Punctuation
Period . -end of sentence -abbreviation
Comma , -to separate three or more items in a list -after an introductory phrase (before the main part of the sentence) -after the main part of the sentence before “which” phrases -before a conjunction (before an independent clause) -before and after a parenthetical comment -before/after however, nevertheless, and other conjunctive adverbs -before a quotation (to set it up, either after an introductory phrase or after a verb)
Most written documents include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
For nearly a year, I have worked on this project.
The report is due by 5:00 p.m. today, which leaves us with less than an hour to finish.
The University is closed, so we will have to meet next week.
The University is closed and will open again next week.
Hawthorn 132, my favorite classroom, is close to my office.
Hawthorn 132 (my favorite classroom) is close to my office.
Hawthorn 132—my favorite classroom—is close to my office.
Our department will receive the report. We are not, however, qualified to analyze it.
According to Suzan Last, “the main function of punctuation is to separate phrases and clauses into meaningful units of information.”
Last makes a great point about the relationship between grammar and punctuation when she says, “it is necessary to understand the basic structure of sentences—phrases and clauses—to understand the proper uses of punctuation.”
What does Last say regarding the origins of punctuation? She notes that it “was initially developed to help people who were giving speeches or reading aloud.” Apostrophe ‘ -possession -contraction -its and it’s
Semicolon ; -2 independent clauses joined together -items in an extended list -before transition words (before an independent clause)
Our research team will write the report; public relations will advertise the project.
The project is over budget; nevertheless, our team is determined to finish on schedule.
Our department will receive the report; however, we are not qualified to analyze it.
Comma Example Our department will receive the report. We are not, however, qualified to analyze it.
Colon : -before a list (after an independent clause) -before a word or phrase that explains what preceded it -before a quotation (after an independent clause)
We plan to focus our study on the following states: Pennsylvania, a northeastern state; California, a western state; and Texas, a southern state.
After numerous tests, we finally narrowed the cause of the outbreak down to the Creamery ice cream.
After numerous tests, we finally narrowed the cause of the outbreak down to one source: Creamery ice cream.
Last described how to use colons in very simple terms: “Use a colon to introduce amplification in the form of an example, explanation, quotation, summary, or list.” Dash ── -strong pause before a statement of emphasis (usually after an independent clause) -before and after parenthetical comment
The results of our experiment were remarkable—unless we made a mistake.
Unless we made a mistake, the results of our experiment were remarkable.
Technical writing—like all other forms of writing—is a learned skill.
Hyphen - -sizes and amounts -compound adjective (before the noun)
Make sure to use 3-inch tubes and 5-foot wires for the first experiment.
Make sure to use only 3- and 5-foot wires for the first experiment.
That is a well-known study.
That study is well known.
This might be a high-risk project. This project might be a high risk.
Quotation Marks “ ” -inside quotation marks This is the meaning of “its”. **period, comma**
-outside quotation marks **semicolon, colon, dash, question mark**
Parentheses ( ) -definitions -examples -quiet commentary -citations