Clarifying Punctuation

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Clarifying Punctuation Punctuation was created to aid readers. Without it, ideas run together and your reader may misinterpret your ideas. Here are guidelines for use on these pieces of punctuation: commas, semicolons and colons. COMMAS Use a comma when joining two complete sentences with a conjunction such as “but” or “and.” Example: I ate dinner, but I did not eat dessert. Example: I ate dinner, and I ate dessert. Do not use a comma if the second group of words is not a complete sentence. Example: I ate my dinner and also ate dessert. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or word. Example: Because I am a college student with no money, I ate dinner at home. Use a comma between items in a list. Example: My dinner consisted of a sandwich, soup, and salad. Use a comma to separate words that interrupt the flow of a sentence or modify a noun. Example: Casey, my dog, ate the dinner right off my plate! Example: Without hesitation, my mother scolded Casey for eating my dinner. Use a comma when introducing quotations. Example: My mother yelled, “Dinner time!” SEMICOLONS Use a semicolon to join two complete sentences that are related. If a period, which allows a breath when reading aloud, seems unnecessary, replace it with a semicolon. Example: My mother made dinner; the dinner tasted delicious. Use a semicolon with words like “however” or phrases like “for example.” Example: I ate dinner; however, I was hungry an hour later. Use a semicolon to clarify a list of items that already contains punctuation. Example: My favorite foods are Italian, like spaghetti and lasagna; Mexican, especially nachos and burritos; and French pastries, like chocolate éclairs. COLONS Use a colon to introduce a list. Example: My dinner consisted of the following: grilled chicken, rice, fruit salad, and steamed vegetables. Use a colon for further explanation with two sentences. Example: My dinner reminds me of a garden: both have wonderful smells and vibrant colors. DROP-IN HOURS Monday – Thursday:10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. LTC’s Write Place go.udayton.edu/writeplace [email protected].

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Punctuation: Program 8-- the Semicolon, Colon, and Dash
C a p t i o n e d M e d i a P r o g r a m #9994 PUNCTUATION: PROGRAM 8-- THE SEMICOLON, COLON, AND DASH FILMS FOR THE HUMANITIES & SCIENCES, 2000 Grade Level: 8-13+ 22 mins. DESCRIPTION How does a writer use a semicolon, colon, or dash? A semicolon is a bridge that joins two independent clauses with the same basic idea or joins phrases in a series. To elaborate a sentence with further information, use a colon to imply “and here it is!” The dash has no specific rules for use; it generally introduces some dramatic element into the sentence or interrupts its smooth flow. Clear examples given. ACADEMIC STANDARDS Subject Area: Language Arts–Writing • Standard: Uses grammatical and mechanical conventions in written compositions Benchmark: Uses conventions of punctuation in written compositions (e.g., uses commas with nonrestrictive clauses and contrasting expressions, uses quotation marks with ending punctuation, uses colons before extended quotations, uses hyphens for compound adjectives, uses semicolons between independent clauses, uses dashes to break continuity of thought) (See INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS 1-4.) INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS 1. To explain the proper use of a semicolon to combine independent clauses and in lists with commas. 2. To show the correct use of colons for combining information and in sentence fragments. 3. To illustrate the use of a dash in sentences. 4. To show some misuses of the semicolon, colon, and dash. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The semicolon, colon, and dash are among the punctuation marks most neglected by students and, sad to say, teachers. However, professional writers—and proficient writers in business—use them all to good effect.
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Grammar Workshop – Punctuation II: Semi-Colon, Colon, Apostrophe
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Punctuation Mistakes in the English Writing of Non-Anglophone Researchers
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Rule 1. to Avoid Confusion, Use Commas to Separate Words And
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Semicolons, Colons and Apostrophes
Semicolons, Colons and Apostrophes Semicolons: 1. Use a semicolon (;) to join two independent clauses that are closely related. • Examples: o In 1800, a traveler needed six weeks to get from New York City to Chicago; in 1860, the trip by railroad took only two days. o It is not surprising that our society is increasingly violent; after all, television desensitizes us to violence at a very early age. o Most singers gain fame through hard work and dedication; however, Evita found other means. The clauses before and after the underlined semicolons are all complete sentences that can stand alone. Therefore, they need to be connected with a semicolon, not a comma! Replacing one of these semicolons with a comma would result in the dreaded comma splice. 2. Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation. • Example: o Classic science fiction sagas are Star Trek, with Mr. Spock; Battlestar Galactica, with Cylon Raiders; and Star Wars, with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader. Colons: 1. Use a colon after an independent clause to direct attention to a list, an appositive (noun phrases that rename nouns or pronouns), or a quotation. • Examples: o The daily routine should include at least the following: twenty knee bends, fifty sit-ups, fifteen leg lifts, and five minutes of running in place. (List) o My roommate is guilty of two of the seven deadly sins: gluttony and sloth. (Appositive) o Consider the words of John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” (Quotation) • Incorrect: o Some important vitamins found in vegetables are: vitamin A, thiamine, niacine, and vitamin C.
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