-opinions-a96e9ab4afc8<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Attributions<\/h2>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/venditti_min_min-venditti\/\">Image #1<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/venditti_min_min-venditti\/\">Phil Venditti<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/\">Flickr<\/a>. It is licensed under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/ca\/\">Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Canada License<\/a>\r\n\r\nThis chapter is adapted from <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/technicalwriting\/chapter\/appendixf-punctuation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\"Technical Writing Essentials\"<\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0Suzan Last (on <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BCcampus<\/a>). It is licensed under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>List the differences between a comma, semicolon, and colon.<\/li>\n<li>Explain when to use a semicolon instead of a comma in a list.<\/li>\n<li>Determine which punctuation to use in a sentence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Punctuation marks are the road signs placed along the highway of our communication, to control speeds, provide directions and prevent head-on collisions&#8221; (Iyer, 2001).<\/p>\n<h1>The Basics<\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Consider how punctuation can change the meaning of the following <strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_239\">run-on sentence<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><span style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 1em;\">I have two hours to kill someone come see me.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<p>The primary function of punctuation is to separate <strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_191\">phrases<\/a><\/strong> and <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_196\"><strong>clauses<\/strong> <\/a> into meaningful units of information. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the basic structure of sentences, phrases, and clauses, to understand the proper uses of punctuation. When punctuation is missing or incorrectly used, the reader may get a completely different message than the one intended.<\/p>\n<p>Take the sample sentence above. A period placed in the wrong place can greatly affect the information communicated to the reader.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Example #1: <span style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 1em;\">I have two hours to kill. Someone come see me. <\/span><br \/>\nExample: #2: <span style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 1em;\">I have two hours to kill someone. Come see me.\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<p>Here&#8217;s another example using commas.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Example #1: Let&#8217;s eat, grandma!<br \/>\nExample #2: Let&#8217;s eat grandma!<\/div>\n<p>All the above examples communicate drastically different messages. Errors like this can confuse readers, waste time, and have disastrous results in cases where the writing has legal, economic, or safety implications.<\/p>\n<figure><\/figure>\n<p>The article \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/report-on-business\/comma-quirk-irks-rogers\/article1101686\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Comma Quirk Irks Rogers<\/a>\u201d exemplifies how a punctuation error can have real-world costs and consequences. One comma error in a 10-page contract cost Rogers Communications 2 million dollars (Robertson, 2016). If you need further evidence, read about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/culture\/culture-desk\/a-few-words-about-that-ten-million-dollar-serial-comma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">case of the trucker&#8217;s comma<\/a> that went to the Supreme Court, resulting in a 10 million dollar payout (Nast, 2017)!<\/p>\n<p>Several helpful rules will help you determine where and how to use punctuation, but first, it might be beneficial to understand the origins. Punctuation was initially developed to help people give speeches or read aloud. Various kinds of punctuation indicate when and for how long the reader should pause between phrases, clauses, and sentences:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Comma = 1-second pause<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Semicolon = 2 second pause<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Colon = 3-second pause<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Period = 4-second pause<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>These &#8220;pause rules&#8221; can still offer some guidance, but they are not foolproof because someone might pause while speaking for many reasons. These reasons can be that the speaker ran out of breath, got distracted, or needed time to think of a word.<\/p>\n<p>Below are some more consistent rules that you should follow to punctuate your sentences correctly. These rules are presented numerically to help you remember them more easily. We will start with commas since they are among students&#8217; most common errors.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>The Comma (,)<\/h2>\n<p>Commas are one of the most versatile pieces of punctuation out there. They can do many things, which means they are easily misused. Before jumping into the five rules, here is a quick overview video. The video focuses on how commas are used with<strong> <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_195\">coordinating conjunctions<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_192\">subordinate conjunctions<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>which you should already be familiar with.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-1\" title=\"Comma story - Terisa Folaron\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GHnl1O3NGJk?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Link to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/commaTED\">tinyurl.com\/commaTED<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s get to the rules.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #1 &#8211; Introduce the Subject<\/strong><\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">If the subject is not the <strong>first<\/strong> word\/phrase in the sentence, place a comma before it to separate it from the introductory element and indicate clearly the subject of the sentence.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sentences are strongest when the subject is the first element of the sentence. However, the subject must sometimes be delayed until later in the sentence.