Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 1:

Sentence End Marks

Definition: An end mark is a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence to
show that the sentence is finished. There are three end marks: the period, the
question mark, and the exclamation mark.
Hint:
You may want to review sentence types in Module 9, Lesson 7: Kinds of
Sentences/Sentence Purposes.
Periods
Periods are used to end many types of sentences:

Declarative sentences

The sun is shining this morning.

I want to go to the beach.
I can't find my keys.

Polite or less emphatic imperative sentences

Look under your chair.

Please be on time.

Indirect questions
 The teacher asked Michael why he was late.
Mom asked if you remembered to buy milk.

Question Marks
Question marks are used after interrogative sentences (direct questions). There are
several types of interrogative sentences:

Basic questions

Have you seen my other shoe?

Where have you been?

Question fragments

I didn't eat the rest of the pizza, did you?

You are late. Why?

Imperative sentences phrased like questions

Would you please hand me that book?

Will you all please have a seat?

Exclamation Marks (also called Exclamation Points)

Exclamation marks are used to end several types of emphatic expressions:

Basic exclamatory sentences

I can't believe you won!

It's raining again!

Strong interjections

Wow! That's a lot of money!

Whew! That was a close call.

Powerful imperative sentences

Watch out!
Be quiet!

Exclamations phrased as questions

What a beautiful home you have!
How wonderful!

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
The end punctuation has been omitted from each of the following sentences.
Click the correct punctuation mark at the end of each sentence.

Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 2:

Periods in Abbreviations
Definition: An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word. There are different
kinds of abbreviations. Some use periods; others don't. Some are written in capital
letters; others use lowercase letters. This is an area that is changing rapidly. It is
always best to check a dictionary or a style manual to be certain.

People's Names and Titles

Abbreviations in people's names and titles generally do use periods, but academic
degrees and Roman numerals do not require periods.
 Periods

People's Names People's Titles

John Q. Adams (Quincy) Mr. (Mister)

S. E. Hinton (Susan Eloise Hinton) Mrs. (Missus, short
(Also notice that there is a space after the first initial in the for Mistress)
second example.) Dr. (Doctor)
Jr. (Junior)
Sr. (Senior)

No Periods

Roman Numerals Academic Degrees

(after names of people or events)

John Parker III (pronounced John Parker the third, not John BA (Bachelor of Arts)
Parker three) MA (Master of Arts)
World War II PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
RN (Registered Nurse)

Days and Months, Latin Phrases, Addresses Directions, and Traditional State vs.
Postal State Abbreviations
 Periods

Months Days of the Addresses Latin Phrases Traditional

Week: State
Abbreviations of Abbreviations
Three Letters or (not frequently
More used anymore)

Jan.(January Mon. (Monday) Ave.(Avenue) i.e. (id est = in Fla. (Florida)

) Tues. (Tuesday) St. (Street) other words) Mont.(Montana
Thurs. (Thursday e.g. (exempli grati )
) a = for example)
etc. (et cetera =
and so forth)

No Periods

Days of the Week: Two- or Directions US Postal Abbreviations

Three-Letter Abbreviations (all caps) (all caps)

Tu or Tue (Tuesday) NW(northwest FL (Florida)

) MT (Montana)
SE(southeast)

Note: Three-letter abbreviations for days of the week can be written with or without
a period at the end. Whether you decide to use periods or not, just remember to be
consistent in your writing.
Tue. and Wed.
Tue and Wed

Measurements
Most measurements and scientific abbreviations do not use periods, but standard
United States measurements and time abbreviations have a period at the end.
 Periods

Standard US Measurements Time Abbreviations

in. (inch) sec. (second)

ft. (foot) h. or hr. (hour)
oz. (ounce)(The z in oz. comes from the Medieval Italian word onza.)

No Periods

Metric Measurements Math and Science Computer and Internet

ml (milliliter) mph (miles per hour) CPU (central processing unit)

km (kilometer) mpg (miles per gallon) URL (uniform resource locator)
cg (centigram) rpm (revolutions per minute) DVD (digital video disc)

Abbreviations in All Capitals

Abbreviations made up of the first letter of each word in a phrase, usually in all
capitals, do not generally use periods, with some exceptions here and there.

Periods
(Exception to the Above Rule)

The Abbreviation for District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.
(D.C. has periods even though it is pronounced letter by letter.)
 Periods
(Exception to the Above Rule)

The Abbreviation for District of Columbia

No Periods
(The Norm)

Acronyms Abbreviations Pronounced

Letter by Letter

These are abbreviations pronounced as words instead of a FBI (Federal Bureau

string of letters. Some acronym abbreviations have actually of Investigation)
become words themselves. FYI (for your information)
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) MVP (most valuable player)
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

Abbreviations that Can Go Either Way

Some abbreviations are rapidly changing. Either form is generally accepted, but
check with your teacher or style manual to make sure.

