Grammar: the bane of everyone's existence. Where does that comma go? How do I know which verb tense to use? What does that ';' mean?
Here are some answers to your questions! First, our school uses MLA format. That's at least a place to start if you need to do an additional Web search. Second and last, once you get these basic rules down, grammar will get a lot easier!
Here are some answers to your questions! First, our school uses MLA format. That's at least a place to start if you need to do an additional Web search. Second and last, once you get these basic rules down, grammar will get a lot easier!
Commas, commas, and more commas... here are just a few rules -
1. Use commas (,) to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.
4. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
5. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.
6. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
What's a semicolon and when do I use it?
Use a semicolon (;) when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words.
For example:
I am going home; I intend to stay there.
It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.
You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.
For example:
I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there.
It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway.
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.
* All information cited from Purdue University's Online Writing Lab, 2011.
1. Use commas (,) to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.
4. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
5. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.
6. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation.
What's a semicolon and when do I use it?
Use a semicolon (;) when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words.
For example:
I am going home; I intend to stay there.
It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.
You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.
For example:
I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there.
It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway.
They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.
* All information cited from Purdue University's Online Writing Lab, 2011.