Where and when do we use it??? Punctuation Lesson: Where and when do we use it???

Who Cares? Using punctuation is like pausing between words and ideas when you speak. Imagine if you didn’t take pause between words and sentences when speaking. Would that be effective communication?

, Commas Separate items in a series. Set off interrupting information. Examples Will there be drinks, snacks, and games at the party? Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is home to almost three million people.

; Semicolons Semicolons join independent clauses. It’s also like using the word furthermore. ; Examples My mom said I couldn’t go to the party; I didn’t want to go anyway. Bananas are a healthy snack; they contain potassium which may help your vision.

: Colons Colons introduce lists and explanations. It’s also like using the words “and here it is” or “and here they are.” : Example There are many reasons to exercise: it’s good for your health, it’s fun, and it’s free.

When using commas to show a break in thought, there are several options. You must decide what the correct punctuation is, depending on your purpose!

Commas When using commas to show a break in thought, nonessential phrases may come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Examples On a beautiful spring day, they had a picnic. Picnics, an old tradition, can be a lot of fun. Dad grilled ribs, the big ones from Costco.

Ellipsis … Represents a trailing off of a thought. Example: “If only she had . . . Oh, it doesn’t matter now.” It can also indicate hesitation or suspension points. Example: “I wasn’t really . . . well, what I mean . . . see, the thing is . . . I didn’t mean it.”

Dash Used to emphasize the text to follow or to show an abrupt break in thought. - Examples: “The Office”—a harmless television program or a dangerously subversive guide to delinquency in the workplace? My prize baseball card – oh no! – is missing.

Practice On your paper look at the following sentence. Put the correct punctuation in the spaces where there is a break.

1. I brought a lot of stuff food drinks and blankets.

1. I brought a lot of stuff: food, drinks, and blankets. Answer: 1. I brought a lot of stuff: food, drinks, and blankets.

2. I am so frustrated I just can’t do it.

Answer: 2. I am so frustrated... I just can’t do it.

3. Most fruits are low in fat they are also high in vitamins.

3. Most fruits are low in fat; they are also high in vitamins. Answer: 3. Most fruits are low in fat; they are also high in vitamins.

4. Each model you see don’t touch requires weeks of work.

4. Each model you see- don’t touch- requires weeks of work. Answer: 4. Each model you see- don’t touch- requires weeks of work.

5. When we left the park the one at the end of the block we went home.

Answer: 5. When we left the park- the one at the end of the block- we went home.

6. My Aunt Sally who is my favorite aunt talked to my mom.

6. My Aunt Sally, who is my favorite aunt, talked to my mom. Answer: 6. My Aunt Sally, who is my favorite aunt, talked to my mom.

7.I left my keys in I’m not sure where they I just can’t find them.

I left my keys in…I’m not sure where they…I just can’t find them. Answer: I left my keys in…I’m not sure where they…I just can’t find them.