Acceptable With or Without Periods

U.S.A. or USA

B.C., A.D., C.E., B.C.E. or BC, AD, CE, BCE

(B.C. or BC: Before Christ; A.D. or AD: Anno Domini/After Death; C.E. or CE: Common
Era; B.C.E.or BCE: Before Common Era)

a.m., p.m. or AM, PM

If lowercase, use periods. If capitals, do not use periods.
(a.m. or AM: ante meridiem/before midday; p.m. or PM: post meridiem/after midday)
Abbreviations and End Punctuation
If you end a sentence with an abbreviation containing a period, do not put another
period at the end of the sentence. However, if a sentence ends in an exclamation
mark or a question mark, include both the abbreviation's period and the end mark.
His son's name is Jason Miller Jr. (abbreviation period only, no end period)
Is his son's name Jason Miller Jr.? (abbreviation period + ending question mark)

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
One or more periods have been omitted from each of the following
sentences. To insert a period, click the space after the abbreviation, or after
each letter in the abbreviation. Some sentences have more than one
abbreviation. Some abbreviations have a space after them or a space after
each letter, but you have to decide whether periods are required or not
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 3:

Commas in a Series
Definition: A comma separates elements in a sentence, such as items in a list or
series, but it also shows that those elements are connected to each other within the
same sentence. A comma is never used as an end mark, and it is read with a shorter
pause than an end mark. One use of the comma is to separate three or more words,
phrases, or clauses in a list or series. Commas go after each item except the last.
Note:
In British usage, there is no comma before the conjunction (such
as and or or) before the last item in the series.
Hint: You may want to review Module 7, Lesson 1: Coordinate
Conjunctions.

Words in a Series
You need to get out your pencil, paper, and textbook.
I will need tomatoes, spinach, and cheese for this recipe.

Phrases in a Series
Next summer I want to go kayaking in the ocean, hiking in the Appalachian
Mountains, and surfing in Florida.
The puppy chased the kitten under the sofa, around the kitchen chairs, and up the
stairs.

Clauses in a Series
We went to the mall, and we went to the movies, but we didn't go out to eat.
Misha wasn't sure if you were coming, you and Marcello were coming, or everyone
was coming.
Note:
If conjunctions are used for emphasis to separate items in a series, commas
are not used.
I felt like I had been poked and prodded and persecuted.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Each of the following sentences contains a series. If necessary, insert a
comma (or commas) by clicking the space(s) after the appropriate word(s). If
the sentence is punctuated correctly, click "correct as is" at the end of the
sentence.
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 4:

Commas with Adjectives

A series of adjectives that comes before a noun can be classified as coordinate or
cumulative.
Hint:
Review Module 5, Lesson 4: Order of Adjectives.
Definition: Coordinate adjectives modify nouns in similar ways. They describe
similar features. Most coordinate adjectives are adjectives of opinion or evaluation.
Commas must be used between coordinate adjectives.
That frightening, monstrous creature under the bridge is a troll.
Definition: Cumulative adjectives build upon each other and must be in a certain
order. They are equally important and give different types of information. Do not
use commas between cumulative adjectives.
Two tall pillars were used to form the entrance to Stonehenge.

Traditional Explanation
The way to figure out whether adjectives are coordinate or cumulative is to put the
conjunction andbetween the adjectives or to see if they can be switched around. If
the sentence still sounds natural when you add and or change the adjective order,
add a comma.
Coordinate adjectives:
That frightening and monstrous creature under the bridge is a troll.
That monstrous, frightening creature under the bridge is a troll.
These sentences both sound fine, so you can tell that these are coordinate adjectives
of opinion.
Cumulative adjectives:
Two and tall pillars were used to form the entrance to Stonehenge.
Tall two pillars were used to form the entrance to Stonehenge.
These sentences both sound awkward. Because you cannot add and or change the
adjective order, you know that these are cumulative adjectives.

Add a Comma for Clarity

Sometimes a comma is inserted to clarify that two adjectives modify an adjective-
noun combination.
The delicious, moist chocolate cake
The chocolate cake is delicious and moist. Chocolate cake is the adjective-noun
combination (chocolatetells us what kind of cake we're talking
about). Delicious and moist are separate adjectives that describe chocolate cake.
The delicious moist chocolate cake
The moist chocolate cake is delicious. The adjective delicious is modifying the
whole phrase moist chocolate cake. The adjective moist has fused with chocolate
cake.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Each of the following sentences contains two or more modifiers for the
same word. If necessary, insert a comma (or commas) by clicking the
space(s) after the appropriate word(s). If the sentence is punctuated
correctly, click "correct as is" at the end of the sentence.

?1.
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 5:

Commas in Compound Sentences

A comma is generally used to separate two or more independent clauses in
a compound sentence that is joined by a coordinating or, occasionally, a correlative
conjunction.
The children learned to ride their bicycles, and then they rode them in the park.
I want to see that new movie, but I am too late.
Sammi wants to get a new haircut, so we are going to the salon on Friday.
If you're not sure whether or not the sentence needs a comma, check to see if each
half of the sentence makes sense by itself. You can test whether each half makes
sense by replacing the conjunction with a period. If each half does make sense by
itself, you need to add a comma before the conjunction. Compound subjects and
compound predicates are not separated by commas.
I visited my sister in London and had a wonderful time.
This sentence doesn't need a comma because the second half of the sentence can't
stand alone: had a wonderful time isn't a complete sentence because the subject is
missing. This is an example of a compound predicate (visited my sister + had a
wonderful time), which doesn't require a comma.
I meant to return that book to you but forgot it on the kitchen table.
Just like the previous sentence, this one doesn't need a comma because forgot it on
the kitchen table is missing the subject and doesn't make sense by itself.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
A comma has been omitted from each of the following sentences. Insert a
comma by clicking the space after the appropriate word.
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 6:

