The Comma and the Semicolon

The Comma and the Semicolon

1. Definitions

   • Comma
     • Defintion
       • A punctuation mark (;) indicating a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma.
   • Semicolon
     • Defintion
       • A punctuation mark (,) used in writing to separate parts of a sentence showing a slight pause, or to separate the single things in a list

2. Functions in common

   • Serial
     • Semicolon
       • Definition
         • Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
       • Examples
         • During summer camp, I made friends from Austin, Texas; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Lausanne, Switzerand.
         • This semester, I had professors from Columbia, New York; University of Toronto, Toronto; and UCLA, Los Angeles.
     • Commas
       • Definition
         • Use a comma to set off the elements of a series (three or more things), including the last two.
       • Examples
         • Greg, Samantha, and Karen invited me to go out.
         • My mom, my dad, and my sister stayed at home with me.
   • FANBOYS
     • Commas
       • Definition
         • Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to separate two independent clauses.
       • Examples
         • The crowd has eager to see Madonna sing at the Super Bowl, yet it appeared she had a sick throat.
         • Lana del Rey made a surprise appearance on stage, and her fans could not believe it.
     • Semicolon
       • Definition
         • A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector when one or more commas appear in the first clause.
       • Examples
         • When the quarantine is over, and I really hope it is soon, we will go to a nice restaurant; and we will all be happy
         • I felt terribly sad and alone, not knowing what to do, I was desperate, but everybody thought I was doing just fine.

3. Functions in contrast

   • Comma
     • Introductory Comma
       • Examples
         • During the Afghan War, the United States supplied the Taliban with military equipment
         • On Saturday, I went to the park and had a lot of fun.
       • Defintion
         • Comma to set off introductory elements that indicate time, place, mood, manner, etc.
     • Contrasting Comma
       • Examples
         • Although vacations are amazing, I prefer staying home
         • Lara enjoyed learning, yet she felt too tried to study.
       • Defintion
         • Use a comma to set off elements that express a contrast or a turn in the sentence.
     • Hierarchical Comma
       • Examples
         • The dentist´s address is P.Sherman, 44, Melbourne.
         • Harry lived in 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, England.
       • Definiton
         • Use a comma to set off states and countries, years in a full date, titles, etc.
     • Parenthetical Comma
       • Examples
         • Mia Thermopolis, queen of Genova, wore a customized dress by Alexander McQueen
         • Kali Uchis, a Colombian singer, won a Grammy for her new album "Isolation".
       • Definiton
         • Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements.
     • Comma for Quotations
       • Examples
         • "For you", said Amir, "a thousand times over".
         • "I would never do that to you", cried Hassan.
       • Defintion
         • Use a comma to set off quoted language.
     • Comma for Tag Questions
       • Defintion
         • Use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence.
       • Examples
         • You ate the last piece of cake, didn't you?
         • I hope the objectives for this unit are clear, aren´t they?
     • Vocative Comma
       • Examples
         • Madame, your table is ready.
         • Anna, pick up your clothes or you are grounded!
       • Definiton
         • This is when you address someone at the beginning of the sentence to alert them that you are speaking to them
     • Oxford Comma
       • Examples
         • Sunday is the perfect day to read, enjoy family time, and relax.
       • Defintion
         • To make my smoothie, went to the supermarket to buy guava, acai, and blueberries.
   • Semicolon
     • Conjunctive Adverb Semicolon
       • Examples
         • I told myself I wasn't wasting my time; however, I didn't productive at all.
         • Charlie liked impressionist painting; for instance, his favorite artist is Monet.
       • Defintion
         • Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs.
     • Semicolon replacing period
       • Examples
         • Sara was blonde and tall; she was a model for her mother´s brand.
         • Mohammed Daoud proclaimed himself president of Afghanistan; he made a coup d´Etat to his cousin, King Zahir Shah
       • Defintion
         • A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the gap between two closely linked sentences.