Comma Usage
In which situation should you NOT use a comma: after an introductory phrase, before the word "and" in a simple list, or between a subject and verb?
Between subject and verb
This punctuation mark is used to link two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
A semicolon
Correct the apostrophe usage: "Its time to go."
Correct the comma splice: "I love reading, I don't have much free time."
I love reading. I don't have much free time.
OR
I love reading, but I don't have much free time.
You would use this type of punctuation to indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech.
A dash
When you have two descriptive adjective before a noun, this is the way you determine whether you need to add a comma to separate the two adjectives.
If you can insert the word "and" between the two adjectives and the sentence still makes sense, then add a comma. If not, then do not use a comma.
This punctuation mark can be used to introduce a quote after an independent clause.
A colon
Explain why "the students' books" is correct when multiple students own the books.
What is because the apostrophe after the "s" indicates plural possession?
Identify and correct the error in the following sentence:
"He enjoys playing basketball he rarely finds time to practice."
What is adding a semicolon or a conjunction: "He enjoys playing basketball; he rarely finds time to practice."
Or: "He enjoys playing basketball, but he rarely finds time to practice."
Use a hyphen correctly with compound numbers in this example:
one half cup of milk
one-half cup of milk
Determine whether the following sentence correctly uses commas and explain why:
"The conference, which was scheduled for June, has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances."
Yes, the commas are used correctly because "which was scheduled for June" is a non-essential or non-restrictive clause.
Identify and correct the punctuation error in the following sentence:
"She brought three things to the picnic, a blanket, sandwiches, and lemonade."
What is replacing the comma after "picnic" with a colon: "She brought three things to the picnic: a blanket, sandwiches, and lemonade."
Use an apostrophe to show possession for a compound noun, such as "mother-in-law."
What is "mother-in-law's" (placing the apostrophe at the end)?
Analyze the punctuation in the complex sentence and correct it if necessary:
"Despite the heavy traffic they arrived on time and were ready to present."
What is adding a comma after the introductory phrase: "Despite the heavy traffic, they arrived on time and were ready to present."
Rewrite the sentence using both hyphens and dashes appropriately:
"The well known author who wrote several bestsellers attended the conference."
"The well-known author--who wrote several bestsellers--attended the conference."
Use a comma before these SEVEN conjunctions when joining two independent clauses.
FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Choose the appropriate punctuation to combine the sentences:
"The project deadline is approaching. Therefore, we need to increase our productivity."
What is using a semicolon: "The project deadline is approaching; therefore, we need to increase our productivity."
Correct the apostrophe usage in the following sentence involving multiple possessors and compound nouns:
“Both the teachers lounge and the principal office's renovations were completed last month.”
“Both the teachers’ lounge and the principal’s office renovations were completed last month.”
Identify and correct the comma splice in the following complex sentence:
"Although she was exhausted she decided to attend the meeting, she knew it was important for her career."
What is "Although she was exhausted, she decided to attend the meeting because she knew it was important for her career."
Or: "Although she was exhausted, she decided to attend the meeting. She knew it was important for her career."
Give an example of a phrase that a dash replaces.
What is "namely", "in other words", or "that is" before an explanation.
This grammatical term is another name for an "interrupter", a phrase or expression that interrupts a sentence.
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or this type of expression.
What is a transitional expression?
Use an apostrophe correctly to indicate possession for the cat that belongs to Michael and John Jones
the Joneses' cat
Correct the comma splice in the following compound-complex sentence:
"While I enjoy hiking I haven't found the time to go lately, my friends have been traveling instead."
What is "While I enjoy hiking, I haven't found the time to go lately; my friends have been traveling instead."
Or: "While I enjoy hiking, I haven't found the time to go lately, and my friends have been traveling instead."
Why do you not use a hyphen in this example?
"a clearly stated argument
Because you do not use a hyphen is one of the modifiers before a noun is an adverb ending in -ly.