Commas in Complex Sentences

If a complex sentence begins with a dependent adverb clause, a comma is used to
separate the two clauses.
Since we are already late, we don't have time to stop.
If you have found the page, please begin reading.
If a complex sentence begins with an independent clause, no comma is used between
the clauses.
We don't have time to stop since we are already late.
Please begin reading if you have found the page.
Hint:
You might also want to review Module 7, Lesson 5: Subordinating
Conjunctions.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
A comma may have been omitted from each of the following sentences. If
necessary, insert a comma by clicking the space after the appropriate word.
If the sentence is punctuated correctly, click "correct as is" at the end of the
sentence.
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 7:

Commas with Introductory Elements

Some people use the salt shaker approach to commas: sprinkle them about,
anywhere they think there might be a pause, and hope, that they are useful. Some
people listen for commas. Neither of these is the correct way to use commas. These
approaches only work in a few instances, and when they do, there is always a
grammatical rule to back it up. (Note that the commas in the first sentence were
intentionally used incorrectly.)
A comma is often used after an introductory element at the beginning of a sentence.
These elements can include introductory interjections, prepositional phrases,
absolute phrases, adverbs, and transitional expressions.

Introductory Interjections
Use a comma after introductory interjections that don't display a lot of emotion.
Yes, we should go soon.
No, I didn't bring any glue.
Well, I'm not sure that's a good idea.
Ugh, this backpack is heavy.

Introductory Adverb Prepositional Phrases

Use a comma after an introductory adverb prepositional phrase unless it is very short
(3-4 words) and is not likely to be misunderstood.
Between the towering city buildings, the sky could be seen.
Use a comma because the introductory prepositional phrase is more than four words.
Before eating, Lauren put the pots in the sink to soak.
Use a comma to clarify that no one is eating Lauren.
In the morning we have to get up really early.
No comma is necessary because the introductory phrase is only three words.

Absolute Phrases
Use a comma after an absolute phrase at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end
of the sentence.
The rain finally over, we left the shelter of the trees and walked on.
The puppy, its eyes finally closed, slept the rest of the car ride home.

Introductory Adverbs
Generally, use a comma after an adverb at the beginning of the sentence.
Quietly, we tiptoed past the bedroom door so that we wouldn't wake Dad.

Introductory Transitional Expressions

Use a comma after an introductory transitional expression, like a conjunctive
adverb (however, therefore, moreover, etc.) or a transitional phrase (for example, as
a matter of fact, in other words, etc.).
Next, we will analyze Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night.
In conclusion, I believe that the school should require uniforms.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
A comma has been omitted from each of the following sentences. Insert a
comma by clicking the space after the appropriate word
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 8:

Commas with Interruptions

Commas are used to set off elements that interrupt a sentence or that are not
essential to a sentence.

Parenthetical and Transitional Expressions

Use commas around parenthetical and transitional expressions,
including conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases, that are in the middle or at
the end of a sentence.
The contents of this chapter, from what I have seen, are a repetition of the last
chapter.
I will, however, need to see your driver's license.
Celery, for example, contains fewer calories than what you burn eating and
digesting it.
Certain transitional expressions do not always need a comma. If reading the
sentence does not require a pause, no comma is used.
Perhaps we will visit the castle after all.

Direct Address
Use a comma to separate a noun of direct address from the rest of the sentence.
Rashad, are you feeling alright?
Are you, Nicholas, paying attention?

Interrogative Tags
Use a comma to separate ending interrogative tags from the rest of the sentence.
You did read the book, didn't you?

Sharp Contrasts
Use a comma or a pair of commas with elements expressing sharp contrast. These
contrasts often begin with not, never, and unlike.
Make sure you buy whole milk, not fat-free milk, or the recipe will not work.
My father, unlike my mother, loves to watch scary movies.
Most skateboarders, but not all of them, like to take risks.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
One or more commas have been omitted from each of the following
sentences. Insert a comma (or commas) by clicking the space(s) after the
appropriate word(s)
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 9:

Commas with Nonessential Elements

Use a comma (or a pair of commas) to set off elements that are nonessential (also
called nonrestrictive). A phrase or clause is nonessential if it can be removed
without changing the main idea of the sentence; a nonessential element just adds a
relatively unimportant detail. Essential (or restrictive) elements, on the other hand,
are not set off by commas because they are too important to be removed from a
sentence.

