All writers rely on punctuation and sentence structures to communicate their ideas clearly. A period, for instance, tells readers, "Hey, this idea is done. Move on to the next one." Poets typically use periods in the same way, but not always.
In this module, you read poems by poets who use punctuation much as any writer would. You also read poems by poets who ignore punctuation rules—on purpose. Use the activity below to review some of the rules that poets break regarding commas. Read each sentence and ask yourself if it uses commas correctly. If the punctuation is correct, click "The sentence uses commas correctly." If it's not correct, select the correct revision.
On a hot August day rain is rare but appreciated.
After an introductory phrase, a comma creates a small pause. The comma is optional for prepositional phrases less than four words long.
After an introductory phrase, a comma creates a small pause. The comma is optional for prepositional phrases less than four words long.
After an introductory phrase, a comma creates a small pause. The comma is optional for prepositional phrases less than four words long.
A picnic outdoors, on the other hand, would be a good way to get some fresh air.
Commas come before and after words or phrases that interrupt the sentence's main idea to set them off.
Commas come before and after words or phrases that interrupt the sentence's main idea to set them off.
Commas come before and after words or phrases that interrupt the sentence's main idea to set them off.
Our neighborhood group will pick up mail carry groceries and walk dogs for neighbors who are sick.
Commas separate items in lists, creating a slight pause between list items. The sentence uses commas correctly.
Commas separate items in lists, creating a slight pause between list items. The sentence uses commas correctly.
Commas separate items in lists, creating a slight pause between list items. The sentence uses commas correctly.
The clean-up crew is running so late today—oh, here they are!
A dash signals a sudden change in direction of thought or an interruption in thought.
A dash signals a sudden change in direction of thought or an interruption in thought.
A dash signals a sudden change in direction of thought or an interruption in thought.
The art contest deadline was last Tuesday, however, some artwork is still being accepted.
A semicolon joins independent clauses when a coordinating conjunction isn't used.
A semicolon joins independent clauses when a coordinating conjunction isn't used.
A semicolon joins independent clauses when a coordinating conjunction isn't used.
We bought several spices for our chili recipe: cumin, cayenne, and green chile.
A colon used at the end of an independent clause introduces a list.
A colon used at the end of an independent clause introduces a list.
A colon used at the end of an independent clause introduces a list.
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You got a perfect score. Great job!
