Punctuation for Dummies:

A simple, no-nonsense guide to using essential punctuation

Four Basic Comma Rules

1. To separate items in a series

I need butter, flour, eggs, and chocolate chips.

2. To set off words that interrupt the flow of thought

My friend, who is two years older than me, bought a car. I, however, can’t get my license until next year.

3. To join two complete thoughts with a conjunction (and, or, nor, so, but, yet, because) I’m going to the mall, but I don’t have

any money. I can’t lend you money, because I’m

broke until I get paid next week.

4. After an introductory set of words

According to the review, that new movie is amazing.

When I saw it last week, I wasn’t very impressed by the ending.

Two Basic Colon Rules

1. To introduce a series of items after a complete thought

The classroom rules are simple: don’t whine, don’t disrespect others, and don’t disrespect yourself.

2. To introduce a quotation, a question, or a related statement after a complete thought

Shakespeare expressed his opinion through Polonius: “This above all, to thine own self be true.”

Bob had only one question: would he win the race?

He had a solution: check a map.

Three Basic Semi-colon Rules

1. To join two complete, related thoughts without a conjunction

The apartment was vacant for months; no one would rent it.

Wait until your mother hears this; she’s going to kill you!

2. When two complete, related thoughts are joined with linking words like however, furthermore, thus, or therefore

The daredevil survived the crash; however, he never walked again.

I love you; therefore, we should get married.

3. To separate items in a list if the items have internal punctuation

I’ve been to Calgary, Alberta; Montreal, Quebec; and Toronto, Ontario.