Participial Phrases
Nonessential participial phrases describe nouns, but the information they provide
about those nouns is not very important. Use a comma (or a pair of commas) to
separate a nonessential participial phrase from the rest of the sentence.
Walking slowly, the tourists followed the guide through the museum.
The tourists, walking slowly, followed the guide through the museum.
If you remove the participial phrase walking slowly from either of these sentences,
the main idea of the sentence (the tourists followed the guide through the museum)
doesn't change.
Hint:
A participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence is always nonessential.
Essential (or restrictive) participial phrases also describe nouns, but they tell us vital
information about those nouns. Do not use commas around essential participial
phrases.
The tourists eating ice cream cones were not allowed into the museum until they
finished eating.
Only the tourists eating ice cream cones were not allowed in. If you removed the
phrase eating ice cream cones, the meaning of the sentence would changeit would
mean that none of the tourists was let in, which is very different from the original
sentence.

Adjective Phrases
Use commas to separate nonessential adjective phrases from the rest of the sentence.
These phrases can be prepositional or verbal.
My cell phone, in its blue case, seems to vanish into my backpack whenever it
rings. (prepositional phrase)
We don't need to know that the cell phone is in a blue case. This is a nonessential
detail.
My cell phone, ringing loudly, has vanished into my backpack. (participial phrase,
which is a type of verbal.)
The cell phone would have vanished into your backpack regardless of whether it had
been ringing or not, so ringing loudly is a nonessential detail.
Do not use commas to separate essential adjective phrases from the rest of the
sentence.
The television with the broken screen needs to be recycled.
The phrase with the broken screen specifies which television. It's not the new
television that needs to be recycled; it's the one with the broken screen.
The cell phone ringing loudly needs to be turned off.
Not just any phone needs to be turned off; it's the one that's ringing loudly.

Appositives
Use commas to separate nonessential appositives from the rest of the sentence.
My Latin teacher, Mr. Virga, gives us homework every night.
We don't need to know your Latin teacher's name to understand that he gives you
homework, so his name is a nonessential appositive.
Do not use commas to separate essential appositives from the rest of the sentence.
My friend Elizabeth is one of the nicest people I know.
If you didn't tell us your friend's name, we wouldn't know which friend you were
talking about, so her name is an essential appositive.

Adjective Clauses
Use commas to set off nonessential adjective clauses. In American English many
authors use which to start nonessential clauses and that to start essential clauses.
Joey ordered frozen yogurt, which he thinks is healthier, instead of ice cream.
The main idea of this sentence is that Joey ordered frozen yogurt instead of ice
cream, so it's possible to remove the adjective clause without changing the
meaning of the sentence.
It's not necessary to set off an essential adjective clause with commas.
The painting that my mom bought in France is still waiting to be framed.
Without the adjective clause, we are left wondering exactly which painting is
waiting to be framed.
Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
One or more commas have been omitted from each of the following
sentences. Insert a comma (or commas) by clicking the space(s) after the
appropriate word(s)

Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 10:

Using Commas to Avoid the Absurd
Especially when using prepositional phrases and complex sentences, leaving out a
comma can lead to confusion, or even an absurd statement. Read these sentences
without commas.
Even before spring leaves start to appear on the trees.
When does spring leave?
If you wash Jesse will dry.
Why are you washing Jesse?
While we were eating Audrey announced her big news.
We were eating Audrey?
Before you vacuum your sister needs to dust.
Sisters don't need vacuuming (usually!).
Now read the same sentences with commas. They make much more sense!
Even before spring, leaves start to appear on the trees.
If you wash, Jesse will dry.
While we were eating, Audrey announced her big news.
Before you vacuum, your sister needs to dust.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Click on the sentence below when you have finished reading the lesson.
Then click the answer button to score or submit
Module 11, Punctuation: End Marks and Commas, Lesson 11:

Comma Conventions
Many comma conventions are observed for the sake of clarity.

Dates
Commas are used in dates to set off the day of the week or the year from the rest of
the date. A second comma is used after the year to separate it from the rest of the
sentence. If the year comes at the end of the sentence, the second comma is not
needed.
On the wintery morning of January 27, 1933, my father was born.
He was born January 27, 1933.
His last birthday was Wednesday, January 27, 2016.
If you use only the month and year, it's not necessary to use any commas.
January 1933 was a busy month for my grandmother.
Commas are not needed for dates written in the European format, in which the day
comes first and the month second.
My father was born on 27 January 1933.

Addresses
When writing a city and state, the state is set off from the rest of the sentence by a
pair of commas. If the state comes at the end of the sentence, the second comma is
not needed.
I was visiting Naples, Florida, last weekend.
Last weekend I was visiting Naples, Florida.
When writing an address all on one line or in a sentence, use a comma before the
following elements: the apartment or suite number, the city, and the state. It's not
necessary to use a comma before the zip code.
Her address is 3425 Stone Street, Apt. 2A, Jacksonville, FL 39404.
If using a person's name along with the address, place a comma after the name.
Jane Doe, 3425 Stone Street, Apt. 2A, Jacksonville, FL 39404
If the address is written on three lines, as on an envelope or at the top of a letter, no
commas are needed between the lines. A comma is still needed before the apartment
or suite number and before the state.
Jane Doe
3425 Stone Street, Apt. 2A
Jacksonville, FL 39404
Sometimes the apartment or suite number is written on another line. If that is the
case, the comma before the apartment number is not necessary.
Jane Doe
3425 Stone Street
Apt. 2A
Jacksonville, FL 39404

Titles
If a person's academic or professional title follows the name, it is separated from the
rest of the sentence by a pair of commas. If the title comes at the end of the sentence,
the second comma is not needed.
Jerry Mayor, MD, graduated from medical school twenty years ago.
Do you know Jerry Mayor, MD?
Do not use commas with titles that are part of a person's name.
Jerry Mayor Jr. is the son of Jerry Mayor Sr.
My son's name is Larry Miller II.