<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at the following example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Before starting the project<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">,<\/span><\/strong> we should ask the customer what they want.<\/div>\n<p>The sentence&#8217;s subject is &#8220;we,&#8221; which is delayed by the introductory phrase &#8220;Before starting the project.&#8221; Including that comma helps the reader understand the sentence&#8217;s meaning by assisting them to identify the subject more easily.<\/p>\n<p>While it is still possible that a reader will understand the sentence if the comma is left out, there are times when it is essential. Otherwise, the sentence will be unclear.<\/p>\n<p>In the following sentence, see if you can determine what the subject is without a comma to help you:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Based on that initial design concepts will be generated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The subject\u2014and, therefore, the sentence&#8217;s meaning\u2014depends on where you place the comma. It could go in a couple of places. If the initial phrase is &#8220;Based on that,&#8221; and &#8220;that&#8221; refers to some previously stated idea, then the sentence indicates that the subject is &#8220;initial design concepts,&#8221; and the verb is &#8220;will be generated.&#8221; Here&#8217;s what that would look like:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Based on that<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong><\/span> initial design concepts will be generated.<\/div>\n<p>However, if the initial phrase is &#8220;Based on that initial design,&#8221; then we already have an initial design to work from and do not have to generate one. We are now focusing on creating more advanced &#8220;concepts&#8221; that will be &#8220;based on that initial design.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s what that would look like:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Based on that initial design<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong> <\/span>concepts will be generated.<\/div>\n<p>So if the subject is not the first <span style=\"font-size: 1em;\">word<\/span> <span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">in your sentence, place a comma before it to clearly show what the subject is (hence &#8220;comma rule #1&#8221;). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">In each of the following examples, the subject of the main clause is <\/span><strong style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">bolded<\/strong><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>After an introductory word<\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">Finally, <strong>the design<\/strong> must consider all constraints.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>After an introductory phrase<\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">Initially, <strong>the design<\/strong> must meet early objectives.<\/p>\n<p>Meeting all the client&#8217;s needs, <strong>this design<\/strong> has the potential to be very successful.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike Emma, <strong>Karla<\/strong> loves mechatronics.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>After <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/chapter\/basicelements\/#chapter-354-section-2\">a subordinate clause<\/a><\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">If the design meets all the objectives, <strong>we<\/strong> will get a get a raise.<\/p>\n<p>Although we are slightly over budget, <strong>the design<\/strong> will be\u00a0 cost effective overall.<\/p>\n<p>While he interviews the client, <strong>she<\/strong> will do a site survey.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #2 &#8211; Interrupt the Subject and Verb<\/strong><\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Never place a single comma between the subject and verb of the sentence; you need either two commas (like brackets) or no commas between the subject and verb.<em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>When you place an interrupting word, phrase, or clause between the subject and verb, if that phrase is a non-essential element, you must enclose that phrase in commas (use the &#8220;bracket test&#8221;: if you could enclose it in brackets, then you can use commas).\u00a0 If the phrase is essential to the meaning, omit the commas.<\/p>\n<p>The words interrupting the subject and verb are <strong>bolded<\/strong> in the examples below.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>Interrupting word<\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">Communication errors, <strong>unfortunately<\/strong>, can lead to disastrous design flaws.<\/p>\n<p>The rules, <strong>however<\/strong>, are quite easy to learn.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>Interrupting <span style=\"font-size: 14.4px;\">Nonessential<\/span>\u00a0Phrase or Clause<\/em><\/p>\n<p>(<strong>these phrases or clauses<\/strong> could be bracketed, and even omitted, without changing the meaning of the sentence)<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">The Johnson street bridge, <strong>commonly known as the &#8220;Blue Bridge,<\/strong>&#8221; had to be replaced.<\/p>\n<p>The new bridge, <strong>completed last year,<\/strong> is a rolling bascule design.<\/p>\n<p>The new bridge, <strong>which is a rolling bascule design<\/strong>, was completed last year.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 30%;\"><em>Interrupting Essential phrases or clauses<\/em><\/p>\n<p>do not use commas; <strong>these phrases or clauses<\/strong> are essential to the meaning of the sentence<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 70%;\">The objective <strong>that is most critical to our success<\/strong> is the first one.<\/p>\n<p>That bridge <strong>that needed replacing<\/strong> was the Blue Bridge.<\/p>\n<p>The man <strong>with the yellow hat<\/strong> belongs to Curious George.<\/p>\n<p>The student <strong>who has the best design<\/strong> will get an innovator&#8217;s award.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If you would like more information on Essential vs Non-Essential elements and when to use &#8220;that&#8221; vs &#8220;which,&#8221;\u00a0 check out this <em><strong>Grammar Girl<\/strong><\/em> link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickanddirtytips.com\/education\/grammar\/which-versus-that-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Which versus That<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beware the &#8220;Pause Rule&#8221;<\/strong>\u2014many comma rule #2 errors occur when a sentence has a long subject phrase followed by the verb &#8220;is.