Commas, Semicolons, & Colons

Commas 1

100

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? He plays football soccer and baseball.

He plays football, soccer, and baseball.

200

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? The Christmas party was on December 18 2010.

The Christmas party was on December 18, 2010.

300

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? They can come to the party can't they?

What is They can come to the party, can't they?

400

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? We went to the concert but left early.

No commas needed.

500

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? To study for his calculus midterm Brian drank seven cups of strong Turkish coffee which kept him wide awake for the all-nighter.

To study for his calculus midterm, Brian drank seven cups of strong Turkish coffee which kept him wide awake for the all-nighter.

Commas 2

100

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? We ate popcorn nachos and candy at the movies.

We ate popcorn, nachos, and candy at the movies

200

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? Albert will you get me my bat suit?

Albert, will you get me my bat suit?

300

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? She moved from Los Angeles California to New York New York.

She moved from Los Angeles, California to New York, New York.

400

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? When it stops raining we will go outside.

When it stops raining, we will go outside.

500

Does this sentence need any commas? If so, where? Fifteen uncooked popcorn kernels and a few grains of salt littered the front of Robert's shirt as he slouched in the theater seat.

No commas needed.

Semicolons

100

Does this sentence need any semicolons? If so, where? Call me tomorrow I will give you my answer then.

Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.

200

Does this sentence need any semicolons? If so, where? You will want to bring many camping items for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.

You will want to bring many camping items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.

300

Does this sentence need any semicolons? If so, where? This conference has people who have come from Chicago, Illinois, Los Angeles, California, and Nashville, Tennessee.

This conference has people who have come from Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.

400

Does this sentence need any semicolons? If so, where? When I finish here, I will be glad to help you and that is a promise I will keep.

When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

500

Does this sentence need any semicolons? If so, where? They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark therefore, they decided to camp for the night.

They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.

Colons

100

Does this sentence need any colons? If so, where? My recipe calls for the following items butter, sugar, and flour.

My recipe calls for the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.

200

Does this salutation need a colon? Dear Ms. Brown

Yes! Dear Ms. Brown:

300

Does this sentence need any colons? If so, where? I want an assistant who can do the following (a) input data, (b) write reports, and (c) complete tax forms.

I want an assistant who can do the following: (a) input data, (b) write reports, and (c) complete tax forms.

400

Does this sentence need any colons? If so, where? The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in the translucent glass of the overhead light. Her father was in “hyper mode” again where nothing could calm him down.

The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter: Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in the translucent glass of the overhead light. Her father was in “hyper mode” again where nothing could calm him down.

500

Could this sentence use any colons? If so, where? Garlic is used in Italian cooking. It greatly enhances the flavor of pasta dishes

Garlic is used in Italian cooking: It greatly enhances the flavor of pasta dishes

Miscellaneous

100

Does this sentence need any commas, colons, or semicolons? If so, where? My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew.

No. Correct as is.

200

Does this sentence need any commas, colons, or semicolons? If so, where? Time flies when we are having fun we are always having fun.

Time flies when we are having fun; we are always having fun. or Time flies when we are having fun, and we are always having fun.

300

Does this sentence need any commas, colons, or semicolons? If so, where? I lived in San Francisco California for 20 years

I lived in San Francisco, California, for 20 years

400

Does this sentence need any commas, colons, or semicolons? If so, where? I enjoy watching movies action movies are my favorites.

I enjoy watching movies: action movies are my favorites.

500

Does this sentence need any commas, colons, or semicolons? If so, where? It rained heavily during the afternoon however we managed to have our picnic anyway.

What is It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway.