Punctuation!

Punctuation Essentials

100

The purpose of the apostrophe is...

To show possession or to represent the missing letters in a contraction.

200

The purpose of the semi-colon is...

To separate two sentences (or independent clauses) that are similar in content or build off of one another.

300

The purpose of the colon is...

To introduce a list

400

The colon introduces these:

phrases for emphasis, explanations, quotes, or lists.

500

Three purposes of the comma are

1) Separates a series/list 2) Separates non-essential information (nonrestrictive adjective clauses)  3) Separates a dependent clause when it comes at the beginning of the sentence  4) Separates two sentences with a conjunction (sentence, conjuncton, sentence) 5) separates two equally important adjectives 

Sentences Errors

100

A fragment is...

an incomplete sentence that is missing a subject or a verb; or a dependent clause that is separated from an independent clause

200

What is a comma splice?

 a comma incorrectly separates two sentences

300

A run-on is...

Two independent clauses that are incorrectly linked together

400

To fix a comma splice, one can...

Add a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) with a comma, or use a semi-colon

500

Another phrase for 'complete sentence' and its definition

 'Independent Clause' and a group of words (subject, verb, etc) with at least one independent clause

Editing and Identifying Comma Rules

100

Please correct this sentence and identify the comma rule that you need to know.

Running around the house the dog was abruptly stopped by a fence.

Running around the house, the dog was abruptly stopped by a fence. Rule: Separates introductory clauses (or at the back of the sentence)

200

Please correct this sentence and identify the comma rule that you need to know.The player was determined to fight run and play hard to win the game.

The player was determined to fight, run, and play hard to win the game. Rule: Separates a series/list

300

Please correct this sentence and identify the comma rule that you need to know.John and Larry my two coworkers always do more work than their supervisors.

John and Larry, my two coworkers, always do more work than their supervisors. Rule: Separates non-essential information

400

Please correct this sentence and identify the comma rule that you need to know.

Molly Amy Clark and Justin the four smartest kids in school found a cure for a worldwide disease.

Molly, Amy, Clark, and Justin, the four smartest kids in school, found a cure for a worldwide disease. Rule: 2) Separates a series/list AND Separates non-essential information

500

Please correct this sentence and identify the comma rule that you need to know.

It was undeniable that Jordan's ring a shiny huge diamond was the most expensive piece of jewelry that she owns.

It was undeniable that Jordan's ring, a shiny, huge, diamond, was the most expensive piece of jewelry that she owns. Rule: Separates a series/list AND Separates non-essential information

Editing Sentences (commas, semi-colons, conjunctions)

100

Please correct this sentence: 

I love this band, they aren't really my style but they really connect with there audience.

I love this band; they aren't really my style, but they really connect with their audience.

200

Please correct this sentence:

While listening to the band I have difficulty hearing the musicians.

While listening to the band, I have difficulty hearing the musicians.

300

Please correct this sentence:

To protect our resources we must recycle.

To protect our resources, we must recycle.

400

Please correct this sentence:

If the opposition should win our candidate would never have any political future.

If the opposition should win, our candidate would never have any political future.

500

Please correct this sentence:

While I eat I like listening to the soft background music it is very relaxing.

While I eat, I like listening to the soft background music; it is very relaxing.

Identifying Sentence Errors

100

Toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.

 Fragment

200

Went to the store to buy brownie mix.

Fragment

300

The grocery store was really packed with people there must have been a big sale today.

Run-On

400

We hiked for three days, we were very tired.

Comma Splice

500

I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30 I never sat down for even one break.

Run-On