ESL Writing Common Punctuation Errors Comma Apostrophe Semicolon

What It Is

A comma, apostrophe, and semicolon are punctuation marks used to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. They help to clarify the meaning and make the text easier to read. ESL learners often struggle with these marks because their first language may use different punctuation rules or they may not understand the purpose of each mark.

Key Rules

• A comma is used to separate items in a list: I like apples, bananas, and oranges.
• A comma is used to separate clauses in a sentence: I went to the store, and I bought milk.
• A comma is not used before the conjunction in a compound sentence: I went to the store and I bought milk. (no comma)
• An apostrophe is used to show possession: The cat's toy is on the floor.
• An apostrophe is used to form a contraction: It's a beautiful day.
• A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses: I have a big test tomorrow; I am studying all night.
• A semicolon is used to separate items in a list when the items already contain commas: I have visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain.
• A comma is not used after a preposition: I am looking for a book on the shelf. (no comma)
• A comma is used after an introductory phrase: After dinner, we went for a walk.
• A comma is used to separate dates: January 1, 2020.
• A comma is used to separate times: 5:00 PM.
• A comma is used to separate addresses: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA.
• A comma is not used before the last item in a list: I like apples, bananas oranges. (no comma)
• A comma is used to separate quotations: "I love you," she said.
• A comma is used to separate titles: Mr. Smith, the principal.
• A comma is used to separate numbers: I have 1,000 books in my library.
• A comma is used to separate percentages: The price is 25%.

Common ESL Errors

Error: I like apples, bananas, oranges.
Why it happens: Overgeneralization of comma usage.
Correction: I like apples, bananas, and oranges. (use "and" before the last item in a list)

Error: The cat's toy is mine.
Why it happens: Interference from L1 (different punctuation rules).
Correction: The cat's toy is my. (use "my" for singular possession)

Error: I have visited Paris, France, Rome, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain.
Why it happens: Lack of understanding of semicolon usage.
Correction: I have visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain. (use semicolon to separate items in a list)

Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blank: I have visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain.
   Answer: France, Italy, Spain. (use semicolon to separate items in a list)
2. Fill in the blank: I like apples, bananas, and oranges.
   Answer: and (use "and" before the last item in a list)
3. Fill in the blank: The cat's toy is my.
   Answer: my (use "my" for singular possession)

Last-Minute Revision

⚠️ The apostrophe is not used in plural forms: children (not "child's").
⚠️ A comma is not used before the last item in a list: I like apples, bananas oranges (no comma).
⚠️ A semicolon is not used to separate clauses in a compound sentence: I went to the store; I bought milk (use a comma).
⚠️ A comma is not used after a preposition: I am looking for a book on the shelf (no comma).
⚠️ A comma is used to separate titles: Mr. Smith, the principal.
⚠️ A comma is used to separate numbers: I have 1,000 books in my library.
⚠️ A comma is used to separate percentages: The price is 25%.
⚠️ A comma is used to separate quotations: "I love you," she said.
⚠️ A comma is used to separate dates: January 1, 2020.
⚠️ A comma is used to separate times: 5:00 PM.
⚠️ A comma is used to separate addresses: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA.
⚠️ A comma is used to separate items in a list: I like apples, bananas, and oranges.
⚠️ An apostrophe is used to show possession: The cat's toy is on the floor.
⚠️ An apostrophe is used to form a contraction: It's a beautiful day.
⚠️ A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses: I have a big test tomorrow; I am studying all night.
⚠️ A semicolon is used to separate items in a list when the items already contain commas: I have visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain.