12 Punctuation Rules

Comma Rule

Comma Rule

Comma Rule

Comma Rule

Comma Rule

12

Colon Rule

Semicolon Rule

Semicolon Rule

Punctuation Rules

Apostrophe Rule

Apostrophe Rule

Parentheses

Dash Rule

( )

Comma Rule #5

A comma is used to serparate an "ing" verbal phrase at the end of a sentence when the phrase refers to the entire sentence before it. **Remember this rule as "The 'Ing' Thing." Test for this rule by changing the order of the two halves of the sentence. If the meaning of the sentence doesn't change, you need a comma: Example: Barbara did well, considering she hadn't studied at all. Considering she hadn't studied at all, Barbra did well.

Colon Rule

A colon follows an independent clause and introduces ("tees up") an example, explanation, short phrase, or list. The word, phrase, or clause that follows the colon need not be an independent clause. A colon connects the sentence in front of it to the information that preceded it. Sentence: detail, list, or explanation Example: There's only one city where I'd ever live: Boulder, Colorado.

Parentheses Rule

Prentheses seperate nonessential information from the rest of the sentence. Nonessential information is not necessary for creating a complete sentence. Eliminate any answer choices that don't appropriately use parentheses to separate nonessential information.

Comma Rule #4

A comma serperates words in a list or series. This is the easy one. Example: For summer camp, they say I need two pairs of pants, bug spray, suncreen, and a llama.

Comma Rule #3

A comma separates two independent clauses if one of the following words comes in between them: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. If it helps, you can remember that the first leters of these words spell "FANBOYS." Independent, (FANBOYS) Independent Example: I'm thinking of going to Georgetown, but I had a great time visitining U of A. Independent (FANBOYS) Dependent = No Comma Example: I'm thinking of going to Georgetown but had a great time visiting U of A.

Apostrophe Rule #1

An apostrophe indicates possession: 's = singular possession Example: Danny's hat says "Duke" on it s' = plural + possession Example: Both of my parents' siblings live in Rochester, New York. Make sure the noun actually possesses something. You may rush to place an apotrophe just because the word plural and "feels" like it needs one. When you slow down and think, you'll easily distinguish between plurality and possession.

Comma Rule #1

A comma separates introductory words from the main part of the sentence. Introductory Phrase = Comma Example: After seven hours of studying, I raised my ACT score.

Semicolon Rule #2

If you see therefore, however, also, moreover, otherwise, or another conjunctive adverb between two independent clauses, "hug" it with a semicolon and a comma. The first letter of each of these words spells "THAMO," which will help you identify them. When placed between two independent clauses, "THAMO" words need a semicolon in front of them and a comma behind. Independent; however, Independent Example: I like gigantic pick-up tucks; however, they're not practical in New York City.

Apostrophe Rule #2

An apostrophe indicates a contraction: The only ones you are likely to see are it's (it + is) there's (there + is) they're (they + are) who's (who + is) you're (you + are) Example: It's a fact that elephants are bigger than mice. If you are unsure that the apostrophe correctly indicates a contraction, pull the word apart to make sure you're "hearing" it correctly.

Dash Rule

Use dashes to "hug" a major break or interruption in thought. You need one on either side of the break. If the ACT tests you on a dash, they'll usually want you to use two, one on each side of the statement in another "hug" situation. An author might want a major break for emphasis, or they might need to place an entire sentence within the body of another sentence, in which case no other punctuation will suffice. Example: Three of my most difficult classes- history, physics, and English- are all the first thing in the morning.

Semicolon Rule #1

A semicolon separates two independent clauses when you do not see one of the following words: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. **Remember the acronym FANBOYS. Independent clauses without a FANBOYS word still need more than a comma between them. A comma just isn't enough. Independent; Independent Example: I'm thinking of going to Georgetown; D.C. is an ideal place for me to begin my political career.

Comma Rule #2

Use a pair of commas to "hug" words or phrases that are nonessential to the integrity of the sentence. If you can remove the phrase and the sentence still makes sense it needs a comma around it. Nonessential? Give it a hug. Example: Joey, the homeless man on the subway stop, plays "Stairway to Heaven" on a flute.