Numbers
In numbers more than four digits long, commas separate the digits into groups of
three. In scientific writing, the comma is not used in four digit numbers (thousands).
I have $4,500 in my bank account.
4500 ft2
In larger numbers, the comma is always necessary, regardless of whether the number
appears in scientific writing or not.
3,500,000 mi.
Hint:
In order to figure out where to place commas in a large number, count
backwards in groups of three digits, not forwards.
Numbers used as street addresses, zip codes, telephone numbers, or years do not
require commas.
29112 Cherry Tree Lane
Our zip code is 92775.
My father was born in 1965.

Letters
A comma is used to separate the greeting of an informal letter from the body. (A
formal business letter requires a colon instead.)
Dear Aunt Sue,
How have you been? ...
A comma is used to separate the closing of a letter from the signature.
... I hope to see you again soon.
Sincerely,
Liza

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
One or more commas have been omitted from each of the following
sentences. To insert a comma, click the space(s) after the appropriate
word(s). To insert a comma in a number, click the number after which you
would like to place a comma
Module 12, Punctuation: Quotation Marks, Lesson 1:

Quoting Someone's Exact Words

Definition: Quotation marks (") are used to show that an author is using someone
else's exact wordsthey may be the words of a person, a character, or a written
source.
Use quotation marks only when quoting someone's exact words, either spoken or
written. This is called a direct quotation.
"I prefer my cherries chocolate covered," joked Alyssa.
Jackie kept repeating, "Good dog, good dog!"
"How long will it take you?" asked Mom.

Placement of Quotation Marks

Place the opening quotation mark where the speaker's words start, and the closing
quotation mark where the speaker's words end.
"I have wanted to buy my own truck for a long time," said Jordan.
If a quotation is more than one sentence long, place the first quotation mark where
the quote begins, and the second one at the end of the last sentence. It's not
necessary to put quotation marks around each individual sentence in the quote.
"I have been saving money for two years. I almost have enough for the down
payment," Micah told him.
It's also important to remember that quotation marks close and then open again if the
quote is interrupted.
"I guess I should start saving money, then," replied Jordan, "if I am ever going to
buy one."
Definition: An indirect quotation is a sentence that reports what a speaker said or
wrote, but it does not use the person's exact words. Indirect quotations do not need
quotation marks.The word that often indicates that the statement is an indirect
quotation.
Alyssa joked that she preferred her cherries covered with chocolate.
Jackie told her dog that she was a good dog.
Sometimes it may be difficult to tell whether a statement is a direct or indirect
quotation, but the verb tenseand word order can give you some clues.
Indirect: Mom asked how long it would take us to get to the Grand Canyon.
Direct: Mom asked, "How long will it take us to get to the Grand Canyon?"

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Insert quotation marks in each of the following sentences by clicking the
spaces before and after the appropriate words. If the sentence is
punctuated correctly, click "correct as is.
Module 12, Punctuation: Quotation Marks, Lesson 2:

Quotation Marks with Dialogue

Declarative Sentences
When capitalizing and punctuating dialogue containing declarative sentences, it is
easiest to start by focusing on how you would write the dialogue in sentence form.
 Then add narrative elements (such as Jaime said or Mandy asked), additional
punctuation (where necessary), and quotation marks.
Jailen said, "Scientists hope that someday people will live on Mars."
Adrian answered, "That sounds like science fiction to me."
Notice that the quotation's capitalization stays the same. In this case the end
punctuation stays the same as well, but it may change depending on where the
narrative element falls in the sentence (keep reading to learn more).

Capitalization

No matter whether the narrative element comes before, in the middle of, or after the
quotation, the capitalization of the quotation always stays the same. Do not
capitalize the first word in the second half of a split quotation.

Jailen said, "Scientists hope that someday people will live on Mars."
"Scientists hope that someday people will live on Mars," said Jailen.
"Scientists hope," said Jailen, "that someday people will live on Mars."

Punctuation: narrative element first

If the narrative element comes first, it is always followed by a comma. The

quotation will end with a period.

Jailen said, "Scientists hope that someday people will live on Mars."
Adrian answered, "That sounds like science fiction to me."

Punctuation: narrative element last

If the narrative element comes last, change the period at the end of the quotation to a
comma. This is because you can't put a period in the middle of a sentence. If you
did, your reader would not understand that the narrative element is connected to the
quote. The narrative element will be followed by a period since it falls at the end of
the sentence.

"Scientists hope that someday people will live on Mars," said Jailen.
"That sounds like science fiction to me," answered Adrian.

Punctuation: split quotations (narrative element in the middle)

 If the narrative element comes in the middle of the quotation, add one comma to the
end of the first part of the quotation, and another comma after the narrative element.
The quotation will end with a period.

