Definitions
This punctuation mark may be used to separate items in a list, adjectives, parts of dates, signify extra information, or join clauses with use of a conjunction.
What is a comma?
There’s only one thing left to do win.
There’s only one thing left to do—win.
I bought apples bananas and grapes at the store.
I bought apples, bananas, and grapes at the store.
I have a big test tomorrow I can’t go out tonight.
I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.
She brought everything she needed pencils, paper, and her calculator.
She brought everything she needed: pencils, paper, and her calculator.
This punctuation mark may be used to signify extra information, a sudden break, or to create emphasis by drawing attention to a part of the sentence.
What is a dash?
My brother the one who lives in Chicago is visiting this weekend.
My brother—the one who lives in Chicago—is visiting this weekend.
After the bell rang the students rushed to class.
After the bell rang, the students rushed to class.
She studied all night however, she still felt unprepared for the exam.
She studied all night; however, she still felt unprepared for the exam.
He got what he worked for a promotion at last.
He got what he worked for: a promotion at last.
This punctuation mark may be used to introduce lists of items or examples.
What is a colon?
She went to the store and bought milk.
Correct as is
My sister who just graduated from college is moving to Chicago.
My sister, who just graduated from college, is moving to Chicago.
He wanted to go to the concert but he couldn’t afford the ticket.
He wanted to go to the concert; but he couldn’t afford the ticket.
She only wanted one thing from the trip peace of mind.
She only wanted one thing from the trip: peace of mind.
This punctuation mark may be used to join two independent clauses not already joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
What is a semicolon?
I was about to tell her the truth but then she walked away.
I was about to tell her the truth—but then she walked away.
The cake was delicious but also very sweet.
Correct as is
I wanted to go but I stayed home instead.
I wanted to go; but I stayed home instead.
The reason I was late is traffic.
Correct as is
Create your own example using at least one dash, comma, semicolon, or colon.
Answer will vary
She brought everything she needed her notebook, a pen, and her courage into the exam room.
She brought everything she needed—her notebook, a pen, and her courage—into the exam room.
She wanted to join the debate team but she was nervous about speaking in front of others.
She wanted to join the debate team, but she was nervous about speaking in front of others.
She likes to read, write, and draw.
Correct as is -- no semicolon necessary
He had one reason for quitting so suddenly he could no longer ignore the stress.
He had one reason for quitting so suddenly: he could no longer ignore the stress.