Some Punctuation Basics Adapted from Eric Stephenson’s Presentation

Punctuating Titles Parts of works, such as short stories, articles, poems, songs which appear within collections (journals, magazines, newspapers or books) get quotation marks: “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is a famous poem by Robert Frost. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is a famous poem by Robert Frost. “Survey of the Attitudes of First-Year College Students toward Smoking Tobacco” appeared in a journal last year. “Survey of the Attitudes of First-Year College Students toward Smoking Tobacco” appeared in a journal last year.

Treating Other Titles Differently Other titles (of complete works) are underlined or italicized Other titles (of complete works) are underlined or italicized Books Books Plays Plays Websites Websites Computer software—Microsoft Internet Explorer Computer software—Microsoft Internet Explorer Periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers) Periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers) Movies Movies Databases Databases Works of visual art Works of visual art

Capitalization in Titles Generally, the only parts of speech NOT given an initial capital in a title are articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. Note that the entire title is NOT placed in capitals. Generally, the only parts of speech NOT given an initial capital in a title are articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. Note that the entire title is NOT placed in capitals. The Spanish Inquisition: Was It as Appalling as the English Protestant Writers Claimed? The Spanish Inquisition: Was It as Appalling as the English Protestant Writers Claimed? Reading between the Lines Reading between the Lines “On the Rainy River” “On the Rainy River”

Comma Usage Commas set off nonessential elements Commas set off nonessential elements The store, which is located in Redding, has a fine array of clothing. The store, which is located in Redding, has a fine array of clothing. Toni Morrison, a Nobel Prize winner, wrote Beloved. Toni Morrison, a Nobel Prize winner, wrote Beloved. Many construction owners, their profits still growing, continue to invest in new equipment. Many construction owners, their profits still growing, continue to invest in new equipment.

Comma Usage Continued Parenthetical and transitional expressions get commas, as in introductions to a main clause. Parenthetical and transitional expressions get commas, as in introductions to a main clause. Slowly, a few people began arriving at the fair. Slowly, a few people began arriving at the fair. Clearly, this is an idea in need of review. Clearly, this is an idea in need of review. In the end, we managed to get through. In the end, we managed to get through. Americans, for example, tend to work longer hours than their European counterparts. Americans, for example, tend to work longer hours than their European counterparts. Dogs and cats, for instance, can be domesticated fairly easily. Dogs and cats, for instance, can be domesticated fairly easily.

Comma Usage Continued A comma and coordinating conjunction are used to separate independent clauses A comma and coordinating conjunction are used to separate independent clauses Coordinating conjunctions—FANBOYS Coordinating conjunctions—FANBOYS He was popular, for he had won the game. He was popular, for he had won the game. She understood the question, and she responded quickly. She understood the question, and she responded quickly. He did not care, nor did he do anything about it. He did not care, nor did he do anything about it. The group used a map, but they still got lost. The group used a map, but they still got lost. He should review the material, or else he will make mistakes. He should review the material, or else he will make mistakes. He ate, yet he was still hungry. He ate, yet he was still hungry. He was hungry, so he ate waffles. He was hungry, so he ate waffles.

Comma Usage Continued Use commas after subordinating clauses: Use commas after subordinating clauses: Although the field was long, he traversed it anyway. Although the field was long, he traversed it anyway. When students work hard, they usually succeed. When students work hard, they usually succeed. After the show, they went to dinner. After the show, they went to dinner. Once she decided to leave, he could not stop her. Once she decided to leave, he could not stop her.

Semicolons Semicolons can be used between two INDEPENDENT clauses, especially if they have parallel structure or show cause and effect. Semicolons can be used between two INDEPENDENT clauses, especially if they have parallel structure or show cause and effect. The Tempest is an examination of perception as it relates to reality; each character perceives the storm and its consequences differently. The Tempest is an examination of perception as it relates to reality; each character perceives the storm and its consequences differently. Mr. Johnson often receives annual paid vacations; however, he works, on average, six days a week. Mr. Johnson often receives annual paid vacations; however, he works, on average, six days a week. Incorrect (creates a fragment) Incorrect (creates a fragment) She was thirsty; because she had eaten potato chips. She was thirsty; because she had eaten potato chips.

Note the Differences Than is a comparative conjunction; then is an adverb that indicates time. Than is a comparative conjunction; then is an adverb that indicates time. Which is a relative pronoun (not witch). These are homophones—spelled differently but sound the same. Which is a relative pronoun (not witch). These are homophones—spelled differently but sound the same. To is a preposition; too is an adverb meaning “also” or “excessively”; two is the number. To is a preposition; too is an adverb meaning “also” or “excessively”; two is the number. Whether-weather Whether-weather It’s-its It’s-its There-their-they’re There-their-they’re

Possession Write out the word, then add apostrophe “s” or just an apostrophe. Think before you apostrophe! Write out the word, then add apostrophe “s” or just an apostrophe. Think before you apostrophe! The dog’s house is air conditioned. (one dog) The dog’s house is air conditioned. (one dog) The dogs’ house is air conditioned. (two dogs) The dogs’ house is air conditioned. (two dogs) The parents’ car (both parents) The parents’ car (both parents) The parent’s car (one parent) The parent’s car (one parent) Tess’ poems are lovely. (poems by Tess) Tess’ poems are lovely. (poems by Tess) Tess’s poems are lovely. (older form) Tess’s poems are lovely. (older form)

Possession Continued Since the people’s decision is final, we might as well accept it. Since the people’s decision is final, we might as well accept it. We sealed all the boxes’ lids. We sealed all the boxes’ lids. One box’s top was damaged. One box’s top was damaged. In some languages, possession is shown by the preposition equivalent to of. “The house of Mary” would be, in idiomatic English, “Mary’s house.” In some languages, possession is shown by the preposition equivalent to of. “The house of Mary” would be, in idiomatic English, “Mary’s house.”