Lesson Two: Twelve Simple Rules for Punctuating Sentences These rules do not cover every point on punctuation; however, if you master these simple rules, you will be well on your way to using punctuation correctly. Use a period at the end of a declarative sentence and after abbreviations and initials. Ex. (Dr., Co., H. L. Jones.) Note: Two-letter state abbreviations are used without periods and are written as two capital letters with no space between the letters. Ex. NJ, DE

2.

If a sentence is asking a question, use a question mark (?) at the end of the sentence. Exclamation marks (!) are used to show great surprise, urgency, or strong feeling.

3.

Use a comma to separate words or phrases in a series. Ex. He bought eggs, milk, bread, and a paper. Ex. The gas entered the house through the open window, through the crack under the door, and down the open chimney.

4.

Use a comma to separate an appositive. (An appositive is a word or phrase that repeats the noun directly before it.) Ex. George Washington, our first president, is a hero for all of us.

5.

Use a comma in dates where you have three or more items together. Ex. The allies invaded Europe on June 5, 1944. With two items no comma is required but may be used. Ex. June 5 was the day to remember.

6.

Use a comma to separate three items in an address, and/or to separate a city from a state. Ex. He lived at 21 Main St., Denver, Colorado. Ex. He lives in Denver, Colorado, but he is moving to Bradford, Florida, next month.

7.

Use a comma to set off an introductory clause. (The sentence will usually begin with the word since, because, as, although, if, when, or similar words.) Ex. Because he was going to be late, he took a key with him. Ex. Since it stopped raining, she no longer needed an umbrella. If the clause comes at the end of the sentence, it is not introductory, so no comma is used. Ex. He took a key with him because he was going to be late. Ex. She no longer needed an umbrella since it stopped raining.

8.

Use a comma to separate the main clauses connected by “and” or “but.” (A main clause is a clause that could stand alone as a simple sentence.) Ex. It was raining. We continued to play in the rain. It was raining, but we continued to play in the rain. Ex. She cashed her paycheck. They bought a ticket for Tucson. She cashed her paycheck, and they bought a ticket for Tucson.

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1.

9.

Use a comma to set off interrupting words and phrases like “however,” “of course,” “for example,” “moreover.” Ex. He, however, would not ask her out. What, for example, is the square root of nine?

10.

In a direct quotation, use a comma to set off expressions such as—“he said,” or “she stated.” The direct quotation is enclosed with quotation marks. Periods and commas go inside quotes. Ex. He said, “What a lot of rot that is.” Ex. “Tomorrow,” she stated, “I will begin to think about that.” Remember: The first word of a direct quotation is capitalized.

11.

“No,” “yes,” “well,” and “however” will generally be set off with commas when they are the first words in a sentence. Ex. No, I will not go. Ex. Well, I might think about it.

12.

When a person is directly addressed the name is set off with a comma. Ex. Larry, pay attention. (The teacher is addressing Larry directly, so use a comma.) Ex. Larry never pays attention. (The teacher is talking about Larry, not to him. No comma is used in this situation.) Ex. Put your hand down, Frank. (Direct address at the end of a sentence.)

For the title of individual poems, short stories, or episodes in a television series put the title in quotation marks. Ex. My favorite poem is “Invictus.” Ex. In the Collected Short Works of Poe, I liked the short story “The Gold Bug” the best. Ex. Of all the Star Trek shows, I liked “The Last Warrior” the best.

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NOTE: Underline or italicize each word in the title of a book, movie, or television show. Ex. I had read Gone With the Wind before I saw it in the movies. Ex. The Ed Sullivan Show was the last of the variety type shows. Ex. He gave me the book The Complete Poems of Robert Browning.

THE SEMICOLON AND COLON:

A review of their major uses

1.

Use a semicolon (;) to separate two related main clauses if the word and, for, or but has been left out. The attack was launched as planned; the enemy was defeated. Allison, go to your room; this is not the first time that you have been disobedient.

2.

Use a semicolon (;) to separate two main clauses joined by the adverbs however, nevertheless, therefore, moreover, and consequently. He played the best game of his life; however, his opponent played better. The judge said that he sympathized with the man; nevertheless, he found him guilty. Note the semicolon before and the comma after the adverb.

3.

