1.  End Marks  Commas  Semicolons  Colons

2.  Use commas to separate items in a series.  Use commas to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun.  HINT: If you can say the word and between the adjectives and the sentence makes sense, you need a comma.  Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so= FANBOYS) when it joins independent clauses in a compound sentence.

3.  Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence.  Use commas to set off nonessential participial phrases and nonessential subordinate clauses. Nonessential- means it is not needed to understand the basic meaning of the sentence Ex: This small turtle, crossing the street slowly, was in danger. Ex: All farmers growing the new hybrid corn should have a good harvest.

4.  Use commas to set off words of direct address. EX: Do you know, Bob, when the team is leaving?  Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions. EX: Leah, I believe, will have the highest average at the end of the year. EX: I believe Leah will have the highest average at the end of the year. (Why don’t I have commas??)

5.  Set off words such as well, oh, why, yes, no when they come at the beginning of a sentence.  Use a comma after introductory prepositional, participial, and infinitive phrases. EX: In the morning, they are going hiking. EX: Studying all night long, Bob finally drifted off to sleep. EX: To perform well in games, be sure to come to practice each day. EX: To perform well in games is Bob’s goal.

6.  Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses. My old address was 250 Dolphin Lane, Miami, FL 32523. Dear Bob, Friday, June 1, 2012

7.  Use between independent clauses when they are not joined by FANBOYS.  Use between independent clauses when they are joined by a word other than FANBOYS. EX: English was Lou’s hardest subject; accordingly, he gave it more time than any other subject.  Use to separate independent clauses joined by FANBOYS if the clauses already contain commas. EX: Our strongest defensive players are Carlos, Will, and Jared; and Kareem and Matt are excellent on offense.

8.  Understanding comma rules and semicolon rules, you can avoid run-on sentences in your writing.  3 ways to avoid run-ons: Use a comma with a FANBOYS Use a semicolon Split into 2 separate sentences