&#8221; People tend to want to place a comma here, even though it is incorrect, simply because they would typically pause here when speaking. Below is an example of the wrong use:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">The main thing that you must be sure to remember about the magnificent Chinese pandas of the southwest<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">, <\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is that they can be dangerous.<\/div>\n<p>In this case, a comma should not be used.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #3 &#8211; The Serial Comma<\/strong><\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">When listing a series of 3 or more items, separate the items with commas.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Whether you are listing three or more nouns, verbs, adjectives, phrases, or even clauses, use commas to separate them. In general, do <strong>not<\/strong> place a comma before the first item or after the last item. If you only list two items, do not separate them with commas. Note what happens when you forget to put commas in the following sentence:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">I love cooking my family and my pets.<\/div>\n<p>The author may have intended to list three things she loves, but without punctuation, she ends up listing two things she loves cooking. Here is the correct version:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: center;\">I love cooking<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong> <\/span>my family<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>,<\/strong> <\/span>and my pets.<\/div>\n<p>Only use the commas if three or more elements are being listed. Make sure to list the elements in a consistent grammatical form (all nouns, all verbs, or all using parallel phrasing).<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 297px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"border\" style=\"height: 105px;\">\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 22.1536%; height: 105px;\"><em>2 listed elements<\/em><\/p>\n<p>(no commas needed)<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 77.8464%; height: 105px;\">All initial designs must incorporate mechanical structures and electrical systems. (2 nouns)<\/p>\n<p>Squirrels eat acorns and sleep in trees.\u00a0 (1 subject + 2 verbs)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"border\" style=\"height: 159px;\">\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 22.1536%; height: 159px;\"><em>3 listed elements<\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 77.8464%; height: 159px;\">The final design must incorporate mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems.\u00a0 (3 adjectives describing different subsystems)<\/p>\n<p>Squirrels eat acorns, sleep in trees, and dig holes in the garden.\u00a0 (3 verbs)<\/p>\n<p>The proposed designs must not go over budget, use more than the allotted equipment, or take longer than 1 week to construct.\u00a0\u00a0 (3 verbs:\u00a0 go, use, and take)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"border\" style=\"height: 33px;\">\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 22.1536%; height: 33px;\"><em>faulty parallel phrasing<\/em><\/p>\n<p>(one of these things is not like the others&#8230;)<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 77.8464%; height: 33px;\">Proposed design concepts must adhere to all constraints, meet all objectives, and <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">the components <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/span> must be on the approved list.\u00a0 (2 verbs and a <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">1 noun<\/span>)<\/p>\n<p>The new bridge is aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound, and <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">has <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/span> a pedestrian walkway.\u00a0 (2 adjectives and <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">1 verb<\/span>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>There is some debate about placing a comma before the &#8220;and&#8221; used before the final listed item. This comma, referred to as the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcooperative.com\/say-hello-to-the-switzerland-of-oxford-comma-opinions-a96e9ab4afc8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oxford Comma<\/a> since Oxford University Press requires it, is optional in many situations. For an optional piece of punctuation, the Oxford Comma has stirred up a surprising amount of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.quiet.ly\/community\/should-you-use-the-oxford-comma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">controversy<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a video that explains that controversy if you&#8217;re interested.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-2\" title=\"Grammar&#39;s great divide: The Oxford comma - TED-Ed\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ptM7FzyjtRk?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Link to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/oxfordcontr\">tinyurl.com\/oxfordcontr<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #4 &#8211; Joining Clauses<\/strong><\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Separate <strong><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_194\">independent clauses<\/a><\/strong> by placing a comma before the<strong> <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_2057\">coordinating conjunction<\/a>.<\/strong><em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>While you might occasionally omit commas if the two clauses you want to join our very short (&#8220;She drove and he navigated.&#8221;), it is a good habit to separate them with a comma for clarity.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1em;\">FANBOYS is the mnemonic device for remembering the coordinating conjunctions that can link two independent clauses together <\/span>(<em>for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so<\/em>). When you have two complete sentences but want to join them together to make one larger idea, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; text-align: center;\"><strong>FANBOYS<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Two clauses joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, for<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">Thank goodness next week is reading break<strong>, for<\/strong> we all need rest.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, and<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">Vampires drink blood<strong>, and<\/strong> zombies eat brains.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, nor<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">You should not play with vampires, nor should you hang around with zombies.