Grammar Lab

PUNCTUATION

PERIOD/FULL STOP

A period marks the end of a complete thought. Revise the following fragments to make
them complete thoughts.

1. Garfield started searching for a good friend.

2. Since an increase in sales is our goal is to improve the quality of product.
3. I was looking through his closet, because I wanted to find some clothes

QUESTION MARK
Do you know a question mark goes at the end of an interrogative statement?
Be sure to only use them for direct questions.

1. Did Nancy want to share her ideas with Barb?

2. Mickey wondered if the company would promote him.
3. Have you ever seen a comet?

EXCLAMATION MARK

I’m thrilled to share that an exclamation mark indicates strong tone! [an exclamatory
statement]

1. Who was that masked man?

2. Hurray up or you will miss the boat!
3. Way to go Griffins!

COLON

The colon is used like an equal sign: that is, information on both sides of it are equally
important. It acts as an introducer to lists and also long quotes. The statement to the
LEFT of the colon MUST be a complete thought. WARNIING: A colon can NEVER
come after words like is or are.

1. I’ll take the following people: Maryann, Nichol, Amanda.

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2. Everyone wants to invest in the company for two good reasons: a proven sales
record, and a growing product demand.
3. Chris is the one who always rises to the top Ali said the following: that kid has
several career choices, always manages to rise to the top of whatever she does.

SEMICOLON

The semicolon is placed between two independent clauses; it shows a close

relationship between the thoughts expressed. Put a semicolon in front of (and a
comma after) these words:
; consequently, ; besides, ; furthermore,
;however, ; for example, ; in fact,
; therefore, ; nevertheless, ; in fact,
;moreover,

1. Salamanders like flying bugs watching them; besides, catch their lunch can be
fascinating.
2. The bookstore is having a sale; however, some of the items are advertised in the
paper and some aren’t.
3. We hiked for two hours through Japan; consequently, we were glad to stop and
rest.
4. I like to read books; nevertheless, I do not like reading a newspaper.

COMMA

When in doubt, you leave the comma out!

There are four basic comma uses:

1. introducer
2. coordinator
3. inserter
4. lists/series
Introducer – After an introductory phrase or clause, place a comma and then an
independent clause (complete thought).

1. As soon as I realized I had to write a report every week, I decided I should look
for a less demanding class.

2. While you were looking for a placement in the Globe, I was searching the net.

3. Since I started teaching, I’ve met many International students.

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Coordinator – Use between two independent clauses, and always use a conjunction* to
join them. [*and, but, or, nor, yet, so, for]

1. The class is hungry, so we’ll order a pizza.

2. The elephant was on a diet, but he did not keep an exercise routine.

3. The class is excellent, or the class is exceptionally excellent.

Inserter - A pair of commas, like this, go around any inserted word or remark.

1. I wish, you Samuel, would start baking for the sale.

2. Judson, a talented songwriter, has offered to write our jingle.

3. The singer, a talented drummer, recorded a new album.

Lists, series – Separate items in a list: one, two, and three.

1. Required subjects in business are as follows: Book-keeping, Marketing, and

English.

2. I like cats, dogs, birds, and some people.

3. Take the following things: camera, backpack, compass, and map of Australia.

ELIPSES…use to indicate interruption of thought or omission in quoted material.

Your product catalogue for the Warp Winder Bar claims “…no rust, no fuss…” (p.53)

DASHES – It is similar to the inserter comma in function [that is a pair go around an

inserted remark] It is used to separate elements form the main sentence – abrupt shifts of
thought.

He praised Ann’s intelligence, her efficiency, her good taste – and then he proposed to
her sister.

GRAMMARLY
GRAMMARMONSTER.COM

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Punctuation Review

1. You can travel up the glass elevator and enjoy the view from the Renaissance
Centre; therefore, I recommend that you go soon
2. There are generous millionaires who give to charity: Bill Gates, Warren Buffet,
and Oprah Winfrey are just a few.
3. Why don’t you rent a car while you are in Paris, so that you can travel to nearby
towns.
4. It is that time of the year again when mother is cleaning, canning, and baking.
5. My computer the newest model is current, but within six months it will be
outdated.
6. The plans for the training include: tests, workshops, and continued support.
7. You will only succeed if you study, apply yourself to your tasks and set goals.
8. The professors like it when you bring them treasures, they especially like gold and
silver.
9. To make it in this race you will have to pace yourself, if you run too quickly, you
won’t make it to the finish line!
10. College priorities include: friendly service concern for the students, and cordial
relations with our coworkers.