DOs and DONTs of Punctuation

Commas, Colons, and Semicolons

Semicolons
DO use a semicolon to separate two Independent clauses (complete thoughts).

Example: I went to the store; they were out of bread.

Colons
DO use a colon before a list of three or more things, especially if the sentence includes followed or following. Example: I always order the same toppings on pizza: sausage, pepperoni, and extra cheese. I would like the following items for my birthday : an iPad, a puppy, and a cake.

Colons

Use a colon in conventional situations.

Time In the salutation of a formal letter Bible verses Separating larger and smaller titles

Commas
DO DO use commas to separate independent clauses with words like and, but, so
Example: I went to Florida for Spring Break, and I had fun. DONT DONT use JUST commas to separate independent clauses. WRONG: I got a new dog, I named him Bobby.

How could you fix that sentence?

(1) use a semicolon I got a new dog; I named him Bobby. (2) use a comma and a word like and, but, so I got a new dog, and I named him Bobby. (3) create two separate sentences. I got a new dog. I named him Bobby.

Commas

DO DO use a comma to separate dependent clauses at the beginning of sentences. Because I missed the bus, I walked to school.

DONT Dont use a comma to separate dependent clauses at the end of sentences. Wrong: I walked to school, because I missed the bus.

Commas

DO DO use a comma in lists. When I went to the store, I bought butter, milk, and eggs. Do the next example on your own.

DONT DONT use a comma if less than three items are present.

Wrong: Over the summer I swim, and play volleyball.

Commas

DO DO use a comma to separate extra information in the sentence.

Oh, I didnt see you there. My oldest cat, Fluffy, died.

DONT DONT use a comma to separate an important chunk in the sentence.

Wrong: The house, on the corner of Elm Street, is for sale.

Commas
DO use a comma when calling someone by name.

Hey, Sally, can I borrow a dollar? You left your phone at football practice, Jake. Molly, do you remember what our Science homework was?

Commas
DO use a comma in conventional situations:

After cities and states (not abbreviations) Also after street names in addresses. After the date and year.

After the salutation of personal letters and after the closing of any letter.