"Scientists hope," said Jailen, "that someday people will live on Mars."
"That sounds," answered Adrian, "like science fiction to me."
Note:
In American English, commas and periods always go inside the quotation
marks, never outside. British English follows different conventions that are
not covered in this lesson.

Questions and Exclamations

Fred asked, "What is your name?"
Sam yelled over the roaring crowd, "My name is Sam!"

Punctuation: narrative element first or split quotation

Unlike periods, question marks and exclamation marks never change to commas.
That's because we need these marks to indicate that the quotation is interrogative or
exclamatory, not declarative. Question marks and exclamation marks go inside the
quotation marks when they are part of the original quotation. For split quotations, it's
also necessary to add a comma after the first part of the quotation and after the
narrative element (just like you would with a declarative quotation).
Narrative element first:

Fred asked, "What is your name?"

Sam yelled over the roaring crowd, "My name is Sam!"

Split quotation:

"What," Fred asked, "is your name?"

"My name," Sam yelled over the roaring crowd, "is Sam!"

Punctuation: narrative element last

If the narrative element comes last, the question mark or exclamation mark at the
end of the quotation does not change, and no comma is necessary. Just add a period
after the narrative element since it falls at the end of the sentence.
"What is your name?" Fred asked.
"My name is Sam!" Sam yelled over the roaring crowd.

Fragments
If you are quoting only part of what someone said, you do not need to add a comma
before the quotation, and you do not need to capitalize the first letter of the
quotation.
Our teacher told us that Leonardo da Vinci was "one of the greatest minds of all
time."

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Insert quotation marks in each of the following sentences by clicking the
spaces before and after the appropriate words.
Module 12, Punctuation: Quotation Marks, Lesson 3:

More on Quotation Marks with

Dialogue
Questions or Exclamations with Quotations
If the author, not the speaker, is asking a question or exclaiming something, the
question mark or exclamation mark goes outside the quotation marks because it isn't
part of the original quotation. It's not necessary to put any additional punctuation,
such as a period or comma, inside the quotation marks.
Did your mother say, "Yes, you can go"?
I can't believe she said, "Yes"!

Paragraphing Dialogue
Authors start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes in order to help the
reader keep track of who is speaking.
"I can't believe you said that!" exclaimed Carlos as he walked home from school
with his best friend, Peter.
"Of course I said it! I'll always stick up for you," Peter told him.
"Just like I'll always stick up for you."
"So why are you so surprised?"
Because of the indentions, you can tell that Carlos spoke, then Peter, then Carlos,
then Peter again, without the author having to state who spoke every single time.
Multi-Paragraph Dialogue
When quoting several paragraphs of dialogue that aren't interrupted by the author or
another speaker, put an opening quotation mark at the beginning of each paragraph
and just one closing quotation mark at the end of the last paragraph.
Maci explained what happened. "We were afraid that our cat, Jet, had escaped
because the front door had been left open. We went up and down the street calling
his name and asking people if they had seen a small black cat.
"When it got dark, we went home. Jessie sat down on the couch and felt a lump
under the blanket. She lifted up the edge of the blanket, and there was Jet, sound
asleep."

Quotes Within Quotes

If the author quotes a speaker who quotes another speaker, use double quotation
marks around the first speakers words, and single quotation marks around the
second speaker's words. In other words, for a quote within the quote, use single
quotation marks.
Quoting one person: Our teacher told us, "This assignment is due Friday."
Quote within a quote: Tracy said, "Our teacher told us, 'This assignment is due
Friday.'"

Emphasizing Words
It's best not to use quotation marks for emphasis or for "words used as words." Most
style guides recommend using italics instead.
Example: You used the word then too often in your essay.

Nicknames
Nicknames are generally enclosed in quotation marks.
Her name is Elizabeth, but she has always been called "Beth."

Using Words in Unconventional Ways

Sometimes people use quotation marks to indicate that a word is being used in an
ironic, sarcastic, or unusual way.
I spent my "vacation" working hard.
This person probably spent his or her vacation time working, so the word vacation is
being used ironically.

Translations
Quotation marks can be used when writing the translation of a word. The foreign
word is usually written in italics.
Example: Although gelato translates to "ice cream," the two desserts are not
exactly the same.

Prime and Double Prime Marks

Quotation marks used to show feet and inches are called prime (') and double prime
(") marks.
5 feet, 10 inches 5'10".
Note: The period always goes outside the double prime mark, not inside. In
American English, this is the only time the period goes outside a quotation mark.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Insert quotation marks in each of the following sentences by clicking the
spaces before and after the appropriate words
Module 12, Punctuation: Quotation Marks, Lesson 4:

Quotation Marks vs. Italics in Titles

When referring to a title, use italics (or underlining in handwriting) for longer works
and quotation marks for shorter works. Don't use either one for the title on a
document you are writing yourself, such as an essay. You only need to use italics or
quotation marks when you are referring to a work.
Hint:
If you could buy the item by itself, use italics. If you have to buy a larger
object in order to get what you want, use quotes.

