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Commas, colons, semi-colons and dashes
Double-click on any word and see its definition from Cambridge Dictionaries Online.
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The web sites linked to below provide thorough explanations of the use of all of these elements of punctuation.
Commas
My favourite sports are cricket, athletics, football and archery. It is a costly, inefficient, outdated transport system. Hewitt, who beat Kafelnikov in the semi-final, plays Sampras today. When you finally make a decision, let me know. 634, 567, 981 h t tp://stipo.larc.nasa.gov/sp7084/sp7084ch3.html#3.5
Colons
The children have been grounded: they ruined the rose garden while we were out. LORD POLONIUS: I hear him coming: let's withdraw, my lord.
HAMLET: To be, or not to be: that is the question. The following items are required: paper, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners and rubbers. Grammar: punctuation http://stipo.larc.nasa.gov/sp7084/sp7084ch3.html#3.4
Semi-colons
I am very keen on parachuting; Tim prefers hang-gliding. All passengers have been informed that they must not carry sharp objects; that random spot-checks can be expected; that longer than usual delays are possible. http://stipo.larc.nasa.gov/sp7084/sp7084ch3.html#3.15
Dashes
Here are some of my favourite things - picnics, sunbathing, and sleeping in. They won't be in this morning - they have a meeting with the director. Our last car - which was a Ford - only ever broke down once. http://stipo.larc.nasa.gov/sp7084/sp7084ch3.html#3.6
http://stipo.larc.nasa.gov/sp7084/sp7084ch3.html#3.7
For more information on these elements of punctuation, as well as exercises, see the following web sites:
http://www.grammarbook.com/
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/#Punctuation
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
statements.
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