Semicolon Rule #1

I understand how to use commas; the semicolon I have not yet mastered.

To separate independent clauses

that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Semicolon rule 2:      

Ex:  He took great care with his work; therefore, he was very successful.

To separate two independent clauses connected by a conjunctive adverb.

What is a conjunctive adverb?

 join clauses or sentences of equal importance

therefore, furthermore, accordingly, thus,

hence, besides, also, indeed, otherwise
in fact, meanwhile, in addition, consequently,

nevertheless, next, still, finally, earlier,
naturally, certainly

Semicolon Rule 3:          

Ex:          Success in college, some maintain, requires intelligence,

industry, and perseverance; but others, fewer in number, assert that

only personality is important.

  To combine two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction if either or both of the clauses contain other internal punctuation.

Semicolon Rule 4:           

Ex:          I bought an old, dilapidated chair; an antique table that was in beautiful condition; and a new, ugly, blue and white rug.

Ex:          Call our customer service line for assistance: Arizona, 1-800-555-1212; New Mexico, 1-800-555-5050; California, 1-800-555-3456; or Nevada, 1-800-999-0987.

            to separate items in a series when each item has internal punctuation

Comma rule 1:  

My sister's name is Dee, and my brother's name is Dave.

use before a coordinating conjuction that introduces an independent clause.

for example:

and, but, for, or, so, yet

Comma rule 2

She is a beautiful, tall, confident woman.

Don't put the comma after the last adjective.

Comma rule  3

Ex:          She lowered the shade, closed the curtain, turned off the light, and went to bed.

 the comma is used to separate words,

phrases and whole ideas (clauses)

Comma rule 4:  

Ex: After last night’s fiasco at the disco,

she couldn’t bear the thought of looking at him again.

If a dependent clause or phrase of more than five or six words precedes the subject at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is used to set it off.

Comma rule 5:  

It is not necessary to use a comma with a short sentence.

Comma rule 6:   

Ex:          He got on his horse, tracked a rabbit and a deer, and rode on to Canton.

Use commas in a series but watch out:

some people skip the comma before the final item,

but that can be confusing.

Comma rule #7

Our principal, Mr. Miller, gave a great speech.

Use commas before and after appositives (an appositive explains who or what the noun is)

Comma rule #8

 I will eat toast if you put jam on it.

Don't use a comma with linking conjunctions

(if, though, whenever, because, since, while,
before, when)

Independent clause

Has a subject and a verb,

and doesn't need anything else

to be a complete sentence.

dependent clause

Has a subject and verb

but is not a complete sentence:

ex: When I come home from work, my family eats dinner.

phrase

no verb... needs more to be a clause or sentence

ex: my gray dog

Comma rule #9

ex:  She spoke, very loudly, to get attention.

Use commas to emphasize an adverb.

Comma rule #10

ex: My car, new and shiny, sat in the driveway.

Use commas when adjectives come after the noun.

Comma rule #11

ex: I fly to Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday.

Use commas after cities and states.

Comma rule #12

ex: "I think I will go for a walk," said Jane.

Use commas with direct quotations.

Comma rule #13

ex:  Jane, I need you to go to the store.

I've told you a hundred times, kids, to pick up your laundry.

When speaking directly to someone, use a comma after the addressee.

Comma rule # 14

ex: Wow, that is really hot.

Use a comma after an interjection.

 Comma rule #15

ex: They usually cost, if you get a good deal,

about $200.

Use commas after parenthetical expressions.

Comma rule #16

Use a comma to show that 2 parts of a sentence

are being contrasted.

Comma rule #17

ex: Today I will explore Massachusetts;

tomorrow, the world.

Use a comma to indicate omitted words.

coordinating conjuction 

for example:

and, but, for, or, so, yet

linking conjunctions

(if, though, whenever, because, since, while,
before, when)