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, but<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">The undead are not acceptable playmates<strong>, but<\/strong> werewolves are ok.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, or<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">You can simply avoid werewolves during the full moon<strong>, or<\/strong> you can lock them in the basement.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, yet<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">Some rules of etiquette suggest it is rude to lock someone in the basement,<strong> yet<\/strong> safety is of paramount concern.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 20%;\">, so<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 80%;\">I think you understand my concerns<strong>, so<\/strong> I will leave it at that.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COMMA RULE #5 &#8211; Signal to the reader<\/strong><\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Use commas to indicate that a non-essential sentence element (a word, phrase, or clause) follows the comma or to signal an abrupt shift in thought.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure><figcaption>\n<figure id=\"attachment_56\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-56\" style=\"width: 633px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-56 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/ppsccom2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2021\/03\/Punc-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2021\/03\/Punc-2-1.jpg 633w, https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2021\/03\/Punc-2-1-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2021\/03\/Punc-2-1-65x45.jpg 65w, https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2021\/03\/Punc-2-1-225x156.jpg 225w, https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2021\/03\/Punc-2-1-350x242.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 633px) 100vw, 633px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-56\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image #1: Punctuation makes all the difference<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Learning comma rules takes practice, of course.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Practice makes perfect, in the long run.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Vampires make everyone nervous, even the bravest slayers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">I told you I need it by Wednesday, not Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Consider the difference between &#8220;It&#8217;s raining cats and dogs&#8221; and &#8220;It&#8217;s raining, cats and dogs.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Exercise #1: Identify the Broken Rule and Fix<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>Below are six sentences. Identify the rule being broken, and put commas in the correct spots (if needed).<\/p>\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code><\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-22\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-22\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"22\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Quiz - Comma Rules\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code><\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>The Semicolon (;)<\/h2>\n<p>Most people are pretty confident when it comes to rules around the comma. The semicolon, on the other hand, is another story entirely. Are they more like a comma or more like a period? Well, the answer is that they can work like both, depending on the situation!<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a video that provides an overview:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-3\" title=\"How to use a semicolon - Emma Bryce\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/th-zyfvwDdI?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Link to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/semicolorules\">tinyurl.com\/semicolorules<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Semicolons link ideas when something more substantial than a comma is needed. A semicolon has three main functions. Here are the first two:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Semicolon Rule #1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>Use a semicolon to join closely related <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_194\">independent clauses<\/a> into one sentence:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A semicolon may be appropriate if the two independent clauses are closely related in content.<\/p>\n<p>Here is an example:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Scott was impatient to get married; Sharon wanted to wait until they were financially secure.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>The subject in both sentences is strongly related\u2014indeed, in this case, they are engaged!<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Semicolon Rule #2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>Use a semicolon to link two sentences joined by a <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_58_238\">transition word<\/a> (however, therefore, finally, moreover, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Transition words are a great way to connect your sentences. Here is an example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em; background-color: #eeeeee;\">Canadian History is a rather dull class<\/span><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em; background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>; however<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"text-align: initial; font-size: 1em; background-color: #eeeeee;\">, it is a requirement for the elementary education program.<\/span><\/div>\n<p>You may have noticed that a semicolon works the same way a period does in both examples above. If you could put a period there, you can put a semicolon there\u2014as long as both sentences are related. The semicolon connects the ideas more closely as part of one key idea, making the pause between them a little shorter.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-57 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/ppsccom2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2025\/03\/Punc-3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2025\/03\/Punc-3.png 170w, https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2025\/03\/Punc-3-65x115.png 65w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The main rule you must remember is that if you use a semicolon this way, the clauses on either side of the semicolon must be complete sentences. You cannot use a semicolon to introduce a phrase or fragment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Complete sentence; complete sentence.