Punctuation Rules

Front

Comma (Introductory Phrase)

Back

Place a comma after a phrase that starts the sentence. Example: After school, we went home.

Front

Comma (List/Series)

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list. Example: I need pencils, paper, and erasers.

Front

Comma (Nonrestrictive Clause)

Back

Use commas for extra information that is not needed. Example: My sister, who is 10, loves pizza.

Front

Comma Splice

Back

Two sentences joined by a comma without a conjunction. Example: I like pizza, it is my favorite.

Front

Apostrophe (Possession)

Back

Shows ownership. Example: The dog’s bone (one dog), the dogs’ park (many dogs).

Front

Apostrophe (Contraction)

Back

Shortens words by combining them. Example: Don’t = do not, it’s = it is.

Front

Colon (:)

Back

Introduces a list or explanation after a complete sentence. Example: He needs three things: water, food, and rest.

Front

Semicolon (;)

Back

Connects two related sentences or separates items in a detailed list. Example: I have a test tomorrow; I need to study.

Front

Dash (—)

Back

Adds emphasis or extra information. Example: She got the part — her dream role.