1. ACT Punctuation Lessons

2. Punctuation: Commas 1.Commas separate introductory words or phrases from the main part of the sentence: – Over the course of the year, I will get better at note taking. – In the summer, Marla enjoys swimming and reading novels. – After his next birthday, Stephen will be able to vote. – At school, Tanya often skips lunch.

3. Punctuation: Commas 2. Commas set off words or phrases that aren't essential to the sentence: – My grandmother, even though she is 85, still enjoys traveling frequently. – Jonathon, who has been playing soccer since he was eight, is our best goalie. – The rose bushes, which were nearly killed by insects last year, are healthy now. – Mr. Hernandez, my history teacher, often assigns group projects.

4. Punctuation: Commas 3. Separate two independent clauses that are joined together by a FANBOYS word: – I am hoping to jog outdoors today, but the ice storm may prevent me. – Julia may go to the party tonight, or she may stay at home. – My brother is a dedicated student, and I am trying to be more like him. – I was cold, so I decided to adjust the thermostat.

5. Punctuation: Commas 4. Commas separate items in a list or in a series: – When I ‘m out today, I need to buy shampoo, gym socks, and a set of markers. – I can’t believe that she would do such a thing, lie about it, and then blame her best friend.

6. Punctuation: Semicolons Use a semi colon to join two closely related independent clauses without a FANBOYS word: – We don’t get many snowstorms in late March; by April, I’m usually able to use my bike for local errands. OR – We don’t get many snowstorms in late March, so I’m usually able to use my bike for local errands by April.

7. Punctuation: Semicolons Some non-FANBOYS can be used after a semicolon: – furthermore – however – moreover – nevertheless – therefore – thus

8. Punctuation: Colons Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce an example, explanation, short phrase, quotation, a list, or to show emphasis (dependent clauses). – Right: Yolanda is moving to a city known for its rainy weather: Seattle. Never use a colon after is, are, am, was, were – Wrong= Sarah and Kevin are: the leading actors in the fall musical. – Wrong= Lonnie will set up: tents for the junior high campers.

9. Punctuation: Dashes Use Dashes to indicate a hesitation or break in thought. If the break comes in the middle of the main part of the sentence, use a dash before and after the interruption:  Dashes--a single dash or a pair of dashes--are used to indicate a break in thought.  I couldn’t believe it--we won the game after all! Example: This year’s prices at the amusement park –I know because I come here every year, are much higher than last year’s. a.NO CHANGE b.park, I know because I come her every year-- c.park--I know because I come here every year-- d.park--I know because I come here every year;

10. Punctuation: Apostrophes Apostrophes are used to show possession: – Roma’s mother is a doctor. – The woman’s room is being renovated. When the noun is plural and ends in s, the apostrophe follows the final s: – Both my grandparents’ families are from France – All the students’ desks need to be repaired.

11. Punctuation: Apostrophes Apostrophes are used to indicate where letters are left out of a contraction: – They’re = they are – It’s = it is – There’s = there is – Who’s = who is or who has