Commas, Dashes and Colons

Question 1

What two situations are only commas used?

Answer 1

Set off three or more items in a series
Jeremiah packed a sleeping bag, a raincoat, and a lantern for his upcoming camping trip.
NOTICE THE LAST ELEMENT DOES NOT HAVE A COMMA, THAT WOULD BE UNECESSARY.

Separate an introductory word or phrase from the rest of the sentence.
For example, carrots are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals.

Question 2

True or false: only a comma can be used to set off a leading dependent clause from an indepenet clause.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What situations are both commas and dashes used?

Answer 3

Separate independent clauses connected by a FANBOYS conjunction.
Jess finished her homework earlier than expected(, or –) so she started an assignment that was due the following week

Separate a dependent clause from a leading independent clause.
Because Tyson wanted to organize his locker before class(,) he arrived at school a few minutes early. (why only comma)

Separate parenthetical elements from the rest of the sentence (use either two commas or two dashes, not one of each; more information on parentheticals follows).
Professor Mann, who is the head of the English department, is known for assigning extensive projects.

Question 4

Use colons and dashes to…

Answer 4

Introduce and/or emphasize a short phrase, quotation, explanation, example or list.
Sanjay had two important tasks to complete(: or –) a science experiment and an expository essay.

Separate two independent clauses when the second clause explains, illustrates, or expands on the first sentence.
Highway 1 in Australia is one of the longest national highways in the world(: or –) it circles the entirety of the continent and connects every mainland state capital.

Question 5

Use parenthesis, commas and dashes for…

Answer 5

Parenthetical statements.

Question 6

When using punctuation, ask yourself…

Answer 6

Is the punctuation used correctly?
The punctuation needs to be the correct type and in the correct location.

Is the punctuation necessary?
If you cannot identify a reason why the punctuation is included, the punctuation should be removed.