Grammar Review: PUNCTUATION
A. Commas
Commas are commonly used to:
- Set off nonessential words from the rest of the sentence
- Set off parenthetical expressions
- Set off introductory phrases
- Separate words in a series
- Separate two independent clauses
B. Periods
Periods are commonly used:
- To end a sentence
- After capitalized word abbreviations
- After some lowercase abbreviations
C. Semicolons
Semicolons are commonly used:
- Between two independent clauses which are not separated by a conjunction
- Between two independent clauses if either or both are already punctuated
- Between a series of phrases when one or more elements in the series contains internal commas
D. Colon
Colons are commonly used:
- To introduce an example
- Following a salutation in a business letter
- To introduce a list of items
- Following headings in certain reports or outlines
E. Apostrophe
Apostrophes are commonly used:
- To demonstrate singular or plural possession
- In contractions
- To form the plural of certain words
F. Parentheses
Parentheses are commonly used to:
- Set off obviously nonessential words or phrases
G. Quotation Marks
Quotation Marks are commonly used to:
- Identify and enclose exact words of a third party
- Emphasize certain words or phrases
