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Punctuation:
Commas
Semicolons
Colons
Quotation Marks
Apostrophes
Commas
In general, omitting a comma is better than using a comma that is not needed, so use a comma
only if a rule can be quoted. Even though many people tend to think hundreds of comma rules
exist, only six need to be remembered. Commas are used in the following situations.
1. To separate items in a series
Ex:
Bring your assignment, text, paper, and pen when you come to the Writing
Center.
2. To combine two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (the
“FANBOYS”: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
Ex:
The day was very nasty, but the weatherwoman said sunshine is on the way.
3. To separate coordinate adjectives
Ex:
He was a sunny, pleasant person.
4. To set off introductory words, phrases, or clauses
Ex:
Yes, I said I‟d be there. (introductory word)
Ex:
After the party at Jacob’s house, we went to a movie. (introductory phrase)
Ex:
Although it was a brutally hot day outside, Frank was having fun reading his
book (introductory clause)
5. To set off a word or words that can be omitted without changing the meaning of a
sentence: appositives, words used in direct address, words before or after direct
quotations, parenthetical expressions, contrasting elements, and nonessential
information
Ex:
This is Cindy, my fiancée. (appositive)
Ex:
I understand, Sam, that you have spread some rumors about me. (direct address)
Ex:
Darren announced, “In less than five minutes, the semester will be over.” (direct
quotation)
Ex:
As a matter of fact, Krista is in the hospital and, incidentally, would like to see
you. (parenthetical expression)
Ex:
I always eat tomatoes, never mushrooms, on my pizza. (contrasting element)
Ex:
Robert Frost, beloved by many Americans, recited at John Kennedy‟s
inauguration. (nonessential information)
6. To set off certain conventional material such as dates, addresses, titles, or letter
parts
Ex:
The meeting was held on Tuesday, February 8, 2002, in Alameda, California.
(Notice that a comma must also follow the year)
Ex:
Dear Mona,
I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend; thanks for
being such a super friend.
Love,
Jayne
Ex:
Fred Jones, Ph.D., teaches freshman English.
Semicolons
Semicolons have two main uses.
1. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses not connected by a coordinating
conjunction (the fanboys: for, and nor, but, or, yet, so). The second independent
clause is often introduced by words and phrases such as however, therefore,
moreover, then, in fact, consequently, in the first place, for example, on the other hand,
nevertheless, thus, etc.
Ex:
The day was very nasty; it had been raining for hours.
Ex:
I understand your difficulty; consequently, I will grant you the extension.
Ex:
The bracelet is valuable; in fact, I am locking it in the safe.
2.
Ex:
Use semicolons in a series between items that have internal punctuation
Robert had three big problems in his life: Jermaine, his fifteen-year old brother;
Myron, his thirteen-year-old brother; and Arnie, his ten-year-old brother.
Colons
Typically, a colon is used only after a complete sentence. Colons are also commonly used
between hours and minutes (8:30) and in bibliographic entries (New York: Prentice-Hall). A
colon can also be used in the following ways:
1.
After complete sentences that contain quotations, statements, lists, and series
which are introduced formally
Ex:
Jane‟s favorite saying comes from Proverbs: “Good news from a foreign land is
like water to a thirsty soul.”
Ex:
The FSU Main Stage Theater announced the following plays for the upcoming
season: Hamlet, The Roof, Anything Goes, and The Apple Tree.
2.
After complete sentences that contain an example, an explanation, or an
independent clause that elaborates, explains, or exemplifies the preceding
statement.
Ex:
Spending more than you earn every month will lead to only one conclusion:
disaster.
Ex:
My mother was right: I have to study in order to make good grades.
3.
Ex:
Between a title and subtitle of a cited work
Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used in the following instances:
1. To enclose a person’s spoken words or to enclose direct quotations from printed
materials
Ex:
Rebecca cried, “My prettiest dress has been ruined!”
Ex:
“Knowledge is power,” wrote Francis Bacon.
Note: Use single quotation marks to enclose a quotation within a quotation.
Ex:
Sue replied, “My favorite saying is, „You can catch more flies with honey than
with vinegar.‟”
2. To enclose titles of newspaper and magazine articles or sections, poems, short
stories, songs, individual episodes of television and radio programs, and chapters or
subdivisions of books
Ex:
Even though Mark has a great job, he reads the “Classified” section of the
newspaper every day.
Ex:
The assignment for our short story class is to read “Everyday Use,” by Alice
Walker.
3. To set off words used as words
Ex:
In every memo he composes, George misspells “judgment.”
Ex:
Composition students often confuse the use of the words “principal” and
“principle.”
Apostrophes
Use apostrophes in the following instances:
1. To indicate that a noun is possessive (shows ownership)
Note: If the noun is singular and does not end in s, add ’s
Ex:
The baby‟s bottle crashed to the floor.
Note: If the noun is singular and ends in s, add only an apostrophe after the s.
Ex:
The boss‟ computer had a virus.
Note: If the noun is plural and doesn’t end in s, add ‘s
Ex:
The men‟s and children‟s shoe departments are on the second floor.
Note: If the noun is plural and ends in s, add only an apostrophe after the s.
Ex:
All students‟ essays must be handed in by Friday.
Note: Make a word plural before making it possessive:
Ex:
Pam Jones‟ car is burning oil.
Ex:
The Joneses‟ house has been repainted.
2. To indicate a contraction
Ex:
Where‟s my book?
Ex:
With the score at 15-0, it‟s obvious that the baseball team is losing this game.
3. To indicate omissions (as in slang or dialect)
Ex:
Ringo asked Paul, “Where y‟all goin‟?”