Semicolons used to replace commas.
Can a dash replace a comma?
An em dash is a punctuation mark that can be used to replace commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons. In general, the em dash is seen as being more interruptive or striking than other punctuation, so it is often used stylistically to draw a reader’s attention to a particular bit of information.
Can you use which without comma?
Use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. Don’t use a comma before which when it’s part of a prepositional phrase, such as “in which.” Don’t use a comma before which when it introduces an indirect question.
What are 3 ways to use a comma?
- Commas (Eight Basic Uses)
- USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES.
- USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE.
- USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES.
- USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES.
- USE A COMMA TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES.
- USE A COMMA TO INDICATE DIRECT ADDRESS.
How do you use –?
A dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to set off an idea within a sentence and may be used alone or in pairs. Dashes interrupt a thought in a more dramatic way than a phrase enclosed in commas, but less theatrically than parentheses.
Is dash and comma the same?
Use dashes when you want to enclose or set off something that deserves a lot of attention, is meant to interrupt your sentence, or already has commas or parentheses in it. Use commas to enclose things that belong firmly in the flow of your sentence.
What is it called when you use and instead of commas?
Polysyndeton is a literary technique in which conjunctions (e.g. and, but, or) are used repeatedly in quick succession, often with no commas, even when the conjunctions could be removed. It is often used to change the rhythm of the text, either faster or slower, and can convey either a sense of gravity or excitement.
What is it called when you don’t use a comma before and?
Don’t use a comma before and when one of the clauses it’s connecting is a dependent clause. Sam tossed the ball, and watched the dog chase it. The first clause, Sam tossed the ball could stand on its own as a complete sentence, which means it’s an independent clause.
Why is there no comma before that?
In particular, you shouldn’t use a comma before or after that when it’s used to join the main clause with a restrictive relative clause. A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that starts with a relative pronoun, such as that, who, when, which, or where. Relative clauses can be restrictive or nonrestrictive.
What are the 4 types of commas?
There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas.
What are the 8 types of commas?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses)
- Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
- Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
- Use a comma between all items in a series.
- Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
- Use a comma to set off appositives.
- Use a comma to indicate direct address.
- Use commas to set off direct quotations.
How do you avoid two commas in a sentence?
Combining Clauses to Avoid Comma Splices, Run-ons, and Fragments
- OPTION 1:Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
- OPTION 2: Use a semicolon.
- OPTION 3: Use a semicolon, transition word, and comma.
- OPTION 1: Use a subordinating conjunction after the independent clause.
What is the long dash called?
the em dash
The dash (—), also called the em dash, is the long horizontal bar, much longer than a hyphen.
Is it a dash or hyphen?
A hyphen joins two or more words together while a dash separates words into parenthetical statements. The two are sometimes confused because they look so similar, but their usage is different. Hyphens are not separated by spaces, while a dash has a space on either side.
What is a dash in writing?
A dash is expressed as an “em dash” ( — ) in printing, is expressed in plain text as two hyphens ( — ) and is used in place of a comma, colon or semicolon for greater emphasis. It denotes a major break or pause and should not be overused.
Can a semicolon replace a dash?
Semicolons and dashes are not interchangeable. Semicolons are used for basically two purposes: (a) To join two clauses that could each stand as an independent sentence, but which you want to tie together. A semicolon is an alternative to having two separate sentences, or two sentences connected with a conjunction.
Should I use colon or dash?
Although they also have other uses, dashes and colons can both be used to introduce the next part of a sentence, and the difference between the two marks is subtle. A dash is a stronger and more informal mark than a colon. Think of a colon as part of the sentence that just ambles along.
What can I use instead of a colon?
A semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them.
How do you replace a comma with dots?
A window will open with two fields: “Find what” and “Replace with.” In the “Find what” field, type in a comma. In the “Replace with” field, type in a period/dot. Click Replace All. Clicking this option will replace every comma in the document with a period/dot.
What are the 2 commas called?
Interrupters. Two commas can be used to set off additional information that appears within the sentence but is separate from the primary subject and verb of the sentence. Sometimes called a “parenthetical expression” or an “aside,” this information interrupts the main thought to add an additional comment.
Why do people use ellipses instead of commas?
The first is the ellipsis to show that something has been elided, which could be used, for example, when quoting someone to represent omitted words or phrases. The second use is for when someone trails off in speech, which can convey a lot in writing.