Punctuation Rules: Periods Rule #1: Use a period at the end of a declarative/imperative (command) sentence Rule #2: Use a period after initials [Lisa Marie Fry = L.M.F.] Rule #3: Use a period after letters and numbers of an outline I. Civil War A. Union 1. Generals 2. Strategy B. Confederacy a. Robert E. Lee b. Stonewall Jackson II. Reconstruction

Punctuation Rules: Periods Rule #4: Use a period after abbreviations However, do not punctuate postal codes N.Y. is the abbreviation for New York. NY is the postal code. Additionally, if the name of an organization is an acronym, no period is used. An acronym spells out a word. Y.M.C.A. is the abbreviation for Young Men’s Christian Association. MADD is the acronym for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. Lastly, metric measurements do not use a period (cm)

Punctuation Rules: Apostrophes Rule #1: Use an apostrophe in a contraction Rule #3: Use an apostrophe when taking letter or words out of context [Cross your t’s.] Rule #4: Use an apostrophe to show possession A. If the word is singular, add apostrophe + s B. If the word is plural and does not end in s, add apostrophe + s. C. If the word is plural and ends in s, add the apostrophe after the s If two people own something jointly, place the apostrophe after the last person’s name. [Joan and Dave’s car]

Punctuation Rules: Commas Rule #1: Use a comma to set off introductory words Rule #2: Use a comma to separate the name of the person spoken to Rule #3: Use a comma to separate interrupters in a sentence. Louise, come here, please. No, I haven’t seen it. The answer, I think, is fifty-four.

Punctuation Rules: Commas Rule #4: Use a comma after the greeting and closing of a friendly letter. Rule #5: Use a comma to set off words in a series. Rule #6: Use a comma between two or more descriptive adjectives. Dear Karla, Sincerely yours, Furniture, linens, toys, and dishes were sold there. Bright, sparkling stars twinkled in the dark night.

Punctuation Rules: Commas Rule #7: Use a comma to set off appositive phrases. [Ms. Pratt, the bank president, spoke about loans.] Rule #8: Use a comma to set off a title following a name. [Gloria Kole, D.D.S., is opening a new office.] Rule #9: Use a comma to separate parts of an address [Bill lives at 567 West Lowe Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma.] Rule #10: Use a comma to separate parts of a date [On Friday, Nov. 7, 1959, her grandparents were married.] Rule #11: Use a comma to separate direct quotations. [“I agree,” replied Mark, “that this rocket is ready.”]

Punctuation Rules: Commas Rule #12: Use a comma after a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence. [If I could be there, I would be delighted] Rule 13: Use a comma and a conjunction to combine two independent clauses. [Our outing was fun, but we were glad to return.] Rule #13: Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase. [During the long intermission, everyone chatted.] Rule #14: Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase. [Jumping on the bed, the toddler giggled with delight.]