Punctuation Rules

Adapted From Ms. Fulmer

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Comma Rule #1

1) Use commas to separate items in a series.

Example: Please buy apples, oranges, and bananas.

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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.

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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.

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Comma Rule #41) 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.

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Comma Rule #5A. Use a comma after certain introductory words

such as first, yes, or no.

Example: Yes, Hemmingway is my favorite author.

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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.

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Comma Rule #5 C. Use a comma after an introductory prepositional

phrase.

Example: After the football game, we will go out to dinner.

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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.

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Comma Rule #6 B. Use commas to set off words in direct address.

Example: Your essay, Tom, was well organized.

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Comma Rule #7 1.) Use commas to separate items in dates and

addresses.

Example: On Friday, June 10, 2005, my niece Melania was born.

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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,

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Comma Rule #91.) Use a comma to set off an abbreviation such as

Jr., Sr., RN, M.D., Inc.,

Example: Is Juan Fuentes Jr., your cousin?

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Comma Rule #10

1.) Use a comma to introduce quotations.

Example: John said, “I will go to the park with you.”

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Comma Splice1.) 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.

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Semicolon Rule #11.) 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.

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Semicolon Rule #21.) 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.

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Conjunctive Adverbs:

accordinglylikewiseneverthelessthereforeconsequentlysimilarlyhoweverfurthermore

Transitional Phrases:

for example for instancesuch as as a resultin addition

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Colon Rules1.) 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.

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Instructions

Complete the comma exercise on paper first. Then click we will go on line to check your

answers. Use a RED PEN to correct all missed questions. Comma Exercise ANSWERS - CLICK HERE

Ask Mr. Victor for a copy.