Use a semicolon (;) to separate items in a sentence in which there are already numerous commas. At the banquet there was Whitey Ford, a former Yankee pitcher; Bob Cousy, a former professional basketball player; and Jack Jones, the toastmaster and comedian.

4.

Use a colon (:) when a list of items is to follow. A colon is not necessary after most uses of “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” “were.” For safety, follow these rules: do not run, do not push or shove, and be sure to leave the area by 8:00 P.M.

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Note the use of the colon when indicating time.

Lesson Two: Punctuation Punctuation

Practice 1

(Rules 1-7)

Punctuate the following sentences. Mark clearly and use end punctuation. Did you say that the room was going to be yellow green and purple

2.

Since it was a nice day we went to the beach

3.

He washed his face ate his cereal and drank some coffee

4.

Although his name was Bruce his friends called him B B

5.

Tear down the shack clean up the yard and paint the house and this place will look all right

6.

My brother a Methodist minister is in town for a week

7.

On October 21 l990 he will be 21

8.

He has been to London England and Paris France

9.

If I can find a key I’ll send it to you

10.

My new address will be 89 Whisky Road Dendam NJ

11.

Whose birthday is January 5 1970

12.

Dr Green Mr Brown and Mrs Gray all laughed when they were introduced

13.

As I told him I have no use for gossips

14.

I did not go to Florence Italy because I did not have the time

15.

Because it was late I had to leave before the end

16.

I had taken my hat coat and umbrella since it looked like rain

17.

Take out your pens open your notebooks and get ready to write when I say start

18.

June 20 1984 is a day she will always remember

19.

Our neighbor the policeman told me what to do if he calls again

20.

We lost the game because Elroy our pitcher had a sore arm

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1.

Punctuation

Practice 2

(Rules 8-12)

Punctuate the following sentences. Mark clearly and use end punctuation.

He does not for example do well in algebra

2.

“After you learn” she said “it is very easy”

3.

Yes I can do that

4.

Sam do you want to go to the beach

5.

Who wrote the book The Last Gunman

6.

He drove an old car but he kept it in good condition

7.

No I couldn’t go even if I wanted to

8.

Please pass me the butter Alice

9.

He read the poem Ulysses to the class

10.

Jackson was in the movie but he did not sing any of the songs

11.

Do not however think I will forget this

12.

“Don’t touch the wire” he shouted “You could get a shock”

13.

She never said a kind word to me and I never have forgiven her

14.

To be honest however I do not care

15.

Yes I’ll go with you

16.

“Tomorrow” I said “will be a better day”

17.

“Not likely” Jackson answered

18.

It was a horrible party but we had a lot of fun the next day at the beach

19.

Ruth shouted “Well I am glad you did”

20.

Ruth do not shout at me like that

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1.

Punctuation

Practice 3

Comma, Colon, and Semicolon

Punctuate the following sentences. Mark clearly.

The charges were set as ordered the bridge was blown up.

2.

He did not go to Canada he went to Mexico.

3.

We have failed this time therefore let us try again.

4.

On my trip I visited Trenton NJ Boston MA Albany NY and Meridian CT.

5.

He was faced with a decision should he go to the dance watch a movie or do his homework?

6.

He said he did not like to ski therefore he did not go to the lodge with us.

7.

I did my best however my best was not good enough to win.

8.

Be sure to be home by 900 p.m.

9.

Each camper must do the following each day make his bed sweep his area and polish his boots.

10.

When I went to the circus, I saw Jones a former neighbor Larry my best friend and Alice an old girlfriend.

11.

You have committed the crime consequently you must suffer the punishment.

12.

Listen to me for once you must be quiet when I am speaking.

13.

I really enjoyed the game therefore I may go again.

14.

At the dinner there were Mike Manasses the football star Larry Bowen the baseball player and Alvin Satrack the basketball player.

15.

Always remember three things play fair play hard and play your best.

16.

The police shot Charles the rest of the gang surrendered quietly.

17.

I brought my skis with me however I did not get a chance to ski.

18.

Phyllis clean your room Jack practice your music Joe get the butter sugar and salt.

19.

I have told you a million times put the lid on the can clean your brushes pick up the drop cloth and put everything in the truck.

20.

Keep quiet listen for any strange noises.

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