Italics Quotation Marks Examples

I read the fourth chapter, "Acrobatic

Book Chapter Kites," in the book Best Kite Building
Book-length play Poem Ever.
Essay Our class read the television play "The
Short story Monsters Are Due on Maple
Short (1-2 act) play Street" before we tackled Hamlet.
 Italics Quotation Marks Examples

Magazine or Article The article "Four Fabulous Heroes" in

Newspaper last week's New York Times was
inspiring.

Television series Episode "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" was

the most watched episode of M*A*S*H*.

Movie Scene (You would I think I have watched The Sound of

only refer to a Music at least twenty times.
scene when We had to shoot the last scene, "The
referring to the Goodbye,"twenty-three times.
movie script itself,
and only if that
scene has an actual
title.)

CD or album Song My favorite song is "Isn't She

Lovely" from Stevie Wonder's
album Songs in the Key of Life.

Website Web page I found this information on Wikipedia on

the page "William Crookes."

Building N/A While we were in New York, we visited

the Empire State Building.

Vehicle N/A The space shuttle Discovery is now in

Washington, D. C.

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Insert quotation marks in each of the following sentences by clicking the
spaces before and after the appropriate words. Click each word you would
like to italicize.
?1.

" We " subscribe " to " the " Los " Angeles " Times. "
Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 1:

Apostrophes
Contractions
Apostrophes are used to show missing letters in contractions, shortened words or
numbers, or dialect.
Can + not = can't
Will + not = won't
I + have = I've
They + are = they're
It + is (or It + has) = it's
of the clock = o'clock
running = runnin'
1993 = '93

Possessive Nouns
Apostrophes help a noun or indefinite pronoun show ownership by making
it possessive.
The bone of the dog = the dog's bone
The house of Jonas = Jonas's house
The cries of the children = the children's cries
 The trails of the jets = the jets' trails
The papers of everyone = everyone's papers
Note:
Possessive pronouns are already possessive, so they don't need an
apostrophe.
The backpack of the boy = his backpack

Plural Numbers, Letters, and Abbreviations

In the past, apostrophes were used to make letters, numbers, abbreviations, and
"words used as words" plural. In modern style, apostrophes are used only for plural
"words as words" and plural lowercase letters. It is also necessary to use italics in
addition to the apostrophe in these two situations. It is not necessary to use either
italics or an apostrophe to make capital letters or numbers plural.

Examples: Letters and Numbers

"Mind your p's and q's" is now "Mind your p's and q's."
(Notice how the apostrophe and the s are not italicized.)
"Two A's" is now "two As."
1940's is now 1940s.

Examples: Words as Words

Older style: Check the there's in your essay and make sure they shouldn't
be their's
Modern style: Check the there's in your essay and make sure they shouldn't
be their's.
(Notice how the apostrophe and the s are not italicized.)

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Insert one or more apostrophes in each of the following sentences by
clicking before, after, or between the appropriate letter(s).
 Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 2:

Semicolons
Prompt:

Use a semicolon (;) to join independent clauses of a compound sentence:

"Bill and Jake wanted to go to the game; John and Jim did not want to go."
Also use a semicolon to join independent clauses of a compound sentence
 when transitional words or adverbs are used and are usually set off by
commas: "Bill and Jake went to the game; however, John and Jim went to the
beach."

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Each sentence below has two independent clauses that can be correctly joined
by a semicolon. Insert a semicolon in each sentence by clicking between the
words where you desire a semicolon to be.
 From herself

Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 3:

Colons
Prompt:

The colon (:) functions to introduce whatever follows an independent clause:

lists, examples, statements, or quotations. Example: "The following people
stood before the judge: the defendant, the defense counsel, and the
prosecutor." The colon may be used after such introductory words as note,
remember, hint, and caution or after an introductory list: "Remember: fasten
your seat belt when driving." or "History, science, math, and art: she teaches
them all."

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
A colon has been omitted from each of the following sentences. Insert a colon
by clicking between the words where you desire a colon to be.
?1.
Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 4:

Hyphens
The Three Punctuation Marks in the Hyphen and Dash Family

The hyphen -

The en dash
(the width of a capital N, twice the width of a hyphen)

The em dash
(the width of a capital M, three times the width of a hyphen)

In the past, each of these marks was much easier to distinguish on a typewriter than
on today's computers. Modern computers generally change two hyphens with no
spaces before, after, or between them to an em dash. Different operating systems and
word processing programs have different ways of typing these marks.
Definition: A hyphen is a short dash that breaks words apart or joins them together.
A hyphen should not have a space before or after it.

Hyphenated Compound Words

Some compound words require a hyphen. You will often have to look up a
compound word in the dictionary to decide whether it is written as one word, two
words, or with a hyphen.
We will have a get-together next weekend to celebrate your birthday.
The game started out as an organized game of tag, but it ended up a free-for-all.

Hyphenated Last Names

Some women use a hyphen to join their maiden name (or unmarried name) with
their husband's last name instead of taking only their husband's last name.
Sometimes a husband and wife keep their own last names and form their children's
last names by connecting both last names with a hyphen.
Julia Smith-Jacobson

Hyphenated Adjectives
Use a hyphen to connect two or more words that work together as one adjective
before a noun. If the two words come after the noun, they are generally not
hyphenated unless they make up a compound word that you can find in the
dictionary.
She wore a charcoal-gray rain jacket.
Her rain jacket was charcoal gray.

