CCU Writing Center

PART I  Periods  Question Marks  Semicolons PART II:  Colons  Quotation Marks  Ellipsis Marks

 Appear at the end of a sentence.  Easy? Yes.  But be sure to avoid comma splices: ◦ Not this: The governor signed the bill into law yesterday, she claimed it would cut taxes for the middle class. (Comma splice) ◦ But this: The governor signed the bill into law yesterday. She claimed it would cut taxes for the middle class. (Two sentences) ◦ Or this: The governor said she signed the bill into law because It would cut taxes for the middle class.

 Appear at the end of a question.  Easy? Yes.  But avoid these mistakes: ◦ Not this: John asked her if she wanted to go? ◦ But this: John asked her if she wanted to go. ◦ Not this: John asked her, “Do you want to go”? ◦ But this: John asked her, “Do you want to go?” ◦ Not this: Did he say, “I hope you will join me?” ◦ But this: Did he say, “I hope you will join me”?

 Two uses: ◦ Connecting equal grammatical parts of a sentence (usually independent clauses). ◦ Separating items in a list that contain commas.  Please note: Semicolons tend to be overused and misused quite frequently. Only use a semicolon when you are sure you need one.

 Acceptable: The president didn’t promise to end the war; he simply said that he would look for ways to end the war.  (But usually, a period is preferable.)  Acceptable: No one knows exactly why the Roman Empire fell apart; however, historians generally agree on three contributing factors.  NOT OK: No one knows exactly why the Roman Empire fell apart, however, historians generally agree on three contributing factors.

 OK: I will bring matches, charcoal, and lighter fluid.  Also OK: I will bring matches, charcoal, and lighter fluid; chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs; and two folding chairs.  Not OK: I will bring matches; charcoal; and lighter fluid.  Not OK: I will bring matches, charcoal, and lighter fluid, chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs, and two folding chairs.

Writing Center Prince 209 (843)