Period
It comes at the end of a statement or request - Example: We will have a test tomorrow (.)
Question Mark
It comes at the end of a question - Example: When is the test (?)
Exclamation
To expresses joy, anger, or used with a command - Example: What an exciting game (!)
Commas (Series)
For commas to separate items in a series/list - Example: The audience (laughed , cried , and whistled.)
Commas (Adjectives
For commas to separate two adjectives that modify the same noun - Example: Your apartment is a (cheerful, sunny place.)
Commas (Compound Sentences)
To use a comma and coordinating conjuction (F. for, A. and, N. nor, B. but, O. or, Y. yet, S. so) used to join a compound sentence - Example: I put gas in the car, (and) then I checked the oil.
Commas (Nonessential Interrupters)
To set off nonessential information in a sentence that does not change the meaning of the sentence if removed - Example: Thomas Hart Benton (, the artist,) lived there
Commas (Appositives)
To use commas to set of appositives and appositive phrases that are nonessential. An appositive is a noun or pronoun used to explain or identify another noun or pronoun. - Example: Bob (, our next-door neighbor,) is an old friend.
Commas (Direct Address)
To use commas to set off words that are used in direct address (speaking directly to someone) - Example: Here is your book (, Bob,) that I borrowed from you.
Commas (Parenthetical Expressions)
To use commas to set off parenthetical expressions. A parenthetical expression is a side remark that adds information or relates ideas. - Example: This water bottle (, I believe,) is Jerry’s.
Commas (Mild Exclamations)
To use a comma after a yes, no, or any mild exclamation, such as well, or why, when it begins a sentence. - Example: (Why,) you are just the person I was looking for.
Commas (Introductory Phrase)
To use commas after introductory phrases. - Example: (Starting next week,) there will be a substitute teacher in class.
Commas (Dates and Addresses)
To use commas to separate items in dates and addresses - Example: The address of Frankfort Middle School is (356 Golden Drive, Ridgeley, West Virginia 26753)
Semicolons
To use semicolons to join two independent clauses to create a compound sentence. - Example: Maya looked outside and sighed (;) rain was still falling
Colons
To use a colon before a list of items, especially after expressions such as (the following), or (as follows). Also use colons between the hour and the minute and after the salutation of a business letter. - Example: We will provide the following school supplies (:) pencils, notebooks, and textbooks.
