The Six Top Punctuation Rules
Read them. Memorize them. Remember them.
1. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
Example: When writing an English paper, it’s important to remember
punctuation rules.
Example: If you have an introductory clause at the start of a sentence, be sure to
include the comma.
2. When you have two complete sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction (and,
but, or, nor, for, so, yet), use a comma before the conjunction.
Example: Prospero is a poor ruler at the start of the play, but he changes in the
final act.
BUT: Prospero is a poor ruler at the start of the play but changes in the final act.
3. When you have one complete sentence (an independent clause) and one incomplete
sentence (a dependent clause) joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or,
nor, for, so, yet), do NOT use a comma.
Example: Puck is an agent of misrule and ignores Oberon’s advice.
BUT: Puck is an agent of misrule, and he ignores Oberon’s advice.
4. The Comma Splice: Do NOT use a comma to join two complete sentences (two
independent clauses).
NOT THIS: Puck is an agent of misrule, he ignores Oberon’s advice.
OR THIS: Prospero is a poor ruler at the start of the play, he changes in the final
act.
Instead, use a semi-colon, make two sentences, or use a coordinating conjunction:
Example: Puck is an agent of misrule; he ignores Oberon’s advice.
Example: Prospero is a poor ruler at the start of the play, but he changes in the
final act.
Example: Remember this punctuation rule. Your grade depends on it.
5. The Semi-colon: You should only use a semi-colon when joining two closely related
COMPLETE SENTENCES (independent clauses) NOT joined by a coordinating
conjunction.
Example: Col. Joll hungers for absolute power; he desires absolute obedience.
BUT: Col Joll hungers for absolute power, but he desires absolute obedience.
6. Its/It’s: We usually use an apostrophe to show possession (the boy’s pencil, the dog’s
bowl). With “its,” however, we do NOT use an apostrophe to show possession (its bowl
is on the floor; its toy is in the shed).
The ONLY time you use an apostrophe with “its” is when it is used as a conjunction:
It’s an important rule.
*You can test to see if it’s a conjunction by substituting “it is” for “it’s”—if your
sentence still makes sense, you need the apostrophe:
It’s the dog’s bone (it is the dog’s bone).
BUT: Its bone is on the floor (you can’t say “It is bone is on the floor).