Punctuation Made Easy (a Complete Guide)

Spacing with Punctuation

Rule 1. With a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation marks. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically. With some typewriters and word processors, follow ending punctuation with two spaces when using a fixed-pitch font.


Rule 2. Use no spaces on either side of a hyphen.
[For more rules about hyphens, click on Hyphens.]

Example: We borrowed twenty-three sheets of paper.
NOTE: For spacing with en and em dashes, click on Dashes.





Use ellipsis marks when omitting a word, phrase, line, paragraph, or more from a quoted passage.
NOTE: To create ellipsis marks with a PC, type the period three times and the spacing will be automatically set, or press Ctrl-Alt and the period once.
The Three-dot Method
There are many methods for using ellipses. The three-dot method is the simplest and is appropriate for most general works and many scholarly ones. The three- or four-dot method and an even more rigorous method used in legal works require fuller explanations that can be found in other reference books.
Rule 1. Use no more than three marks whether the omission occurs in the middle of a sentence or between sentences.
Example: Original sentence:
The regulation states, "All agencies must document overtime or risk losing federal funds."

Rewritten using ellipses:
The regulation states, "All agencies must document
overtime..."
Note: With the three-dot method, you may leave out punctuation such as commas that were in the original.
Example: Original sentence from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

Rewritten using ellipses:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth...a new nation, conceived in liberty..."


Rule 2. When you omit one or more paragraphs within a long quotation, use ellipsis marks after the last punctuation mark that ends the preceding paragraph.





Rule 1. Use a period at the end of a complete sentence that is a statement.
Example: I know that you would never break my trust intentionally.


Rule 2. If the last word in the sentence ends in a period, do not follow it with another period.
Examples: I know that M.D. She is my sister-in-law.
Please shop, cook, etc. I will do the laundry.


Rule 3. Use the period after an indirect question.
Example: He asked where his suitcase was.




Rule 1. To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
Example: My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew. Omitting the comma after son would indicate that the son and nephew would have to split one-third of the estate.


Rule 2. Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them.
Examples: He is a strong, healthy man.
We stayed at an expensive summer resort. You would not say expensive and summer resort, so no comma.


Rule 3. Use a comma when an -ly adjective is used with other adjectives.
NOTE: To test whether an -ly word is an adjective, see if it can be used alone with the noun. If it can, use the comma.
Examples: Felix was a lonely, young boy.
I get headaches in brightly lit rooms. Brightly is not an adjective because it cannot be used alone with rooms; therefore, no comma is used between brightly and lit.


Rule 4. Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.
Examples: Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me?
Yes, Doctor, I will.
NOTE: Capitalize a title when directly addressing someone.


Rule 5a. Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year.
Example: Kathleen met her husband on December 5, 2003, in Mill Valley, California.


Rule 5b. If any part of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.
Example: They met in December 2003 in Mill Valley.


Rule 6. Use a comma to separate the city from the state and after the state in the body of a letter.
With addresses on envelopes to be mailed via the post office, do not use any punctuation.
Example: I lived in San Francisco, California, for 20 years.


Rule 7. Use commas to surround degrees or titles used with names. Commas are no longer required around Jr. and Sr. Commas never set off II, III, and so forth.
Example: Al Mooney, M.D., knew Sam Sunny Jr. and Charles Starr III.


Rule 8. Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt the flow of the sentence.
Example: I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous
about this.


Rule 9. When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it. Conversely, do not use a comma when the sentence starts with a strong clause followed by a weak clause.
Examples: If you are not sure about this, let me know now.
Let me know now if you are not sure about this.
Rule 10. Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.
Examples: To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.
On February 14 many couples give each other
candy or flowers.

OR
On February 14, many couples give each other candy or flowers.


Rule 11. If something or someone is sufficiently identified, the description following it is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas.
Examples: Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. Freddy is named, so the description is not essential.
The boy who has a limp was in an auto accident. We do not know which boy is being referred to without further description; therefore, no commas are used.


Rule 12. Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are both short.
Examples: I have painted the entire house, but he is still
working on sanding the doors.
I paint and he writes.


Rule 13. Use the comma to separate two sentences if it will help avoid confusion.
Example: I chose the colors red and green, and blue
was his first choice.


Rule 14. A comma splice is an error caused by joining two strong clauses with only a comma instead of separating the clauses with a conjunction, a semicolon, or a period. A run-on sentence, which is incorrect, is created by joining two strong clauses without any punctuation.
Incorrect: Time flies when we are having fun, we are always having fun. (Comma splice)
Time flies when we are having fun we are always having fun. (Run-on sentence)
Correct: Time flies when we are having fun; we are always having fun.

OR
Time flies when we are having fun, and we are always having fun. (Comma is optional because both strong clauses are short.)
OR
Time flies when we are having fun. We are always having fun.


Rule 15. If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb,
do not use a comma.
Example: He thought quickly but still did not answer correctly.


Rule 16. Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines.
Examples: He actually said, "I do not care."
"Why," I asked, "do you always forget to do it?"


Rule 17. Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.
Example: I can go, can't I?


Rule 18. Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
Example: That is my money, not yours.


Rule 19. Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes.
Examples: Yes, I do need that report.
Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day . . .


Rule 20. Use commas surrounding words such as therefore and however when they are used as interrupters.
Examples: I would, therefore, like a response.
I would be happy, however, to volunteer for the Red Cross.


Rule 21. Use either a comma or a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a series of items. Use a comma after the introductory word.
Examples: You may be required to bring many items, e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

OR

You may be required to bring many items; e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
NOTE: i.e. means that is; e.g. means for example

Semicolons

Rule 1. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.
Examples: Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect all the privileges listed in the contract.


Rule 2. It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.
Examples: You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.
As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.


Rule 3. Use either a semicolon or a comma before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a list following a complete sentence. Use a comma after the introductory word.
Examples: You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
You will want to bring many backpacking items, for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.


Rule 4. Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
Example: This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.


Rule 5. Use the semicolon between two sentences that are joined by a conjunction but already have one or more commas within the first sentence.
Examples: When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her husband is able, he will be there to see her.


To be Continued..