4d PUNCTUATION

How and When to Use It

 Why do we use it?
• We use punctuation to emphasize or clarify
what we mean
• In speaking, we can pause, stop or change
our voice
• In writing, punctuation is used as signals to
the reader
What are they called?
 Period
• At the end of a complete sentence
They found the cherry tree in the park.
I can’t imagine taking that class. It’s too difficult.

• With abbreviations
R.S.V.P. B.A. e.g.
Mr. Mrs. Dr.
 Period
The period is probably the most important
punctuation sign. Its omission will likely:
•cause confusion for the reader
•mix up ideas
•not communicate the meaning intended by
the writer
 Comma
• indicates that a pause is needed in the sentence
• separates structural elements into manageable
segments
• is both an aid to sense and ease of reading
• It is better to underuse them than to overuse them
 Comma
• In places and dates

I live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The conference is in New York, New York
Today is Thursday, June 16, 2016
 Comma
• To separate items in a list of three or more
She bought eggs, coffee, mustard and bread.
I’ve studied French, Italian and Spanish.

• You don’t usually use the comma before the

final ‘and’ but some people disagree
 Comma
• To separate two descriptions of the same
object, person or place
Ambato, a small commercial city, is my hometown.

• The second of the two descriptions is not

essential but adds to the first idea
Mr. Bowman, a journalist, gave his honest opinion.
 Comma
• Following introductory words that
introduce direct speech or a direct question
He said, “I am never going there again!”
The policeman asked, “why do you hesitate?”
 Comma
• To separate short clauses which list actions,
events and so on.
She got up, left the room, slammed the door and made
his way to her car.
 Comma
• To separate independent clauses (complete
thoughts) when they are joined with the
words:
and or for nor so but yet
Mery wanted to go to bed, but she had to finish her
homework first.
 Comma
• To separate a dependant clause (incomplete
thoughts) from an independent clause
(complete thought)
When I get older, I will be able to drive.
If you are good, I’ll buy you a toy.
Even though I bought the ticket, I couldn’t get in.
 Comma
• To separate transition words
However Therefore For example Also In fact
We are supposed to go out tonight. However, it’s raining pretty hard.

It’s been very cold in Ambato this week. Therefore, most people have stayed
at home.

The price of technology has risen a lot in the last year. For example, a laptop
now costs more than $1000.
Comma
 Semi-colon
It has 3 primary functions:
1.To combine two closely related complete sentences not
joined by a conjunction
2.To separate complete sentences that are joined by a
conjunctive adverb
3.To separate items on a list when a comma could be
confusing

It’s stronger than a comma, weaker than a period!

 Semi-colon
Examples (stronger than a comma)
On the trip, we drove through Tampa, Florida;
Wichita, Kansas; and Fresno, California.
The school specializes in three fields of study:
economics, the study of the economy; philosophy, the
study of thought; and anthropology, the study of
mankind.
 Semi-colon
Examples: (weaker than a period)
The man was wet; he was standing in the rain
without an umbrella.
I cannot buy a new car; I do not have very
much money.
 Colon
• To introduce a list
• To explain the idea in a preceding clause of
sentence
The reporter interviewed the following people: the
department head, the secretary and the students.
 Dash
• In place of parentheses ( ) to give extra
information
They all came – Sandra, Irwin, Katie and Phil – to help
set up the party.
 Bullet Points
• In a list – like you’ve seen throughout this
presentation!
 Question Mark
• Used in direct questions
Where is your school?
Are you sure you want to stay out so late?

• Not indirect questions

I was wondering where the bathroom was.
I’m not sure where to go.