How can you tell when to use a comma or a semi-colon? (sentence, examples)

[DanLerJoh]

I usually use a semi colon between two sentences that are related to each other, is this the correct usage? When is the proper time to use a comma? I just use one whenever I feel there should be a pause.

[Rocky Raab]

If you have not yet had the true pleasure of reading "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss, then please get a copy. She makes a book about punctuation not only clear and helpful, but so funny you can hardly put it down. Honest.

Shes' a Brit, but she takes not of American peculiarities of punctuation when needed. Priceless.

[jackmccullough]

There are basically two uses for the semicolon:

1. In joining two clauses, each of which could stand independently as a sentence, into a single sentence;

2. In separating items in a series, some of which contain commas.

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by DanLerJoh

I usually use a semi colon between two sentences that are related to each other, is this the correct usage? When is the proper time to use a comma? I just use one whenever I feel there should be a pause.

A common is for a short pause, or between items in a list. The comma separates phrases; the semicolon separates complete sentences.

However, some people abuse the semicolon--and their sentences become run on sentences.

[smel]

Originally Posted by jackmccullough

There are basically two uses for the semicolon:

1. In joining two clauses, each of which could stand independently as a sentence, into a single sentence;

2. In separating items in a series, some of which contain commas.

Yes, in joining two independent clauses into one sentences the semicolon is used in place of a comma and a conjunction.

Also, when you have used commas already in a sentence, you use a semicolon to indicate a major pause..

For example: My mother has lived in Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; and Columbus, MS. The semicolon makes the divisions clear.

Commas are not used just whenever you want to. There are many rules for commas, but some of the most common are:

1. Between items in a series.
2. After introductory words or phrases
3. Before a conjunction joining two independent clauses into one sentence
4. To set off an appositive
5. In letters and dates

[jtur88]

While it is true that there are situations in which a comma is mandatory, there are also places where it is optional, in which the writer's discretion applies. The preceding sentence (and this one) could have been written quite correctly with no commas at all, but in my opinion, it makes it more easily readable to have the commas in there.

Smel, I'm not sure, but I think the comma is considered inappropriate in the name of a city when you use the standard two-cap postal abbreviation. The correct forms would be:
Columbus MS
Columbus, Miss.
Columbus, Mississippi

[starsfalling]

You do use a comma after a city and before the abbreviation of a state. You do not use a comma after the state abbreviation and before the zip code. You skip two spaces instead.

Examples

Boston, MA
Boston, MA 36442

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by DanLerJoh

I usually use a semi colon between two sentences that are related to each other, is this the correct usage? When is the proper time to use a comma? I just use one whenever I feel there should be a pause.

Use a semi colon when you are listing phrases or even sentences where in the readers mind the word "and" could be used in place of the semi-colon but too many "ands" would look silly. However use "and" to link the last two phrases. Such as:

There are many things I like about Charleston: the gardens are lovely; the restaurants are wonderful; the weather especially in the spring is gorgeous and the architecture is breath-taking.

Use a comma to separate words such as:

My favorite colors for decorating are neutral colors like beige, gray, coffee and sand tones.

[jtur88]

Originally Posted by starsfalling

You do use a comma after a city and before the abbreviation of a state. You do not use a comma after the state abbreviation and before the zip code. You skip two spaces instead.

Examples

Boston, MA
Boston, MA 36442

"The U.S. postal service, incidentally, does not insert a comma between the city and the abbreviated state name: Hartford CT, Portland OR — at least not in the addresses on envelopes."
Abbreviations