Grammar boot camp

Pass in Review: Punctuation

Your Mission:
To Study the Comma

To Study the Semicolon

To Study the Colon To Study the Dash

To Study the Hyphen

To Exercise your Writing Muscles

This presentation is enhanced with Question and Answer slides. To access, simply click on the words that are highlighted and underlined.

Comma
Rule 1:

Separate Three or More Elements (words, phrases, clauses) in a Series. Examples:

I ordered a ring, a necklace, and a scarf. The dog ran down the stairs, through the living room, and out the door. He studied his notes, he read his textbook, and he completed his homework assignments.

Comma
Rule 2:

Set Off Most Introductory Elements (transitions, phrases, dependent clauses). Examples:

Indeed, we all agreed with Toms decision. After four years of intense training, the gymnast was ready to compete internationally. When Amy finished painting her room, she returned the borrowed ladder.

Comma
Rule 3:

Use Before a Coordinating Conjunction to Join Independent Clauses.

Example: Larry received an excellent job offer, but he rejected it.

Comma
Rule 4:

Set Off Nonessential Elements (appositives, phrases, clauses). Examples:

Alice Jones, a waitress, won the contest. Diane Ortega, living at 2401 Lakeview, placed second. Philadelphia, which is my hometown, is located in southern Pennsylvania.

Hint: An element is nonessential if the meaning of the sentence is not changed when the element is removed.

Whats an appositive?
An Appositive is a word or phrase that restates or

modifies an immediately preceding nominal (noun).

Example: Mexico City, the biggest city in the world, has many interesting archaeological sites. Mexico City = the biggest city in the world Denver, the capitol of Colorado, is the home of the Denver Broncos, the best

football team in the US. Denver = the capitol of Colorado Denver Broncos = the best football team in the US.

NOTE: an appositive is often useful as a context clue for

determining or refining the meaning of the word(s) to which it refers.

Comma
Elements

DO NOT Use Commas for Essential (or restrictive)

Examples: All students who complete the assignment will get to go. Children under five years old enter free.

Hint: An element is essential if the meaning of the sentence is changed when the element is removed.

Comma
Rule 5:

,
Set Off Transitional Words.

Examples: Many people, consequently, have cell phones. The team, first of all, must pick a captain. Curling is a popular sport, nevertheless.

Comma
Rule 6:

,
To Prevent Misreading.

Examples: When the lightning struck, James Harvey fainted. When the lightning struck James, Harvey fainted.

Semicolon
Rule 1:

Join Independent Clauses Not Joined by a Comma and Coordinating Conjunction.

Example: The children enjoyed the circus; they liked the clown act most of all.

Semicolon
Rule 2:

Use Before a Conjunctive Adverb to Join Two Independent Clauses.

Example: Jessica likes to play the piano; however, she prefers to play the violin.

NOTE: A comma follows the conjunctive adverb.

Semicolon
Rule 3:

Use Before a Coordinating Conjunction to Join Two Independent Clauses Only When the Clauses Have Internal Commas.

Example: Ray can travel by bus, car or plane; but, he would rather travel by plane.

NOTE: A comma follows the coordinating conjunction.

Semicolon
Rule 4:

Separate Items in a Series When the Items Have Internal Commas.

Example: I talked to James, my friend; Sarah, his sister; and Sam, Sarahs son.

colon
Rule 1:

:
Introduce a List.

Example: You will bring the following: forks, knives, and spoons.

colon
Rule 2:

Introduce a Second Main Clause Which Explains the First.

Example: Her excuse is valid: she does not have transportation.

colon
Rule 3:

:
Emphasize a Following Appositive.

Example: He had only one motive: love.

Dash
Rule 1:

-Set Off a Parenthetical Element.

Example: He told herbelieve it or notto leave.

Dash
Rule 2:

-Emphasize an Appositive.

Example: English, history, and scienceall are required.

Hyphen
Rule 1:

Join Compound Words Functioning as a Single Unit.

Example: May I introduce my mother-in-law? Donny has a better-late-than-never disposition.

NOTE: The hyphen is shorter than the dash.

Hyphen
Rule 2:

Join Fractions and Compound Numbers from 21 to 99.

Example: He gave me two-thirds of his pay check. Nathan is twenty-one years old today.

Hyphen
Rule 3:

Use with Prefixes Ex- and Self-.

Example: Mr. McCaslin is the ex-president of the company. Self-denial builds character.

Exercise Your Muscles

Add the missing punctuation marks to the following sentences: 1. Doris went to work but Janis stayed home. 2. Three guiding principles direct his life faith hope and love. 3. They were equally fond of swimming dancing and riding. 4. The host was generous he served caviar and champagne.

Answer key:
Add the missing punctuation marks to the following sentences: 1. Doris went to work, but Janis stayed home. 2. Three guiding principles direct his life: faith, hope, and love. 3. They were equally fond of swimming, dancing, and riding. 4. The host was generous; he served caviar and champagne.

Congratulations!
You have successfully completed Pass in Review: Punctuation of Grammar Boot Camp.

Sign up for other sessions of Grammar Boot Camp at the Stone Writing Centers Website: http://www.delmar.edu/engl/wrtctr .