2. Punctuation Please copy the following information into the “…Hmmm!” section of your English Notebook. Please copy the following information into the “…Hmmm!” section of your English Notebook.

3. . Period = Stop Sign Come to a full stop. Then go on. No rolling through the intersection., Comma = Flashing Yellow Light Slow down, look left and right, then continue. ; Semicolon = Flashing Red Light Stop briefly; forge ahead. : Colon = Arrow or Road Sign Listen up! What follows explains or adds information Punctuation as Traffic Signals

4. In sentences, semicolons (;) are flashing red lights. They make readers apply the brakes before going on. Put one space after a semicolon. Use semicolons… To link two closely related thoughts: Of course my stomach’s tore up; I’m constipated, dawg. To separate two main clauses: Many criminals leave clues; detectives follow the trail. Semicolons

5. (You could also turn these two thoughts into separate sentences, or link them with a conjunction—and, yet, but, for, nor, so, because). Use semicolons… To separate a list of items that already includes commas, such as names and titles or cities and states: The Rancho Cucamonga Country Club’s new members are Rose Harper, president; Hans Klaus, vice president; Leticia Chen, treasurer.

6. Buy our Wild Vacation Package for Sleepy Eye, Minnesota; Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania; and Snowflake, Arizona. Use semicolons… To separate a sentence that is long and complex. Kevin moved his mother to a small condo at the beach; this forced a disposal of many of her belongings so she could comfortably live in her new, smaller dwelling.

7. Punctuation Please copy the following information about commas into the “…Hmmm!” section of your English Notebook. Please copy the following information about commas into the “…Hmmm!” section of your English Notebook.

8. Commas (,) signal a pause in the action, like a flashing yellow light. Generally, use a comma when the subject changes. Put one space after a comma. Use commas… After a long introductory phrase or clause. While eating last week’s leftovers, Daniel watched MTV’s Viva. To separate elements in a list or series (called serial commas). Commas

9. Commas help make ideas clear. Justine says a good job has music, a break room, and cute guys. Unclear: Brittany shopped in the children’s maternity and toy departments. Clear: Brittany shopped in the children’s, maternity, and toy departments.