Punctuation Rules Flashcards
6 cards from real English Grammar Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Punctuation Rules flashcards as text
When should a comma be used before a coordinating conjunction?
Answer: When it joins two independent clauses
A comma is placed before coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when they join two independent clauses.
What is the Oxford comma?
Answer: The optional comma placed before the final 'and' or 'or' in a list of three or more items
The Oxford (serial) comma prevents ambiguity in lists. Compare: 'I love my parents, Batman and Wonder Woman' vs. 'I love my parents, Batman, and Wonder Woman.'
When should a semicolon be used?
Answer: To join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction
Semicolons join independent clauses that are closely related in meaning, serving as a stronger pause than a comma but weaker than a period.
What is the correct use of an apostrophe in possessives?
Answer: Add 's to singular nouns and s' to regular plural nouns
Singular nouns add 's (dog's bone), while regular plural nouns ending in s add only an apostrophe (dogs' bones). Irregular plurals add 's (children's toys).
When should you use a colon?
Answer: To introduce a list, explanation, or quotation after an independent clause
Colons introduce lists, explanations, or elaborations, but only after a complete independent clause. Example: 'She needed three things: flour, sugar, and eggs.'
What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?
Answer: A hyphen joins words or parts of words; a dash separates parts of a sentence for emphasis or interruption
Hyphens join compound words (well-known) and prefixes (re-enter). Dashes (em dashes) set off parenthetical information or indicate a break in thought.