Mystery Marks
I am used to show possession.
apostrophe
We went to the store to buy apples bananas and oranges.
We went to the store to buy apples, bananas(,) and oranges.
I have a big test tomorrow I need to study.
I have a big test tomorrow; I need to study.
I cant wait for the weekend.
I can't wait for the weekend.
The cats toy and collar are under the table.
The cat's toy and collar are under the table.
I join independent clauses with NO FANBOY word between them.
semicolon (;)
My best friends Sarah Jake and Lily are coming over.
My best friends, Sarah, Jake(,) and Lily, are coming over.
I was excited to go outside however it started snowing.
I was excited to go outside; however, it started snowing.
The dog wagged its tail excitedly.
The dog wagged its tail excitedly.
(No apostrophe—"its" is possessive.)
We went hiking swimming and kayaking it was an amazing trip.
We went hiking, swimming, and kayaking; it was an amazing trip.
I am used in a simple list of three or more items.
comma (,)
After the movie we went out for ice cream.
After the movie, we went out for ice cream.
He was a good competitor I wanted to beat him and I would do anything to win.
He was a good competitor; I wanted to beat him, and I would do anything to win.
My only relatives birthday party is on Friday.
My only relative's birthday party is on Friday.
My only relatives' birthday party is on Friday.
My moms advice was clear I had to get my grades up if I didnt want to be grounded anymore.
My mom's advice was clear; I had to get my grades up if I didn't want to be grounded anymore.
I am used between a dependent and independent clause in a complex sentence.
comma (,)
The old creaky dirty door slowly swung open.
The old, creaky, dirty door slowly swung open.
My sister loves to bake cookies cakes and pies I prefer eating them.
My sister loves to bake cookies, cakes, and pies; I prefer eating them.
The staffs parking area is off-limits to customers.
The staff's parking area is off-limits to customers.
Its important to eat healthy however I still love chocolate.
It’s important to eat healthy; however, I still love chocolate.
I always come after a transition word like "however" or "therefore."
comma (,)
I wanted to go to the park but because it was raining we stayed inside.
I wanted to go to the park, but because it was raining, we stayed inside.
We went to Norway which was cold Mexico which was hot and Japan which was crowded.
We went to Norway, which was cold; Mexico, which was hot; and Japan, which was crowded.
Chris book was left in the library but its pages were missing.
Chris' book was left in the library, but its pages were missing.
She didnt realize it but the instructions were quite helpful however by the time she figured it out the test was already almost over.
She didn't realize it, but the instructions were quite helpful; however, by the time she figured it out, the test was already almost over.