Punctuation Rules
Created by Ms. Fulmer
Comma Rule #1
1) Use commas to separate items in a series.
Example: Please buy apples, oranges, and bananas.
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Comma Rule #2
1) Use a comma to separate two or more
adjectives preceding a noun.
Example:
Abraham Lincoln was a noble, compassionate, wise leader.
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Comma Rule #3
1) Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions
when they join independent clauses.
FANBOYS – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Example:
My friend invited me to a party, but I do not want to go.
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Comma Rule #4
1) Use a comma to set off nonessential
clauses and phrases.
2)
A nonessential clause or phrase is one that can be left
out of the sentence without changing the meaning of the
sentence.
Example:
My aunt, wearing the kimono, is on her way to
a dinner party.
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Comma Rule #5
A. Use a comma after certain introductory words
such as first, yes, or no.
Example:
Yes, Hemmingway is my favorite author.
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Comma Rule #5
B. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or
clause.
Example:
Standing on the quarter-deck, Captain Ahab
spoke to his crew.
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Comma Rule #5
C. Use a comma after an introductory prepositional
phrase.
Example:
After the football game, we will go out to dinner.
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Comma Rule #6
A. Use commas to set off appositives and appositive
phrases.
Example:
My favorite book by John Grisham, A Time to Kill, was
published in 1989.
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Comma Rule #6
B. Use commas to set off words in direct address.
Example:
Your essay, Tom, was well organized.
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Comma Rule #7
1.) Use commas to separate items in dates and
addresses.
Example:
On Friday, June 10, 2005, my niece Melania was born.
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Comma Rule #8
1.) Use a comma after the beginning of a friendly
letter and after the closing of a letter.
Example:
Dear Rosa,
Sincerely,
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Comma Rule #9
1.) Use a comma to set off an abbreviation such as
Jr., Sr., RN, M.D., Inc.,
Example:
Is Juan Fuentes Jr., your cousin?
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Comma Rule #10
1.) Use a comma to introduce quotations.
Example:
John said, “I will go to the park with you.”
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Comma Splice
1.) A comma splice is a run-on sentence with a comma where the
two sentences run together.
2. ) You MUST use a comma and a conjunction or a semicolon to
join 2 independent clauses.
Incorrectly Written:
Joe went to the grocery store, he needed to buy food for
dinner.
Correctly Written:
Joe went to the grocery store; he needed to buy food for
dinner.
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Semicolon Rule #1
1.) Use a semicolon between independent
clauses. This is called a compound sentence.
Example:
It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed
to have our picnic anyway.
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Semicolon Rule #2
1.) Use a semicolon between independent
clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or
a transitional phrase.
Example:
I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell.
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Conjunctive Adverbs:
Transitional Phrases:
accordingly
likewise
nevertheless
therefore
consequently
similarly
however
furthermore
for example
for instance
such as
as a result
in addition
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Colon Rules
1.) Use a colon before a list of items, especially after
expressions such as follows and following.
2.) Do NOT use a colon before a list that directly follows a
verb or a preposition.
Example:
Please buy the following items while you are at the
store: meat, potatoes, and milk.
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Instructions
Complete the comma exercise on paper first.
Then click on the link below to check your
answers.
Use a RED PEN to correct all missed questions.
Comma Exercise ANSWERS - CLICK HERE
Ask Ms. Fulmer for a copy.
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