Period, Comma, Semicolon, and Colon

A period closes a complete statement. Commas separate list items, introductory/dependent elements, nonessential material, and coordinated clauses—but cannot alone join independent clauses. Semicolons join related independent clauses or complex list items. A colon introduces material after a complete lead-in.

Patterns and examples

• The rain stopped, and we left.
• The rain stopped; however, the road remained wet.
• Bring three items: paper, pens, and tape.

Notice how form and meaning work together. Read examples aloud, identify the controlling word or clause, and compare them with nearby alternatives before applying the pattern in new writing.

Practice sentences

• Repair a comma splice two ways.
• Add punctuation to an introductory clause.

After answering, explain the rule in your own words and create one original sentence using the same structure.