Punctuation (Commas,Semicolons,Colons,Dashes, Apostrophes)

Front

Use a comma after an opener (introductory word, phrase, or clause). An opener is a single word or fragment that is located at the start of a sentence and is followed by a comma.

Back

• Furthermore, I find the wording of your proposal to be offensive.

• Broken and bruised, Diaz was ready to call it a day.

• Because she had a sore throat, Janna was unable to sing her solo.

Front

Use a comma to set off an interrupter (a nonessential phrase or clause) - a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of a sentence. You can tell if something is an interrupter by checking to see whether or not it is essential to the sentence. If you can take it out, and the meaning of the sentence doesn't really change, the

interrupter is nonessential, and should be set off with commas.

Back

• William, in fact, made the all-state hockey team.

• Timmy, the smallest of the boys, was teasing my sister.

Front

 Use a comma to set off a closer - a fragment that is added after an independent clause (could be a complete sentence) and is preceded by a comma.

Back

• Joe dribbled up court, his sparkling new Nikes squeaking with each move he made.

• There sat Steve, blissfully unaware of the chaos he had created.

Front

Use commas to separate items in a series.

Back

• Getting to school on time, doing all my assignments, and behaving well are all things I can do to ensure my success in school.

Front

 Use a comma + one of the FANBOYS to make a compound

sentence.

Back

• I’d love to help you finish your project, but I have to be at work by nine.

• Gary will turn in his final project, or he will flunk the class.

Front

 Use a comma to introduce a quotation when used with explanatory words like he said or she exclaimed.

Back

• “Wait,” demanded Stevie, “you can’t leave yet.”

• Jerry said, "I want some swimming goggles."

Front

 Use a comma in dates and addresses.

Back

• On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked.

• I lived at 13768 Fruit Ridge Avenue, Kent City,

• Michigan, for thirteen years.

Front

 Don't use a comma if the dependent clause (AAAWWUBBIS) comes second.

Back

INCORRECT: The boy knocked on the door, while I was eating.

CORRECT: The boy knocked on the door while I was eating.

Front

 Don't automatically use a comma just because you see one of the FANBOYS.

Back

INCORRECT: We sat down at the table, and began to talk.

CORRECT: We sat down at the table and began to talk.

(In this case, and is connecting two verb phrases, not two

complete sentences.)

Front

 Don't use a comma to set off an ESSENTIAL phrase or clause. Ask yourself this question: if you were to take the phrase or clause out of the sentence, would the basic meaning of the sentence change? If the answer is yes, then the phrase or clause is essential.

Back

INCORRECT: I recognized many of the students, who stood with

me, in front of the school.

CORRECT: I recognized many of the students who stood

with me in front of the school.