Guide to Basic English Punctuation Rules
Comma
1. Use a comma after each item in a series of at least three items. (It has
become acceptable to omit the comma before the conjunction in a series.
However, it is important to remain consistent.)
Example: I still need to take a test, write an essay, and check out a book.
Example: I dislike spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Acceptable: I dislike spinach, broccoli and cauliflower.
5. Use a comma to set off an interruption in the main thought of a sentence.
Example: Rosa, of course, will bring her folding chairs.
6. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify the
same noun. (If you aren't sure whether to use a comma to separate the
adjectives or not, say the sentence with the word and in place of the
comma. If it makes sense, then use the comma.)
Example: Jill was having problems with the unruly, disruptive children.
7. Use a comma after a dependent clause that begins a sentence. (Never
use a comma before a dependent clause at the end of a sentence.)
Example: If Mr. Wilson complains, we'll invite him for a snack.
Example: We'll invite Mr. Wilson for a snack if he complains.
8. Use a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence. However,
if the two independent clauses are very short, you do not need the
comma.
Example: We had a lot of fun, so I'll have another party soon.
Example: She spoke and I took notes.
9. When quoting, put a comma to the left of a quotation mark that does not
already have a period, question mark, or exclamation point. (It is much
easier to remember this rule than to worry about "inside" and "outside".)
Example: Ariel said, "I knew you would win the contest."
10. Use a comma after a mild interjection, such as oh or well.
Example: Oh, the test was not that difficult.
11. Use a comma after a noun of direct address.
Example: Kodi, didn't I ask you to clean your room?
14. Use a comma to indicate where a pause is necessary in order to avoid
confusion. (Sometimes rewriting the sentence is a better choice.)
Example: After Kelly, Jennifer gets a turn.
Example: Maria came in, in quite a hurry.
15. Use a comma after an appositive. (An appositive is a noun or noun phrase
that gives additional information about the noun that it follows. Do not use
a comma after a restrictive appositive, which is one that cannot be
removed from the sentence without changing the meaning of the
sentence.)
Example: Wesley, my brother, is an optician.
15. Use a comma to set off the abbreviation etc.
Example: I went to the store to get napkins, plates, cups, forks, etc.

Separate phrases (clauses).
Examples:
,
In order to qualify for your certificate you will need to take the GED exam.
,
Although he wanted to come he wasn't able to attend the course.

Separate two independent clauses that are connected by a conjunction such as
'but'.
Examples:
They wanted to purchase a new car
it.
, but their financial situation would not allow
,
I'd really enjoy seeing a film this evening and I'd like to go out for a drink.

Introduce a direct quote (as opposed to indirect speech i.e. He said he wanted to
come ...).
Examples:
The boy said, "My father is often away during the week on business trips."
His doctor replied, "If you don't stop smoking, you run the risk of a heart attack."

Separate appositives (a noun, or noun phrase) or non-defining relative clauses.
Examples:
Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, comes from Seattle.
My only sister, who is a fantastic tennis player, is in great shape.
When Not to Use Commas
With Compound Verbs
Do not use a comma to separate the paired parts in paired compound subjects or
compound verbs.
Incorrect: She lets me watch her mom, and pop fight.
(Compound subject. No need for comma with the word and already there.)
Correct: She lets me watch her mom and pop fight.
Incorrect: They would argue over money, and scream about his late nights.
(Compound verb. No need for comma to separate the words fight and scream.)
Correct: They would argue over money and scream about his late nights.
With Subordinate Clauses
Commas do not set off subordinate clauses unless some specific comma rule applies,
namely they are clauses in a series, or the clauses are functioning as appositives,
nonrestrictive modifiers, or introductory adverb clauses.
Incorrect: He told me that I had better come, so that they would avoid serious trouble.
(Not a series. Not an appositive, nonrestrictive modifier, or introductory adverb clause.)
Correct: He told me that I had better come so that they would avoid serious trouble.
With Nouns and Modifying Adjectives
Do not use commas to separate a noun and its modifying adjectives when the adjectives
come before the noun.
Incorrect: The bright red, car was a Corvette.
Correct: The bright red car was a Corvette.
Semicolon
There are two uses for a semicolon:

To separate two independent clauses. One or both of the clauses are short and the
ideas expressed are usually very similar.
Examples:
He loves studying; He can't get enough of school.
What an incredible situation; it must make you nervous.

To separate groups of words that are themselves separated by commas.
Examples:
I took a holiday and played golf, which I love; read a lot, which I needed to do;
and slept late; which I hadn't done for quite a while.
They plan to study German, for their travels; chemistry, for their work; and
literature, for their own enjoyment.
Colon
A colon can be used for two purposes:

To provide additional details and explanation.
Examples:
He had many reasons for joining the club: to get in shape, to make new friends, to
lose some weight, and to get out of the house.
She gave notice for the following reasons: bad pay, horrible hours, poor relations
with colleagues, and her boss.

To introduce a direct quote (a comma can also be used in this situation).
Examples:
He announced to his friends: "I'm getting married!"
She cried out: "I never want to see you again!"
Question Mark
The question mark is used at the end of a question.
Examples:
Where do you live?
How long have they been studying?
Exclamation Point
The exclamation point is used at the end of a sentence to indicate great surprise. It is also
used for emphasis when making a point. Be careful not to use an exclamation point too
often.
Examples:
That ride was fantastic!
I can't believe he is going to marry her!