ACT Prep Punctuation

Commas Use with introductory material –After all, crime must be punished –In 2007, my nephew Ethan was born. Use in lists –I have a red, green, and blue shirt on today Use before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) to join two separate sentences –The boy wanted to borrow a book, but the librarian need him to pay his fines.

Semicolons Use to separate two complete ideas –Only for independent clauses –The setting sun caused the fields to take on a special glow; all was bathed in a pale light. Do NOT use to separate an independent clause from a phrase or dependent (subordinate) clause –She worked extra hours, yet was not able to finish the project on time.

Colons After the greeting of a business letter Separate hours from minutes Precede a list of three or more items or a long quotation –We did many things on vacation: hiking, camping, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. NOT used when list is already signaled, ie, including or such as –We did many things on vacation such as hiking, camping, biking, canoeing, and kayaking.

End Punctuation Question Marks –Only used after a direct question Did you take the test yesterday? Mom wants to know if you took the test yesterday. Exclamation Marks –Shows strong emotion or imply urgency Periods –Use to end a sentence –Use to signify an abbreviation or an initial Adrianne M. Prince

Dashes Use to emphasize or set off explanatory words. –The tools of his trade- probe, mirror, and swabs- were neatly arranged on the tray Indicate a summary or reversal of other words. –Patience, sensitivity, understanding- these are the marks of a true friend. Mark a sudden break in thought –He was not pleased with- in fact, he was completely hostile toward- the takeover.

Hyphens Use with a compound modifier (adjectives, usually) that precedes a noun. –There was a sit-in demonstration at the office –We will sit in the auditorium Use with fractions that serve as adjectives or adverbs. –I purchased a four-cylinder car –I purchased a car with four cylinders.

Quotation Marks Use to enclose actual words of another To set off titles of short themes or parts of larger works (Short stories and poems too) Do NOT use to justify a poor choice of words– no air quoting! –I didn’t think she “got it.” –I didn’t think she understood.

Apostrophes Used in contractions Used to indicate the possessive form DO NOT use with who, is, her, our, your, or their –Who’s = who is; whose = possessive –It’s = it is; its = possessive –Hers, ours, yours, theirs = already possessive

Practice Open Big Book to pg do 1-55 Homework: Practice test- TIMED:45 min Pg 530 in Victory. Check answers- pg. 720.