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Please think of the semicolon as working like a hinge in a bi-fold door; it joins two complete door panels that each have their frame together.<\/p>\n<p>Also, remember that you cannot simply use a comma instead of a semicolon to link the two clauses; doing so would result in a <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/run-on-sentences\/\">comma splice<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Semicolon Rule #3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>Use a semicolon to separate items in a complex list where one or more of the items have internal punctuation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Take a look at this sentence:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">The role of the vice-president will be to enhance the university&#8217;s external relations, strengthen its relationship with alumni, donors, and community leaders, and implement fundraising programs.<\/div>\n<p>Was it hard to read at all? It probably was because it&#8217;s unclear what list items should be grouped together. This is where the third function of the semicolon comes in.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a correct example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">The role of the vice-president will be to enhance the university&#8217;s external relations<span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\"><strong>;<\/strong> <\/span>strengthen its relationship with alumni, donors, and community leaders; and implement fundraising programs.<\/div>\n<p>In this case, the semicolon separates long, complex list items containing commas. Without the semicolon, we have a complicated sentence that is difficult to read.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1>The Colon (:)<\/h1>\n<p>Like the semicolon, a colon is another type of punctuation that confuses many people. Thankfully, it serves a simple purpose. Here is a video to review its use:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-4\" title=\"Linking function of the colon | The Colon and semicolon | Punctuation | Khan Academy\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0yZ0ehTLxoo?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Link to Original Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/linkingcolon\">tinyurl.com\/linkingcolon<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\"><strong>COLON RULE<\/strong><\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Use a colon to introduce amplification in the form of an example, explanation, quotation, summary, or list.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Remember that when correctly used, colons are only placed where the sentence could come to a complete stop (<em>i.e.,<\/em>\u00a0you could put a period there instead).<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 25%;\"><em>Amplification<\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75%;\">The hurricane lashed the coastal community: within two hours, every tree on the waterfront had been blown down.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 25%;\"><em>Example<\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75%;\">The tour guide quoted Gerald Durrell\u2019s opinion of pandas: \u201cThey are vile beasts who eat far too many leaves.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"shaded\" style=\"width: 25%;\"><em>List<\/em><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 75%;\">Today we examined two geographical areas: the Nile and the Amazon.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Remember that when introducing a list, example, or quotation with a colon, whatever comes <em>before<\/em> the colon should be a complete sentence.\u00a0 You should not write something like this:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Today we examine<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">d:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong> <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Three important objectives we must consider ar<strong><span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">e:<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">x<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>If these clauses cannot end in a period, they should <strong>not<\/strong> end in a colon. Whatever comes <em>after<\/em> the colon can be a fragment or list; it does not have to be a complete sentence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Exercise #2: Comma, Semicolon, and Colon Review<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>Read the sentences below. Drag and drop the correct punctuation mark into each blank.<\/p>\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\">\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"h5p-action-bar-settings h5p-panel\"><code><\/p>\n<div id=\"h5p-23\">\n<div class=\"h5p-iframe-wrapper\"><iframe id=\"h5p-iframe-23\" class=\"h5p-iframe\" data-content-id=\"23\" style=\"height:1px\" src=\"about:blank\" frameBorder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"Comma, Semicolon, and Colon Review 2\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"postbox h5p-sidebar\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ul>\n<li>Proper punctuation is essential when conveying meaning in writing. When misused, it can have substantial financial consequences.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Commas<\/strong>, <strong>semicolons<\/strong>, and <strong>colons<\/strong> link ideas in different ways.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Commas<\/strong> can introduce the subject of a sentence, interrupt the subject and verb, be used to separate a list of three or more items, connect<strong> independent clauses<\/strong> with the addition of a <strong>coordinating conjunction<\/strong>, and indicate non-essential elements in a sentence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Semicolons<\/strong> can join closely related independent sentences, link two sentences with a transition word, and separate items in a complex list.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Colons<\/strong> are only placed where the sentence could come to a complete stop. The information that follows the colon can amplify the information that came before it, provide an example, or provide a list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Now that you are finished with this chapter, you can either click on one of the other sentence-level issues and learn about them or continue to the next required chapter.