1. Punctuation for Dummies: A simple, no-nonsense guide to using essential punctuation

2. Four Basic Comma Rules

3. 1. To separate items in a series n I need butter, flour, eggs, and chocolate chips.

4. 2. To set off words that interrupt the flow of thought n My friend, who is two years older than me, bought a car. n I, however, can’t get my license until next year.

5. 3. To join two complete thoughts with a conjunction (and, or, nor, so, but, yet, because) n I’m going to the mall, but I don’t have any money. n I can’t lend you money, because I’m broke until I get paid next week.

6. 4. After an introductory set of words n According to the review, that new movie is amazing. n When I saw it last week, I wasn’t very impressed by the ending.

7. Two Basic Colon Rules

8. 1. To introduce a series of items after a complete thought n The classroom rules are simple: don’t whine, don’t disrespect others, and don’t disrespect yourself.

9. 2. To introduce a quotation, a question, or a related statement after a complete thought n Shakespeare expressed his opinion through Polonius: “This above all, to thine own self be true.” n Bob had only one question: would he win the race? n He had a solution: check a map.

10. Three Basic Semi-colon Rules

11. 1. To join two complete, related thoughts without a conjunction n The apartment was vacant for months; no one would rent it. n Wait until your mother hears this; she’s going to kill you!

12. 2. When two complete, related thoughts are joined with linking words like however, furthermore, thus, or therefore n The daredevil survived the crash; however, he never walked again. n I love you; therefore, we should get married.

13. 3. To separate items in a list if the items have internal punctuation n I’ve been to Calgary, Alberta; Montreal, Quebec; and Toronto, Ontario.