PunctuationPunctuation Everything you always wanted to know!

Semicolons Use semicolons to separate two sentences to avoid a run-on sentence. –Ex. She wanted to go to the football game Jeremy was playing quarterback. –Insert a semicolon between game and Jeremy to avoid the run-on: She wanted to go to the football game; Jeremy was playing quarterback. Use semicolons to separate two sentences to avoid a run-on sentence. –Ex. She wanted to go to the football game Jeremy was playing quarterback. –Insert a semicolon between game and Jeremy to avoid the run-on: She wanted to go to the football game; Jeremy was playing quarterback.

Semicolons Use a semicolon before a connecting word and a comma after the connecting word when these words are used between two sentences. The connecting words include nevertheless, however, moreover, therefore, and others. –Ex. Jessica was late for class; however, she had a pass from the attendance office. Use a semicolon before a connecting word and a comma after the connecting word when these words are used between two sentences. The connecting words include nevertheless, however, moreover, therefore, and others. –Ex. Jessica was late for class; however, she had a pass from the attendance office.

Semicolons Use semicolons when a series of things are listed which are separated by commas to avoid confusion. –I met with Mrs. Grissom, the principal; Mr. Boedeker, the assistant principal; and Mrs. Harrington, the counselor. Use semicolons when a series of things are listed which are separated by commas to avoid confusion. –I met with Mrs. Grissom, the principal; Mr. Boedeker, the assistant principal; and Mrs. Harrington, the counselor.

Dash Use a dash to show a big interruption in thought. –Ex. We see words that blow like leaves in the winds of autumn—golden words, bronze words, words that catch the light like opals. –There are many differences—aside from the physical ones—between men and women. Use a dash to show a big interruption in thought. –Ex. We see words that blow like leaves in the winds of autumn—golden words, bronze words, words that catch the light like opals. –There are many differences—aside from the physical ones—between men and women.

Parentheses Use parentheses to enclose information which is additional or even interrupting but which helps inform the reader. –The due date of the monthly payment (once the loan has been approved) can be the day most convenient for you. Use parentheses to enclose information which is additional or even interrupting but which helps inform the reader. –The due date of the monthly payment (once the loan has been approved) can be the day most convenient for you.

Hyphenated Words Certain words are always hyphenated. –Ex. anti-American, Anglo-American, trans-Canadian, Trans-Siberian Railway Certain words are always hyphenated. –Ex. anti-American, Anglo-American, trans-Canadian, Trans-Siberian Railway