Punctuation Overview

Terminal Marks

1. The Period - ends declarative and imperative sentences (statements and commands).

2. The Question Mark - ends interrogative sentences (questions).

3. The Exclamation Mark - ends exclamatory sentences (shouts or emphatic tones).

The Comma

1. Two or more main ideas - each of which alone could be a sentence in itself - are separated by a coma when the last main idea begins with a conjunction.

He bought a new car, and she bought an education.

The Comma

2. When an introductory element - a phrase or a dependent clause, especially a lengthy one - comes before the main part of a sentence, it is followed by a comma.

Feeling quite content with the position he had achieved, Jack rewarded himself with a pat on the back.

The Comma

3. A writer will occasionally delay a participial phrase until the noun or pronoun that the phrase modifies has been stated.

Sara, having gained the necessary knowledge for the printing business, sought the position of personnel manager for Pine Island Press.

Having gained the necessary knowledge for the printing business, Sara sought the position of personnel manager for Pine Island Press.

The Comma

4. No matter how short the introductory element is, if clarity or emphasis is needed, a comma is used after the introductory phrase or adverb clause to avoid misreading or to give emphasis.

As we ate, the pups sniffed around under the table for any scraps somebody might have dropped.

The Comma

5. A comma is used to separate words or groups of words in a series of three or more. A comma is preferred after the next-to-last item so that the writer will not lead the reader to think the last two items may go together.

She bought brown-and-serve rolls, pork, and beans to prepare dinner.

The Comma

6. A word or group of words that adds meaning to the main idea and yet is not crucial to the basic meaning (appositive phrase, absolute phrase, etc.) is set off by commas.

Sally, my neighbor, is a teacher.

The Comma

7. Expressions that are imbedded within sentences or clauses are set off with commas.

He will, in any event, be reviewing for the test.

The Comma

8. Conjunctive adverbs of more than one syllable that are imbedded within a sentence or clause are set off with commas.

The exercise book, however, shows youths how to use weights without overstressing their muscles.

The Comma

9. When sentences are directed specifically toward someone, the person who is being addressed is set off by a comma or commas.

Carl, please close the door.

See you soon, my friend.

To be honest, Max, that is an unkind remark.

The Comma

10. Yes, No, and interjections appearing at the beginning of a sentence are followed by a comma.

Yes, you have my permission.

The Comma

11. Introductory adverbs - especially ones ending in -ly - and conjunctive adverbs are followed by a comma.

Obviously, she was not aware of your intentions.

The Comma

12. A comma is used before examples introduced by such as or especially.

He likes all kinds of entertainment, especially movies.

The Comma

13. Adjectives that follow the noun they modify are set off by commas.

The scraggly pine, grotesque and barren in the cold moonlight, leered down at the panic-stricken hikers.

The Comma

14. A comma is used to separate a confirmatory question from the main statement.

He ate all of his dinner, didn’t he?

The Comma

15. When used parenthetically, phrases of contrast and phrases of addition are set off by commas.

The duplicator is power driven, not hand regulated.

Persistence, as well as courage, is necessary to overcome some of the obstacles of life.

The Semicolon

1. The semicolon is used to join two main ideas (each of which alone could be a sentence in itself) when the second main idea does not begin with a conjunction.

Some people enjoy staying home during vacation; other prefer to spend this time as far away from home as possible.

The Semicolon

2. A semicolon is used to join two main ideas (each of which alone could be a sentence in itself) joined by a conjunctive adverb.

We will accept your manuscript in February; however, we would have preferred to have had it in December.

The Semicolon

3. A semicolon is used to join two main ideas when the second main idea functions to explain the first.

Extra accessories are available; for example, a windshield-washer unit and back-up lights are included.

The Semicolon4. The semicolon is also used to join each

word or groups of words in a series when those elements already have internal commas.

Mary, the tailor; Lloyd, the seamstress; and Rosey, the riveter, represented the different trades at the conference.

The Colon1. The colon signals the special relationship

between the part before the colon and the part following the colon by clarifying, defining, or emphasizing the opening of the sentence.

A foreign diplomat needs three special qualities: wisdom, tact, and knowledge.

The Colon2. The colon introduces a list (often the words

following or as follows indicate a list, and a colon should be used).

Materials being mailed to your store consist of the following items: a camera, a projector, and six films.

The Colon3. The colon is used after introductory labels.

A word of caution: Keep this synthetic material away from heat and flame.