Grammar · StudentHub Lesson
Punctuation essentials
Using commas, apostrophes, colons and semicolons correctly.
What you will learn
- Use commas in lists and after introductory phrases
- Use apostrophes for possession and contraction
- Use a colon to introduce
- Use a semicolon to join related sentences
- Avoid comma splices
Watch the lesson
We haven’t confirmed a lesson video that matches this topic closely enough yet, so the notes below are the lesson for now. A recommended video will be added once we’ve checked one properly.
Topic notes
Main Idea
Punctuation shows readers how to group and pause over words, so it directly changes meaning and clarity.
Key Concepts
- Commas separate list items and introductory clauses
- Apostrophes show possession (Sam's) or missing letters (don't)
- 'Its' is possessive; 'it's' means 'it is'
- A colon introduces a list, explanation or quotation
- A semicolon joins two complete, closely related sentences
Definitions
- Comma splice: Joining two complete sentences with only a comma.
- Contraction: A shortened word where an apostrophe replaces missing letters.
- Independent clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.
Worked Example
Fix: 'Its raining, we should stay inside.'
- 'Its' should be 'It's' because it means 'it is'
- Two complete sentences are joined by a comma — a comma splice
- Replace the comma with a semicolon or full stop
Answer: It's raining; we should stay inside.
Common Mistakes
- Using apostrophes for plurals (apple's for sale)
- Confusing its and it's
- Using a semicolon before a fragment
Key concepts
Important terms
- Comma splice
- Joining two complete sentences with only a comma.
- Contraction
- A shortened word where an apostrophe replaces missing letters.
- Independent clause
- A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.
Worked examples
Problem
Fix: 'Its raining, we should stay inside.'
- 1. 'Its' should be 'It's' because it means 'it is'
- 2. Two complete sentences are joined by a comma — a comma splice
- 3. Replace the comma with a semicolon or full stop
Answer: It's raining; we should stay inside.
Quick revision
- Commas for lists and introductions
- Apostrophe = possession or contraction
- its vs it's
- Colon introduces
- Semicolon joins complete related sentences
- Avoid comma splices
Check your understanding
Question 1 · Multiple choice
Which is correct?
Question 2 · Short answer
What punctuation mark can join two closely related complete sentences?
Question 3 · True or false
'Don't' uses an apostrophe to show missing letters.
Done with Punctuation essentials?
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