Punctuation Quick Tips
To view the recorded workshop click the link:
http://khe2.adobeconnect.com/p8slat6fuvz/
August 1, 2013
Joni Boone, Presenter
Kaplan University Writing Center
Writing Workshop Goals
•
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Learn the basic elements
of a sentence.
Learn how to identify and
correct comma splices
and run-on sentences.
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Sentence Structure
WHAT IS A SENTENCE?
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A sentence includes the following:
• A subject (what the sentence is about)
• A verb (an action word or a word linking the subject to a
word or phrase that describes or identifies it)
• A complete thought
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To separate sentences
• A period (.)
- Today is John’s last day of vacation. He’s refreshed and ready to
return to work.
• A comma with a coordinating conjunction (, +
FANBOYS – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
- Several new magnet schools are opening in our district next year, so
the families in our community will have more options in the near future.
• A semicolon (;)
- Learning APA-formatted citations can be difficult at first; the Writing
Center can help.
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Run-ons and Comma Splices
Run-ons and comma splices occur when two independent clauses
(sentences) are joined together without appropriate punctuation.
Incorrect (run-on): They weren't dangerous criminals they were
detectives in disguise.
Incorrect (comma splice): I didn't know which job I wanted, I was
too confused to decide.
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Corrections
• Correct: They weren't dangerous criminals; they were
detectives in disguise.
• Correct: I didn't know which job I wanted, and I
was too confused to decide.
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Correct a run-on sentence or comma splice
– Method 1
Place a period between the two independent clauses,
and make them separate sentences.
My daughter’s lemonade stand will be open on
Saturday morning. Stop by for a cold one on your way
to the park.
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Correct a run-on sentence or comma splice
– Method 2
Join the two with a coordinating conjunction (for, and,
nor, but, or, yet, so), and use a comma before the
connecting word.
_________________________, and
_________________________.
(He enjoys walking through the country, and he often
goes backpacking on his vacations.)
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Correct a run-on sentence or comma splice
– Method 3
Use a semicolon (;) alone or with a conjunctive adverb (however,
nevertheless, for instance, etc.).
__________________________;__________________________ .
(He often watched TV when there were only reruns; she preferred
to read instead.)
or _______________; however, ____________________.
(He often watched TV when there were only reruns; however, she
preferred to read instead.)
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Correct a run-on sentence or comma splice
– Method 4
Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent
clause:
While she preferred to read, he often watched TV when
there were only reruns.
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Correct This Paragraph
Sarah’s first day on the job began as a disaster. Walking into the front
office, she slipped and fell on the mat at the doorway, she tumbled across
the floor landing at the feet of her new boss. The entire lobby froze in
disbelief at what just happened the receptionist then rushed over to ensure
that Sarah was okay. Her boss knelt down and offered her a hand. Instead of
going straight back up to her office, Sarah’s boss invited her to the break
room for some tea and Sarah gladly accepted because she knew she would
need some time to shake off the embarrassing event.
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Questions?
• Any questions about what is needed in a sentence?
• Any questions about comma splices and run-ons?
The KUWC is the place to find answers!
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Finding Writing Center
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Academic Support Centers
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Contact Information
Workshops are recorded and recording links, with an
accompanying PowerPoint, are posted on the Writing Center
Workshop page 2 business days after the workshop.
• For information about the Writing Center workshop series,
please contact Melody Pickle [email protected]
• For information about this particular workshop, please contact
Joni Boone at [email protected].
• Kaplan University Writing Center Contact email:
[email protected]
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KaplanUniversityWritingCenter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kuwc
Blog: KUWCNews: http://kuwcnews.wordpress.com/
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References
Boone, J. (2010). Grammar, mechanics, and spelling. In
The Kaplan Guide to Successful Writing, eds. D.
Martinez, S. Carlson, & K. VanDam, p. 221-296. New
York: Kaplan Publishing.
All images except for screenshots from © 2013 JupiterImages
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