Punctuation: The Punctuation: The BasicsBasics

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I apply correct punctuation rules in my written work?

Types of PunctuationTypes of Punctuation

PeriodsCommasSemicolonsColonsQuestion MarksExclamation PointsQuotation MarksParenthesesApostrophesHyphensDashesEllipsis Marks (Three-Dot Method)CapitalizationWriting Numbers

PERIOD – Ending Sentences

RULE:

Use a period at the end of a complete sentence.

Example:

She ordered the materials.

PERIOD – Ending the Last Word in a Period

RULE: If the last word in the sentence ends in a period, do not add another period.

Examples:

He is an M.D. His office is located inLawrenceville.

RULE:Use commas to separate word groups with a series of three or more. The comma before the word AND can sometimes be omitted. The comma tells the reader to pause--just as a blinking yellow light tells a driver to slow down and proceed with caution. If you read your sentence out loud, you can often tell where a comma needs to be inserted.

 Examples:

She is scheduled for math, photography, and art.

He plans to purchase paper, pencils and markers. (This way is not acceptable for APA style)

COMMAS - Series

RULE: Use a comma to separate two adjectives if the word AND can be inserted between those words.

COMMAS - Adjectives

 Examples:

She is a beautiful, intelligent lady.

RULE: Use a comma surrounding the name or title of a person

COMMAS – Surrounding the Name or Title of a Person

 Examples:

Will you, John, agree to be on the committee?

Mary Brown, President, will be attending the meeting.

RULE: Use a comma to separate the city from the state as well as after the state. If a two letter abbreviation is used for the state, you do not need a comma.

COMMAS – Separating the City from the State and After the State

 Examples:

I have lived in Atlanta, Georgia, for three years.

I have lived in Atlanta, GA for three years.

RULE: Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year. If any portion of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.

COMMAS – Dates

 Examples:

Our meeting was held June 25, 2009, in Atlanta.

Our meeting was held in June 2009 in Atlanta.

RULE: Use a comma to separate degrees or titles from names. It is no longer required to put a comma after Jr. or Sr. or III, III.

COMMAS – Degrees or Titles

 Examples:

John Brown, M.D., was here for the conference.

Michael Jones III was selected to chair the committee.

RULE: Use a comma after a phrase that begins a sentence of three or more words. The comma is optional for fewer than three words.

COMMAS – Three or More Words

 Examples:

To become a member, you must submit an application.

On May 15 the committees were formed.

RULE: Use a comma to separate expressions that interrupt sentence flow.

COMMAS – Expressions Interrupting Sentence Flow

 Example:

I am, as you are aware, very excited about this new program.

RULE: Use a comma to separate two complete sentences that are joined by the conjunctions AND, OR, BUT, FOR, NOR.

HINT: If you take out the conjunction, both sentences should be able to stand alone as a complete sentence—then insert the comma before the conjunction.

COMMAS – Coordinating Conjunctions

 Examples:

I want to travel to Europe, but I want to start school soon.

I want to travel to Europe but want to start school soon.

RULE: Use a comma if the sentence starts with a weak clause. Do not use a comma if the sentence starts with a strong clause.

COMMAS – Strong / Weak Clause

 Examples:

If you are unsure, let me know.

Let me know if you are unsure.

COMMA SPLICE: Sometimes errors are made when two complete sentences are joined with a comma instead of a conjunction, semicolon or period.

RUN-ON SENTENCE: This error is made when two complete sentences are joined without any marks of punctuation.

COMMAS – Comma Splice, Run-On Sentence

 Examples:

COMMA SPLICE (incorrect)She is scheduled for math in the morning, she is very bright.

RUN-ON SENTENCE (incorrect)She is scheduled for math she is very bright.

CORRECTShe is scheduled for math, and she is very bright.She is scheduled for math; she is very bright.

RULE: Use a comma to introduce or interrupt a direct quote.

COMMAS – Introducing a Direct Quote

 Examples:

Superintendent Wilbanks said, “Our workforce is our greatest asset!”

“Why,” I asked, “do you suggest this change?”

RULE: Use a comma around words used as interrupters such as THEREFORE and HOWEVER.

COMMAS – Interrupters

 Examples:

They will, therefore, agree to attend the conference.

She has, however, accepted the responsibility to handle the problem.

RULE: Use a comma or a semicolon after words such as FOR INSTANCE, FOR EXAMPLE, i.e., e.g.

e.g. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia which means for examplei.e. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est which means that is

COMMAS – e.g. For example i.e. That is

 Examples:

Please be sure to bring your supplies, e.g., paper, pencils, and calculator.

Please be sure to bring your supplies, i.e., anything you feel you need for the workshop.

RULE: Use a comma with introductory words such as WELL, NOW, or YES.

COMMAS – Introductory Words WELL, NOW, YES

 Examples:

Yes, I plan to attend.

