Here's a brief guide on the usage of commas, semi-colons, and colons.
How commas are used
To separate items in a list: "I need to buy apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes."
To set off introductory phrases or clauses: "After finishing my homework, I went for a walk."
To separate independent clauses when using coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet): "She likes to read, and he likes to watch movies."
To set off nonessential information or clauses: "The book, which I bought yesterday, is on the table."
Before coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences: "I went to the store, and I bought some milk."
In dates, addresses, and between city and state: "January 1, 2024" / "New York, New York"
How semi-colons are used
Semi-colons are used to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet): "She likes to read; he likes to watch movies."
They can also be used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas: "The conference attendees came from New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Seattle, Washington."
How colons are used
To introduce a list or an explanation: "There are three things I love: reading, hiking, and cooking."
To separate hours from minutes in time expressions: "The meeting starts at 9:00."
Before a subtitle in titles of books, articles, etc.: "The Great Gatsby: A Novel"
Between a title and subtitle in formal writing: "Programming Languages: Concepts and Paradigms"
Grade 5 punctuation worksheets
In our grade 5 grammar section we’ve created sets of worksheets for students to practice using commas, semicolons, and colons.
Separating items with commas
Students separate three or more items in sentences with commas in these worksheets.
Commas and items in a series practice
Students combine sentences with similar information into one sentence of items separated by commas.
Semi-colon worksheets
Students practice the use of semi-colons in these worksheets.
Practice the use of colons
In these worksheets, students separate clauses with colons.
Starting sentences with yes or no
Next, students practice starting sentences with yes or no.
Introductory words with commas
Students work on separating introductory words with commas in these sentence worksheets.
Practice introductory elements and commas
Similar to the previous set of worksheets, students separate introductory elements with commas in sentences.
Writing introductory phrases
These worksheets provide students practice in writing sentences with introductory phrases.
