1. Punctuation Rules commas colon semicolon Adapted From Ms. Fulmer
Created by Sharon Fulmer

2. Comma Rule #1 Use commas to separate items in a series.
Example: Please buy apples, oranges, and bananas.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

3. Comma Rule #2
Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun.
Example:
Abraham Lincoln was a noble, compassionate, wise leader.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

4. Comma Rule #3
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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

5. Comma Rule #4 Use a comma to set off nonessential clauses and phrases.
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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

6. Comma Rule #5
Use a comma after certain introductory words such as first, yes, or no.
Example:
Yes, Hemmingway is my favorite author.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

7. 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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

8. Comma Rule #5
C. Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase.
Example:
After the football game, we will go out to dinner.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

9. 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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

10. Comma Rule #6 B. Use commas to set off words in direct address.
Example:
Your essay, Tom, was well organized.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

11. Comma Rule #7 1.) Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses.
Example:
On Friday, June 10, 2005, my niece Melania was born.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

12. 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,
Created by Sharon Fulmer

13. 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?
Created by Sharon Fulmer

14. Comma Rule #10 1.) Use a comma to introduce quotations. Example:
John said, “I will go to the park with you.”
Created by Sharon Fulmer

15. 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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

16. 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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

17. 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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

18. Transitional Phrases: for example for instance such as as a result
Conjunctive Adverbs:
accordingly
likewise
nevertheless
therefore
consequently
similarly
however
furthermore
Transitional Phrases:
for example
for instance
such as
as a result
in addition
Created by Sharon Fulmer

19. 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.
Created by Sharon Fulmer

20. Instructions Complete the comma exercise on paper first.
Then click we will go on line to check your answers.
Use a RED PEN to correct all missed questions.
Comma Exercise ANSWERS - CLICK HERE
Ask Mr. Victor for a copy.
click here!
Created by Sharon Fulmer