Well, I never thought he would leave school.

RULE: Use a comma for an introductory clause that sets the stage for the main part of the sentence which is an independent clause (can stand on its own).

Easy Hint: If an introductory clause begins with after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, until or when, be prepared to insert a comma.

COMMAS – Introductory Clause

 Example:

If you want to graduate, you must pass all your classes.

Independent Clause following an introductory

clause

Introductory Clause

setting the stage

RULE: Use a semicolon to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been omitted.

SEMICOLONS – Conjunction Omitted

 Example:

I plan to attend Tuesday; I will provide you with a summary.

RULE: Use a semicolon to separate series that contain commas.

SEMICOLONS – Separating Series Containing Commas

 Example:

We will have registrants attending from Atlanta, Georgia; San Francisco, California; New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois.

RULE: Use a semicolon to separate series that contain commas.

SEMICOLONS – Separating Series Containing Commas

 Example:

We will have registrants attending from Atlanta, Georgia; San Francisco, California, and Chicago, Illinois.

COLONS - Introducing

RULE: Colons are used to introduce something such as a word, phrase, sentence, quotation, or a list.

 Examples:

Mary has one goal: change. WORDMary has one goal: to change. PHRASEMary has one goal: to change her life. SENTENCEMary has three goals: go to school, lose weight, and become more organized. LIST

COLONS - Following a Salutation

RULE: Colons follow the salutation of a business letter.

 Example:

Dear Mr. Jones:

COLONS - Following a Bulleted List

RULE: Capitalization and punctuation are optional following a bulleted list.

Hint: If the bullet or numbered item is a complete sentence, then capitalize the first word and end the sentence with the proper punctuation.

 Examples:

Bring the following items to class:(a) Two pencils(b) Paper(c) Three markers

Bring the following items to class:(a) two pencils,(b) paper, and(c) three markers.

Gwinnett County Public Schools...A System of World-Class Schools! Our Workforce...Our Greatest Asset!Gwinnett County Public Schools...A System of World-Class Schools! Our Workforce...Our Greatest Asset!

COLONS – Introducing a Direct Quote

RULE: Use a colon to introduce a direct quote that contains more than three lines.

 Example:

The author of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation, Jane Straus, wrote:

I consider The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation a self-help manual of sorts too. I always found grammar and punctuation easy to understand and just had a feeling that I could explain the rules easily to others. (p. 12)

RULE - Use a question mark after a direct question. If you are quoting someone, place the quotation mark before the ending quote.

You can also use a question mark after a half statement and half question.

You DO NOT use a question mark if the sentence is NOT a direct question.

QUESTION MARKS

 Examples:

Will you be attending the meeting?

He said, “Will you be attending the meeting?”

You do want to go, don’t you?

I asked if you would be attending.

RULE - Use the exclamation mark to show emphasis or surprise. Do not use the exclamation point in formal business writing.

EXCLAMATION MARKS

 Example:

When she arrived, everybody screamed, “Happy Birthday!”

RULE – Marks of punctuation always go inside the quotation marks, including inside single quotes.

When you are quoting something that has a spelling or grammar mistake, or a confusing statement, insert [sic] in italics and brackets. This means, “The way the original material was quoted.”

QUOTATION MARKS

 Examples:

Mary said, “Please let me attend the meeting.”

John said, “Mary said, ‘Please let me attend the meeting.’”

He wrote, “I would rather attend then [sic] miss hearing the speaker.” This should be THAN, not THEN.

RULE - Use parentheses to enclose words or figures for clarification.

PARENTHESES – Words or Figures

 Examples:

The registration fee is twenty-five dollars ($25).

We need a teacher who can (1) go to Atlanta, (2) attend the conference, and (3) fly back to Chicago.

Please read the report (Exhibit A).

 Examples:

She isn’t coming. (is not)

Don’t leave the room. (do not)

He’s a wonderful teacher. (he is)

You’re going to have to complete a college degree. (you are)

RULE - Use the apostrophe where letters have been omitted from a word and is placed where the letter has been omitted.

APOSTROPHES – Omitted Letters

 Examples:

The student’s notebook was left in the classroom.

The students’ notebooks were left in the classroom.

John’s and Mary’s homes will be sold. (separate ownership)John and Mary’s home will be sold. (joint ownership)

Mr. Jones’s desk has a stack of papers.

RULE - Use the apostrophe to show possession.

Place the apostrophe before the s to show singular possession. Place the apostrophe after the s to show plural possession.

Use the ‘ s after the second name only if two people possess the same item.

Names ending in s or an s sound are not required to have the second s added to show possession; however, it is preferred.

APOSTROPHES – Possession

 Examples:

My father-in-law's truck is in the shop.

My two sisters-in-law's children will not be there.

RULE - With a singular compound noun, show possession with 's at the end of the word.

