Punctuation
Master the rules for periods, semicolons, colons, dashes, and coordinating conjunctions.
1Periods and Semicolons
Rule:
Use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Use a period to end an independent clause.
Key Points:
- Semicolons join independent clauses that share a close idea.
- Periods end an independent clause.
- Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, etc.) but not before FANBOYS.
- Never join independent clauses with only a comma (comma splice).
Correct: The experiment was successful; the results were published.
Correct: The experiment was successful. The results were published.
Incorrect: The experiment was successful, the results were published. (comma splice)
Correct: The experiment was successful. The results were published.
Incorrect: The experiment was successful, the results were published. (comma splice)
Practice Questions
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2Colons and Dashes
Rule:
Colons and em dashes (—) introduce lists and explanations. They must follow a complete sentence.
Key Points:
- Em dashes (—) are used for emphasis, interruptions, or to set off non-essential information.
- En dashes (–) are used for ranges (e.g., pages 10–15) or connections (e.g., New York–London flight).
- Never mix dashes with commas or parentheses for the same non-essential clause.
Correct: "She had one goal—to win."
Incorrect: "My brother—who lives abroad, is visiting." (Mixed dash and comma)
Incorrect: "My brother—who lives abroad, is visiting." (Mixed dash and comma)
Practice Questions
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3FANBOYS (Coordinating Conjunctions)
Rule:
FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) are coordinating conjunctions that join two independent clauses with a comma.
Key Points:
- Use a comma before FANBOYS when joining two independent clauses
- No comma needed when the second clause doesn't have a subject
- FANBOYS = For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Correct: The experiment was successful, so the team celebrated.
Correct: He wanted to go to college and pursue a degree. (no comma - implied subject)
Incorrect: She studied all night, she still felt unprepared. (comma splice)
Correct: He wanted to go to college and pursue a degree. (no comma - implied subject)
Incorrect: She studied all night, she still felt unprepared. (comma splice)
Practice Questions
Score: 0 / 5