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Go To Another Topic<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/sentence-fragments\/\">Sentence Fragments<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/run-on-sentences\/\">Run-On Sentences<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/verb-tense\/\">Verb Tense<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/openpress.usask.ca\/rcm300\/chapter\/eliminating-wordiness\/\">Eliminating Wordiness<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--exercises\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\">References<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p id=\"a0\">Fogarty,\u00a0M. (2008, March 21).\u00a0<em>Which versus that<\/em>. Quick and Dirty Tips. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickanddirtytips.com\/education\/grammar\/which-versus-that-0\">https:\/\/www.quickanddirtytips.com\/education\/grammar\/which-versus-that-0<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"a1\">Iyer,\u00a0P. (2001, June 24).\u00a0<em>In praise of the humble comma<\/em>. TIME. <a href=\"https:\/\/content.time.com\/time\/magazine\/article\/0,9171,149453,00.html\">https:\/\/content.time.com\/time\/magazine\/article\/0,9171,149453,00.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"a2\">Nast,\u00a0C. (2017, March 17).\u00a0<em>A few words about that ten-million-Dollar serial comma<\/em>. The New Yorker. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/culture\/culture-desk\/a-few-words-about-that-ten-million-dollar-serial-comma\">https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/culture\/culture-desk\/a-few-words-about-that-ten-million-dollar-serial-comma<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"a3\">Robertson,\u00a0G. (2006, August 6).\u00a0<em>Comma quirk irks Rogers<\/em>. The Globe and Mail. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/report-on-business\/comma-quirk-irks-rogers\/article1101686\/\">https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/report-on-business\/comma-quirk-irks-rogers\/article1101686\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"a4\">Steck,\u00a0E. (2014, September 10).\u00a0<em>Word play: Should you use the Oxford comma? Let&#8217;s review<\/em>. Quietly Blog.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.quiet.ly\/community\/should-you-use-the-oxford-comma\/\">https:\/\/blog.quiet.ly\/community\/should-you-use-the-oxford-comma\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"a5\">Trayser,\u00a0L. (2017, November 28).\u00a0<em>Say hello to the Switzerland of Oxford comma opinions<\/em>. The Writing Cooperative.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/writingcooperative.com\/say-hello-to-the-switzerland-of-oxford-comma-opinions-a96e9ab4afc8\">https:\/\/writingcooperative.com\/say-hello-to-the-switzerland-of-oxford-comma-opinions-a96e9ab4afc8<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Attributions<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/venditti_min_min-venditti\/\">Image #1<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/venditti_min_min-venditti\/\">Phil Venditti<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/\">Flickr<\/a>. It is licensed under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/ca\/\">Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Canada License<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This chapter is adapted from <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/technicalwriting\/chapter\/appendixf-punctuation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;Technical Writing Essentials&#8221;<\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0Suzan Last (on <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BCcampus<\/a>). It is licensed under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_58_239\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_239\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a writing error where two or more independent clauses are connected without proper punctuation<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_58_191\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_191\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a group of words that are missing a subject, a verb, or both<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_58_196\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_196\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>when a subject and verb are combined in a sentence. There are two types: independent clause and dependent clause.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_58_195\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_195\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a word that joins two clauses. These include words like and, but, for, yet, nor, or, so<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_58_192\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_192\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. It shows a cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time and place between the two clauses<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_58_194\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_194\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a clause that can stand on it's own because it conveys a complete idea.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_58_2057\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_2057\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>Information such as things that happen at work like performance or work challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_58_238\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_58_238\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>words that are used to connect words, phrases, or sentences. Examples include: <em>as a matter of fact<\/em>, <em>moreover<\/em>, <em>in other words<\/em>, and <em>as a result<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><\/div>","protected":false},"author":101,"menu_order":6,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-58","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":43,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/58","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/101"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/58\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2800,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/58\/revisions\/2800"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/43"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/58\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=58"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=58"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/2250organizationalcommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=58"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}