Punctuation Summary Tables
Comma
Use
Between items
in a series
To separate out
non-essential
elements of a
sentence
To separate two
independent
clauses
Around the year
in exact dates
In large numbers
Correct Example
Commas, periods, and dashes are
different types of punctuation. [Don’t
forget the comma before ‘and.’]
Different types of punctuation, even
your use of periods, affect the pacing
of your writing. [Notice that the
sentence still makes sense without
‘even your use of periods.’]
Students often misplace commas, or
they fail to insert them at all. [Notice
that either part of the sentence can
stand alone as a complete sentence.]
January 5, 2006, is an exact date, but
January 2006 is not.
The APA Manual could be renamed
1,001 not so simple rules.
Incorrect Example
Each use of punctuation must be
purposeful, and consistent.
Sentences, that run on too long,
require additional punctuation. [Notice
that the meaning of the sentence
changes without ‘that run on too long,’
so remove the commas.]
Most errors are a result of failing to
proofread, or falling into old habits.
[Notice that ‘falling into old habits’
cannot stand alone as a complete
sentence.]
January 5, 2006, is an exact date, but
January, 2006 is not.
The APA Manual could be renamed
1001 not so simple rules.
Semicolon
Use
Between
independent
clauses not
joined by a
conjunction
Between items
in a series (if
commas are
already used)
Correct Example
An independent clause can function as
a complete sentence; a dependent
clause cannot stand alone as a
complete sentence. [Notice that the
semicolon could be replaced by a
conjunction like ‘but’ and that each part
of the sentence is independent.]
Clear punctuation provides structure,
clarity, and cadence; directs the reader
about when to pause; and indicates
what information is essential or nonessential to the meaning.
Writing & APA Lesson 4 Commentary 7 p. 1
Incorrect Example
Some clauses can’t stand alone;
without a subject and verb, for
example. [Notice that ‘without a subject
and verb, for example’ cannot stand
alone as a complete sentence.]
Unclear punctuation can confuse;
leave the reader out of breath; and blur
the meaning of sentences.
Colon
Use
Between an
independent
clause and a
phrase that
describes,
clarifies, or
extends it
Between an
independent
clause and a
clause that
describes,
clarifies, or
extends it
To indicate
ratios /
proportions
Correct Example
There are two punctuation marks that
are used most frequently: periods and
commas. [Notice that the first part
could stand alone as a complete
sentence.]
Incorrect Example
The two most common punctuation
marks are: periods and commas. [The
first part is not an independent clause
– can’t stand alone – so a colon should
not be inserted.]
There are two punctuation marks that
are used most frequently: They are
periods and commas. [Notice that if the
second part could form a complete
sentence, it should start with a capital
letter.]
There are two punctuation marks that
are used most frequently: there are
several others that are used less often.
[A semicolon is more appropriate
because the second clause does not
complete the first; you could use a
conjunction like ‘and’ to join them.]
1:10 students need no writing support.
[One out of 10 students…]
The ratio of students who need no
writing support is about 1:10.
Double Quotation Marks
Use
The first time
you introduce a
coined
expression or
ironic comment
To indicate the
title of an article
or chapter
Correct Example
A coined expression like “grammar
grudge” is different from a key concept
like sentence structure. [Key concepts
should appear in italics the first time
they are used.]
Collins and Arthur’s (2006) article, “A
Framework for Enhancing Multicultural
Counselling Competence” will soon be
published.
For verbatim
instructions or
test items
These should be treated like a normal
quotation: “You will put the material in
quotes, but probably won’t have a
page number or other citation content.”
Location of
quotation marks
Collins instructs: “Always place
punctuation marks outside other
punctuation marks.”
Writing & APA Lesson 4 Commentary 7 p. 2
Incorrect Example
You could use quotations to indicate
that you “love” grammar but not that
you find punctuation “easier.” [The
second usage does not reflect irony.]
Collins, S., & Arthur, N. (in press). “A
Framework for Enhancing
Multicultural Counselling
Competence,” Canadian Journal of
Counselling.
[Quotation marks should not be used in
the reference list – notice capitalization
is also incorrect in this context.]
Long instructions should be in block
format:
“In this case, you do not need the
quotations marks so they would be
considered an APA error…”
“This applies” even in the middle of a
sentence,” which can commonly occur.
Dash
Use
To separate
material that
disrupts the flow
of a sentence
Correct Example
The dash – as demonstrated in this
example – sets apart content that
doesn’t flow with the rest of the
sentence.
Incorrect Example
The dash – which you should use
infrequently – can often be replaced by
a non-restrictive clause. [‘which you
should use infrequently’ would be
better contained with commas.]
Use
To separate
material that is
structurally
independent
Correct Example
This is a bit different from the dash
because material in parentheses tends
to be viewed as less important (see the
previous table).
To contain
abbreviations
An abbreviation like Graduate Centre
for Applied Psychology (GCAP)
belongs in parentheses.
To introduce a
list of items
Additional examples are provided for
(a) mathematical expressions, (b)
formulas, (c) statistics, and (d) citations
(See APA Manual 4.09).
Incorrect Example
Parenthetical material may be
complete sentences. (In this case, you
include the punctuation inside the
parentheses.) [There is nothing to
suggest that this is a secondary
thought that requires parentheses.]
However, if the referent is already in
parentheses then use brackets for the
abbreviation (Graduate Centre for
Applied Psychology (GCAP), 2010).
[Notice that this should be ‘…[GCAP],
2010’]
Instead of parentheses, brackets
should be used for a) inserting material
in a quotation and b) material already
within parentheses [as noted above].
[Letters in the list should have double
parentheses; ‘as noted above’ should
be in parentheses, not brackets.]
Parentheses
Slash
Use
For comparisons
where a hyphen
is used in the
terms already
Only when
clarity is not
sacrificed
Correct Example
The self-esteem/self-worth comparison
indicated that…
Incorrect Example
The depression/elation continuum is
based on… [Use a hyphen for simple
comparisons: ‘depression-elation.’]
The instructor or course coordinator
could answer your question about the
test-retest/inter-rater reliability
comparisons.
The instructor/course coordinator could
answer your question about the testretest/inter-rater reliability
comparisons. [The first use makes the
sentence less clear; the second is
correct.]
Writing & APA Lesson 4 Commentary 7 p. 3