Punctuation Rules Comma Rule 1 1 Use commas

Punctuation Rules

Comma Rule #1 1) Use commas to separate items in a series. Example: Please buy apples, oranges, and bananas. 2

Comma Rule #2 1) Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun. Example: Abraham Lincoln was a noble, compassionate, wise leader. 3

Comma Rule #3 1) Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions when they join independent clauses. FANBOYS= for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so Example: My friend invited me to a party, but I do not want to go. 4

Comma Rule #4 1) Use a comma to set off nonessential clauses and phrases. 2) A nonessential clause or phrase is one that can be left out of the sentence without changing the meaning of the sentence. Example: My aunt, wearing the kimono, is on her way to a dinner party. 5

Comma Rule #5 A. Use a comma after certain introductory words such as first, yes, or no. Example: Yes, Hemingway is my favorite author. 6

Comma Rule #5 B. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. Example: Standing on the quarter-deck, Captain Ahab spoke to his crew. 7

Comma Rule #5 C. Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase. Example: After the football game, we will go out to dinner. 8

Comma Rule #6 A. Use commas to set off appositives and appositive phrases. Example: My favorite book by John Grisham, A Time to Kill, was published in 1989. 9

Comma Rule #6 B. Use commas to set off words in direct address. Example: Your essay, Tom, was well organized. 10

Comma Rule #7 1. ) Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses. Example: On Friday, March 13 th, 2002, my nephew Jaime was born. 11

Comma Rule #8 1. ) Use a comma after the beginning of a friendly letter and after the closing of a letter. Example: Dear Rosa, Sincerely, 12

Comma Rule #9 1. ) Use a comma to set off an abbreviation such as Jr. , Sr. , RN, M. D. , Inc. , Example: Is Juan Fuentes Jr. , your cousin? 13

Comma Rule #10 1. ) Use a comma to introduce quotations. Example: John said, “I will go to the park with you. ” 14

Comma Splice 1. ) A comma splice is a run-on sentence with a comma where the two sentences run together. 2. ) You MUST use a comma and a conjunction or a semicolon to join 2 independent clauses. Incorrectly Written: Joe went to the grocery store, he needed to buy food for dinner. Correctly Written: Joe went to the grocery store; he needed to buy food for dinner. 15

Semicolon Rule #1 1. ) Use a semicolon between independent clauses. This is called a compound sentence. Example: It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway. 16

Semicolon Rule #2 1. ) Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase. Example: I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell. 17

Conjunctive Adverbs: Transitional Phrases: accordingly likewise nevertheless therefore consequently similarly however furthermore for example for instance such as as a result in addition 18

Colon Rules 1. ) Use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as follows and following. 2. ) Do NOT use a colon before a list that directly follows a verb or a preposition. Example: Please buy the following items while you are at the store: meat, potatoes, and milk. 19