For the punctuation in lists, you should add an Oxford comma. The grammar rule is that you should place a comma after the penultimate item in a list; however, it is optional and not necessary. In more simplified terms an Oxford comma is a comma that should be placed after the second last item in a list of three or more items, you place it before “and or “or”. An example of this would be “My favourite fruits are apples, watermelons, and oranges”. As you can see I have placed a comma after the word “watermelons” as well as before the word “and”. It can be used to add clarity to a confusing sentence that may be hard to read. Another thing you should check sentences for is if they have a parallel structure. The grammar for it is that two or more ideas are parallel, they should be expressed in parallel grammatical form. Single words should be banned with single words, phrases with phrases and clauses with clauses. A simplistic explanation of this is when you are listing items that your structure must be consistent and your word from as well as tense must remain the same throughout the sentence. “I am planning to go running, kayaking and canoeing” this is an example of parallel structure since all the activities are in the same tense, unlike this upcoming sentence. “I am planning to go run, kayaking and canoe” this sentence is grammatically incorrect since it does not have parallel structure. Additionally, certain lists of ether need semi-colons or colons. The grammar rule for a semi-colon in that it must be added if you are indicating a pause, typically in between two main clauses, that is more pronounced than that indicated by a comma. Furthermore, you use it when you want to separate two sentences and want to show their relationship. By using it you are combining two independent clauses to create a compound sentence. It can also be used in front of a conjunction word such as “…; however”. This is different from a colon since a colon is used before an explanation, description, definition or list. An example of using a colon is “She kept repeating: “I am hungry” it is placed there to introduce the explanation. Which is used differently compared to a semi-colon. An example of a semi-colon could be “Winter is the best time of the year; Christmas is my favourite holiday”. The semi-colon is placed there to show the relationship between the two sentences even though they could be written as two independent sentences.

Questions

1. Identify the Oxford comma in this sentence: I had eggs, toast, and juice.
2. Insert a semi-colon in this sentence: I had a huge meal however, I am already hungry again.
3. Insert a colon in this sentence: He kept repeating “I really want that TV”.
4. What should be put in this sentence a colon or semi-colon: I have the following classes next semester Math, Gym, Spanish, and History.
5. Correct this sentence by adding a parallel structure: Lucy likes laughing, running and to eat.

Answer Key

1. I had eggs, toast, and juice. (Right after the word “toast”)
2. I had a huge meal; however, I am already hungry again.
3. He kept repeating: “I really want that TV”
4. I have the following classes next semester: Math, Gym, Spanish, and History.
5. Lucy likes laughing, running and eating or Lucy likes to laugh, to run and to eat.