commas
The dog barked loudly and ran down the street.
Correct. (No comma needed.)
I have a test tomorrow I can’t go out tonight.
Incorrect. Correct: I have a test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.
I like apples oranges and bananas.
Corrected: I like apples, oranges, and bananas.
On May 31 2026 Hubert made jokes in class.
Corrected: On May 31, 2026, Hubert made jokes in class.
We traveled to Belmopan Belize San Ignacio Belize and Chetumal Mexico then we returned home.
Corrected: We traveled to Belmopan, Belize; San Ignacio, Belize; and Chetumal, Mexico; then we returned home.
: Before eating we washed our hands.
Correct: Before eating, we washed our hands.
Place semicolons and commas needed→ We traveled to San Ignacio Belize Chetumal Mexico and Flores Guatemala.
Corrected: We traveled to San Ignacio, Belize; Chetumal, Mexico; and Flores, Guatemala.
Before class we greeted the teacher.
Incorrect. Correct: Before class, we greeted the teacher.
I enjoy Percy Jackson; and Greek mythology inspires me.
Incorrect. Correct: I enjoy Percy Jackson, and Greek mythology inspires me.
the teacher asked us to read aloud; Hubert made jokes; Brian laughed; Kathie stayed serious.
Correct.
Place commas → My favorite subjects are math science literature and history.
My favorite subjects are math, science, literature, and history.
I was tired; but I kept working.
Incorrect. Correct: I was tired, but I kept working.
What does a comma usually separate in a sentence?
Items in a list, introductory phrases, or non‑essential clauses.
What does a sentence need to have to correctly use a semicolon?
Two independent clauses that could stand alone as sentences.
Explain why this sentence is wrong → I like poetry; and I enjoy football.
Incorrect because a semicolon should not precede a coordinating
Hubert who makes jokes is my classmate.
Incorrect. Correct: Hubert, who makes jokes, is my classmate.
he rain was heavy; the streets were flooded.
→ Correct. (Two independent clauses joined properly.)
My brother my sister and I went shopping.
Corrected: My brother, my sister, and I went shopping.
We visited Belmopan Belize San Ignacio Belize and Chetumal Mexico.
Corrected: We visited Belmopan, Belize; San Ignacio, Belize; and Chetumal, Mexico.
When should semicolons be used in lists?
When items in the list already contain commas (e.g., Belmopan, Belize; San Ignacio, Belize; and Chetumal, Mexico).
Place commas → On June 1 2026 we studied in Belmopan Belize.
Corrected: On June 1, 2026, we studied in Belmopan, Belize.
500: Place semicolon → I enjoy poetry it helps me relax.
→ Corrected: I enjoy poetry; it helps me relax.
The dog barked loudly and ran away.
Correct.
I was tired; but I kept working.
Incorrect. Correct: I was tired, but I kept working.
Amber likes drawing Kathie prefers reading Brian enjoys sports and I love poetry.
Corrected: Amber likes drawing; Kathie prefers reading; Brian enjoys sports; and I love poetry.