Punctuation Rules and Usage

Front

Colon usage before a list

Back

Use a colon before a list. Example: We are required to bring the following items to camp: a sleeping bag, a pillow, an alarm clock, clothes, and personal-care items.

Front

Colon usage after an independent clause

Back

Use a colon after an independent clause that is followed by information that directly modifies or adds to the clause. Example: Jennifer encountered a problem that she had not anticipated: a broken Internet link.

Front

Colon usage with direct quotations

Back

Colons may precede direct quotations and should be used in business salutations and titles. Example: Captain John Paul Jones said: “I have not yet begun to fight.”

Front

Semicolon usage to join independent clauses

Back

Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses when a coordinate conjunction is not used. Example: Jane starts a new job today; she is very excited.

Front

Semicolon usage with conjunctive adverbs

Back

Use a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs to join independent clauses. Example: Skippy is interested in taking the class; however, it does not fit in his schedule.

Front

Semicolon usage in a series with commas

Back

Use a semicolon to separate items that contain commas and are arranged in series. Example: The art museum contained some beautiful, classically designed furniture; bronze, plaster, and marble statues; and colorful, abstract modern art pieces.

Front

Semicolon usage with transitional words

Back

Use a semicolon to separate coordinate clauses when they are joined by transitional words or phrases. Example: My sister and I enjoyed the play; afterward, we stopped for an ice cream cone.

Front

Comma usage with coordinating conjunctions

Back

Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses within a sentence. Example: Jenny sings in the choir, and she plays the guitar in a rock band.

Front

Comma usage to introduce and modify a sentence

Back

Use a comma to separate elements that introduce and modify a sentence. Example: Yesterday, I painted the entire garage.

Front

Comma usage with parenthetical expressions

Back

Use commas before and after a parenthetical expression. Example: Stephanie’s decision, in my opinion, was not in her best interest.