With a plural compound noun, form the plural first and then use the apostrophe.

APOSTROPHES – Singular/Plural Compound Noun

 Example:

Use a hyphen to join two or more words that is being used as a single adjective before a noun.

a one-way ticketchocolate-covered raisinswell-known writer

If a compound modifier (compound adjective) comes after a noun, it is not hyphenated.

The raisins were chocolate covered.The writer was well known.

RULE - Check the dictionary to determine whether a compound noun is two words, one word, or hyphenated. If you cannot find the word, treat the noun as separate words. Usage may vary so it is recommended to check a dictionary when unsure of the hyphenation of such words.

HYPHENS – Between Words

 Example:

self-employedex-wifeall-Americanmayor-electmid-1990s2-year educationone-week vacationA-frameAfrican AmericanAir Forceall-city tournamentattorney generalblood pressureblue-green dress

RULE - Use a hyphen with the prefixes ex- (meaning former), self-, all-.Use a hyphen with the suffix –elect, between a prefix and a capitalized word. The current trend is to omit unnecessary hyphens. Again, consult a dictionary when unsure of some hyphenated words.

HYPHENS – Prefixes Ex- Self- All- Suffix -Elect

bull's-eyecoordinatecopaymentdatabasedaughter-in-lawEnglish-speaking personex-wifefirst-rate accommodationsfootballgrandmothergrant-in-aidgreat-aunthalf sisterhigh-level officialsI-beamItalian-AmericanItalian-American club

jack-in-the-boxlifelike

light yearnoncompliancesalespersonsecretary-treasurerself-addressedstockbrokerT-squarethreefoldup-to-the-minuteV-formationvice presidentwell-made clothesworldwide inflationX-ray

 Example:

Our employee benefits are effective January–December.

RULE - An en dash – is a little longer than a hyphen.

It is used for periods of time in place of the word “to or through.”

HINT: To get this mark of punctuation to appear on a computer, hold down ALT and type 0150 on the numeric keypad.

DASHES – En Dash –

 Example:

You are the teacher—the only teacher—who offered me help.

RULE - An em dash — is the width of an m. Use an em dash sparingly in formal writing; it is best used for informal writing. The em dash may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses for emphasis, an interruption, or change of thought in informal writing.

HINT: To get this mark of punctuation to appear on a computer, hold down ALT and type 0151 on the numeric keypad.

DASHES – Em Dash —

 Example:

Original quote:“The accountability reports posted here provide consolidated information on a school's effectiveness based on multiple measures and student characteristics.”

Rewritten quote using ellipses:“The accountability reports posted here provide consolidated information on a school's effectiveness...”

RULE - Use ellipsis marks if omitting a word, phrase, line, paragraph, or more from a quote.

ELLIPSIS MARKS (…)

CAPITALIZATIONBeginning a Quoted Sentence

RULE: The first word of a quoted sentence should be capitalized.

Examples:

She said, “Please print two copies.”

“Watch out for that car!” he yelled.

CAPITALIZATIONProper Nouns

RULE: A proper noun should be capitalized.

Example: Gwinnett County Public Schools

Common Noun Proper Noun

school Gwinnett County Public Schools

teacher Mr. Jones

city Lawrenceville

CAPITALIZATIONIndividual Titles

RULE: Capitalize an individual’s title when it precedes their name.Do not capitalize the title if is a description that follows the name.

Examples:

President Brown

Ms. Ann Brown, the president of the company, will be attending.

RULE: Capitalize an individual’s title if it used as a direct address.

Examples:

Will you be doing any more examinations, Doctor?

RULE: In the inside address of a letter or signature line, capitalize an individual’s title if it follows their name.

Examples: Sincerely,

Mr. John Jackson, President John Jackson, President

CAPITALIZATIONTitles of Publications

RULE: Capitalize the first and last words of publication titles including is, are, and be. Do not capitalize prepositions or words such as a, an, as, the, but, if, and, or, and nor.

Example:

What Color Is Your Parachute?

Preliminary Report on the State Competencies

CAPITALIZATION

Colons

RULE: If a sentence ends with a colon, do not capitalize the first word of the list.

Example:

My favorite flowers are: roses, sunflowers, and daisies.

RULE: Follow a colon after the salutation of a business letter. If writing a personal letter, a comma is acceptable after the salutation.

Example:

Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

Dear Ann,

WRITING NUMBERSCompound Numbers

RULE: Compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine should be hyphenated. Spell it out if it begins a sentence.

Example:

Fifty-five students were honored.

WRITING NUMBERSNumbers 1-9

RULE: Spell out numbers one through nine. However, if the sentence uses a combination of numbers, just be consistent.

Examples:

I would like eight students to volunteer.

I would like 9 students from Norcross and 12 from

Lawrenceville.

PunctuationRequires…

ATTENTION TO DETAIL!