Suspended Hyphens
Suspended hyphens occur when hyphenated words are written without repeating one
part.
I like vanilla-flavored ice cream.
You like vanilla-, chocolate-, and strawberry-flavored ice cream.

Hyphens to Clarify Meaning

Use a hyphen to connect adjectives when the meaning might be unclear.
Teresa preferred the red-embroidered lace dress.
The dress was embroidered with red thread.
Teresa preferred the red embroidered lace dress.
The red lace dress was embroidered.
 Numbers
Use a hyphen with numbers in the following situations:

In compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine

The majority of you scored between eighty-eight and ninety-nine percent on the
test.

In fractions

One-fourth of the students in the class have parents from another country.

To separate elements of a date (you can also use slashes)

7-3-86 = July 3, 1986 in the US and March 7, 1986 in most other parts of the world.

In game scores

They won the game 32-31.

Spelling out Words

Example:
Hippopotamus is spelled h-i-p-p-o-p-o-t-a-m-u-s.

Dividing Words at the End of a Line

If you are using justified margins, like newspaper columns, a word may start at the
end of one line and finish on the next line. When this happens, use a hyphen to
divide the word between syllables. Most word processing programs just wrap the
word to the next line without considering where the word's syllable breaks are
located. Use a dictionary if you are unsure where to divide a word.
When you write for a newspaper, the margins are generally justified.
That is, both margins form straight lines. The computer will auto-
matically add extra spaces between some words in order to keep the
edges straight. Most word processing programs today will
automatically hyphenate words if needed.
Hint:
 Generally, you should divide multi-syllable words between syllables, never
leaving only one letter on the previous line or fewer than three letters at the
beginning of the next line.

Awkward Spelling
Use a hyphen in some words to distinguish them from similar words or to avoid
awkward double or triple letters.

Distinguishing two words

Re-cover the furniture vs. recover from an illness

Re-creation of an event vs. recreation activities for fun

Avoiding double and triple letters

Anti-inflammatory
Re-elect
Cross-section
Cross-stitch
Shell-like
Still-life

Prefixes and Suffixes

A prefix is attached to the beginning of a word; a suffix is attached to the end of a
word. There are many situations in which it's necessary to use a hyphen with a
prefix or suffix:

With the prefixes all-, co-, ex- (when it means former), great-, and self-, and with
the suffix -elect

All-seeing eye
Co-author
Ex-employee
Great-grandfather (A great grandfather is a grandfather who is great.)
Self-employed
President-elect

When using numbers and capital letters as prefixes

 25-cent stamp
12-foot Christmas tree
G-rated
T-shirt
X-ray

Some prefixes use hyphens only in certain situations.

antibacterial but anti-American

preoccupied but pre-1942

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Insert one or more hyphens in each of the following sentences by clicking
the space(s) between the appropriate words, letters, or numbers.
 Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 5:

The Em Dash and En Dash

Prompt:

The dash may also be used to set off a statement ending a sentence or
combining two independent clauses. The dash signals a sharp turn in thought
from the sentence: "The dash is a versatile mark of punctuation overuse
reduces its effectiveness."

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Each sentence below contains an expression that may be correctly marked off
by a dash. Insert a dash in each sentence by clicking the space between the
words where you desire a dash to be.
 Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 6:

The Ellipsis
Prompt:

Ellipsis points of three periods (...) signal the omission of words in a direct
quotation. A fourth period (question mark or exclamation point) marks the
end of the sentence: He announced, "I will win the election ...."
Practice What You've Learned
Directions:
Ellipsis points have been correctly used in only one of the following paired
sentences. Click to select the letter of the correct sentence (A or B) for each
of the following paired sentences.

Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 7:

Parentheses and Brackets

Prompt:

We have learned to place commas around parenthetical expressions an

expression that is just added words and not part of the sentence structure:
"The team played, in my opinion, their best game." Parentheses can also be
used to set off parenthetical expressions. Parentheses show a greater degree
of separation than the use of the comma: "The team played (in my opinion)
their best game."

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
Each sentence below contains a parenthetical expression. Insert parentheses
in each sentence by clicking the space between the words where you desire
parentheses to be.
 Module 13, Additional Punctuation, Lesson 8:

The Slash (Virgule)

Prompt:

A virgule or slash (/) is used chiefly to separate alternatives: "Each student

read his/her report." or "She was a secretary/receptionist." or "We dealt with
the who/whom problem." A virgule is also used to separate elements in a
 date, elements in a common fraction (1/2), and lines of poetry that are
presented as part of a paragraph: "The meeting will be held on 9/21/2003." or
"The recipe read as follows: Add 2 1/2 cups of flour." or "She read the
following poem: 'Roses are red/Violets are blue/Sugar is sweet/And, so are
you'."

Practice What You've Learned

Directions:
One or more virgules have been omitted from the following sentences. Insert
a virgule by clicking between words or numbers where you desire a virgule to
be.