Definitions
Used to end an independent thought (3 answers)
My parents car is a blue sedan.
My parents' car is a blue sedan.
Missing: Apostrophe
I need to do my homework, said my sister.
"I need to do my homework," said my sister.
My dad shouted “Come here right now!”
My dad shouted, “Come here right now!”
Used to indicate a break between clauses, to separate nonessential information, or after introductory words and clauses.
Comma
Jack's favorite subject is math but he also enjoys studying science
Jack's favorite subject is math, but he also enjoys studying science.
The book is located on shelf number 5 however, it may also be available online.
The book is located on shelf number 5; however, it may also be available online.
Missing: Semicolon
My mother always told me: Kindness is your most important attribute.
My mother always told me: “Kindness is your most important attribute.”
The cat was sleeping on the mat its favorite spot in the house.
The cat was sleeping on the mat, its favorite spot in the house.
Goes before a list of items, a quotation, or an expansion or explanation
Colon
John dont eat that cake it belongs to Mary
John, don't eat that cake; it belongs to Mary
The museum has a collection of ancient artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and statues.
The museum has a collection of ancient artifacts, such as pottery, jewelry, and statues.
What's missing: Comma
Encounter at Farpoint was the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
"Encounter at Farpoint" was the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
“Hey” said Kelly. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Hey,” said Kelly. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Indicating a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma.
Semicolon
The weather is beautiful today lets go for a walk in the park.
The weather is beautiful today; let's go for a walk in the park.
I went to the store to buy apples oranges and bananas.
I went to the store to buy apples, oranges, and bananas.
Missing: Commas
Four score and seven years ago, Lincoln famously began, our fathers brought forth on this continent.
"Four score and seven years ago," Lincoln famously began, "our fathers brought forth on this continent."
We went to the park yesterday and played soccer ate sandwiches and had a great time.
We went to the park yesterday and played soccer, ate sandwiches, and had a great time.
Used to indicate possession, to show a contraction, or to shorten a word.
Apostrophe
The concert is scheduled for 730 PM please arrive early.
The concert is scheduled for 7:30 PM; please arrive early.
The teacher asked the students to complete the following tasks read Chapter 7, answer the questions, and write a summary.
The teacher asked the students to complete the following tasks: read Chapter 7, answer the questions, and write a summary.
Missing: Colon
Our misunderstanding ended up causing hundreds of dollars of damage.
Our “misunderstanding” ended up causing hundreds of dollars of damage.
My best friend Sarah who is an excellent tennis player plays for our school team
My best friend, Sarah, who is an excellent tennis player, plays for our school team