PUNCTUATION ,;:’.?!

SEMICOLON Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses. (This eliminates the need for a comma and a conjunction.) Example: Casey read a book; he did a book report. 2. Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when those items contain punctuation such as a comma. SUPER LIST RULE. Example: We went on field trips to Topeka, Kansas, Freedom, Oklahoma, and Amarillo, Texas. 3. It is preferable to use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs such as namely, however, therefore, for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. Example: You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.

COLONS Use a colon between numerals indicating hours and minutes. Example: School starts at 8:05 a.m. Use a colon to introduce a list that appears after an independent clause.  Example: You need the following items for class: pencil, pens, paper, ruler, and glue. Use a colon after the greeting of a business letter. Example: Dear Sir: 4. Use a colon between the title and subtitle of a book. Example: Reading Strategies That Work: Teaching Your Students to Become Better Readers is an excellent resource. 5. Use a colon between the chapter and verse numbers for parts of the Bible.  Example:  Please read Genesis 1:3. Use a colon to introduce dialogue when it comes after an independent clause. Example: The boy said these words: “I love you.” Use a colon to indicate ratios. Example: The boys outnumbered the girls 2:1. Use a colon after a complete sentence to indicate an explanation, example, cause, description, etc… when you want to emphasize that thing. Example: There is only one thing you can do to help: leave me alone. Example: One person knew the answer: Jane. Ere

APOSTROPHE Indicates absence or possession Use an apostrophe in a contraction to show where letters have been omitted, or left out. Example: I don't think I can do this. Use an apostrophe when you leave out the first two numbers of a year. Or if you purposefully leave out letters in a word. Example: She was in the class of '93. Example: “Give ‘em hell!” he shouted. NOT: He was born in the 1980’s. 3. Use an apostrophe to show possession. The boy’s books were missing. The boys’ books were missing. Miles’ pencil broke. Joe’s friend was hurt.

PERIOD Use a period at the end of a declarative sentence. Example: I enjoyed the movie. Use a period after an initial. Example: M. E. Kerr is a wonderful author. Use a period after an abbreviation. Example: We welcomed Mrs. Simmons to our team. Use a period as a decimal point. Example: The workers received a 2.1 percent raise. Use a period to separate dollars and cents. Example: The book cost $4.95. Use a period after each number in a list printed vertically. Example:  The lists on this page.

QUESTION MARK Use a question mark at the end of a question. Example: Is this a question?

EXCLAMATION POINT 1. Use an exclamation point following a strong interjection or an exclamatory sentence. (Never use more than one exclamation point.) 2. Only use exclamation points to show great emotion. Do NOT use them in academic essays. Example: Wow! I never thought Mom would let us go to the concert! Unacceptable: Wow!! I never thought Mom would let us go to the concert!!!!!!