What's that punctuation?
This punctuation CAN be used to separate items in lists, but CAN'T be used to link two independent clauses together.
What is a comma?
,
Ida needed to wash the dishes, hang the clothes to dry, brush the dog, and vacuum the stairs before her parents returned home.
What is separating items in a list?
I have several favorite genres of movies_ drama, science fiction, and mystery.
What is a colon?
I will get to watch television, but first, I have to clean up the dishes, after we finish eating.
What is the comma before "after"?
Should we start class now_ or wait for everyone to get here?
What is a comma?
This punctuation CAN be used to emphasize a word or phrase at the end of a sentence, but CAN'T be used to separate nonessential information from a sentence.
What is a colon?
:
It seems the telephone pole, which had bent precariously toward the house, was replaced today.
What is separating nonessential information?
There is mounting evidence of global warming_ of course, some people will never believe it.
What is a semicolon?
A dolphin is not fish: it is a warm-blooded, mammal.
What is the comma before "mammal"?
You need to pack the appropriate things for camping_ for example, a sleeping bag will keep you warm.
What is a semicolon?
This punctuation CAN be used to link two independent clauses together, but CAN'T be used to emphasize a word or phrase at the end of a sentence.
What is a semicolon?
;
Although the drapes in the dining room don't match the new furniture or the new paint color we picked out, I feel attached to them.
What is linking a dependent clause to an independent clause?
Barry wanted to know why I didn't respond to his text_ I hadn't received it.
What is both?
She works two jobs to make ends meet; at least, that was her reason: for not having time to join us.
What is the colon before "for"?
My roommate gave me the things I needed most_ companionship and quiet.
What is a colon or a dash?
This punctuation CAN be used to separate nonessential information from a sentence, but CAN'T be used to separate items in lists.
What is a long dash? (Em dash or dash is also acceptable)
—
Otters have the collective knowledge to use tools like rocks to crack open tough shellfish, but they don't have the intelligence to use unfamiliar tools that accomplish the same tasks.
What is linking two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction?
You can come pick me up now_ I am feeling much better.
What is both?
It was getting dark—the sun had just slipped below the mountains—, and we weren't near the cabin yet.
What is the comma before "and"?
My uncle_ who is eighty years old_ walks three miles every day.
What are commas, dashes, or parentheses?
This punctuation is ONLY used to separate nonessential information from a sentence.
What are parentheses?
( )
You know, I don't have all day!
What is separating nonessential information from a sentence? ("You know" is an emotional interjection that is not needed for the sentence to make sense.)
I just want you to remember_ two can play at that game.
What is a colon?
She had enlisted the help of three, very astute townsfolk with different professions: John, a baker; Dorothy, a policewoman; and Jo, an architect.
What is the comma before "very"?
For their anniversary they went to_ Aruba, St. Martin, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
What is NO PUNCTUATION?