Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a comma in a sentence?
What is the primary function of a comma in a sentence?
When should you use a semicolon?
When should you use a semicolon?
What is the function of an apostrophe?
What is the function of an apostrophe?
What type of noun takes a singular verb?
What type of noun takes a singular verb?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of noun can be made plural by adding -s or -es?
What type of noun can be made plural by adding -s or -es?
Signup and view all the answers
When does a collective noun take a plural verb?
When does a collective noun take a plural verb?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of pronoun takes a singular verb?
What type of pronoun takes a singular verb?
Signup and view all the answers
What punctuation mark is used to introduce a list or quotation?
What punctuation mark is used to introduce a list or quotation?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Punctuation
-
Commas (,):
- Separate items in a list (e.g., apples, bananas, oranges)
- Separate clauses in a sentence (e.g., I went to the store, and I bought some milk)
- Set off nonessential clauses or phrases (e.g., The teacher, who was wearing a red hat, was very nice)
-
Semicolons (;):
- Separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning (e.g., I have visited many cities in my life; Paris is my favorite)
- Separate items in a list when those items already contain commas (e.g., I have visited many cities in my life, including Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain)
-
Apostrophes ('):
- Show possession (e.g., the cat's toy)
- Form contractions (e.g., don't instead of do not)
-
Colons (:):
- Introduce a list or quotation (e.g., I have three favorite foods: pizza, sushi, and tacos)
- Separate two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the first (e.g., I have one rule: never give up)
Noun/Verb Agreement
-
Singular Nouns:
- Take a singular verb (e.g., The cat sleeps on the bed)
- Can be made plural by adding -s or -es (e.g., cat → cats)
-
Plural Nouns:
- Take a plural verb (e.g., The cats sleep on the bed)
- Can be irregular (e.g., child → children)
-
Collective Nouns:
- Take a singular verb when referring to the group as a whole (e.g., The team is playing well)
- Take a plural verb when referring to individual members of the group (e.g., The team are all wearing their uniforms)
-
Indefinite Pronouns:
- Take a singular verb (e.g., Everyone is going to the party)
- Can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., Someone is/are coming to the door)
Punctuation
-
Commas:
- Used to separate items in a list
- Used to separate clauses in a sentence
- Used to set off nonessential clauses or phrases
-
Semicolons:
- Used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning
- Used to separate items in a list when those items already contain commas
-
Apostrophes:
- Used to show possession
- Used to form contractions
-
Colons:
- Used to introduce a list or quotation
- Used to separate two independent clauses when the second clause explains or illustrates the first
Noun/Verb Agreement
-
Singular Nouns:
- Take a singular verb
- Can be made plural by adding -s or -es
-
Plural Nouns:
- Take a plural verb
- Can be irregular
-
Collective Nouns:
- Take a singular verb when referring to the group as a whole
- Take a plural verb when referring to individual members of the group
-
Indefinite Pronouns:
- Take a singular verb
- Can be singular or plural depending on the context
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of commas and semicolons with this quiz on punctuation rules.
