F. PUNCTUATION

Use a Comma:

Between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, nor, so, yet):

He has only one idea, and it is wrong.   You can do things my way, or you can find another job.

To separate items in a series (three or more words, phrases, etc.):

French, Spanish, and Portuguese are romance languages.   I.U., Purdue, Michigan and Wisconsin are big ten schools.

To set off introductory expressions and dependent clauses at the beginning of a sentence:

Fortunately for him, the police did not see him run the red light.

When you feel like dancing, let Arthur Murray teach you dancing in a hurry.

To set off nonrestrictive elements in a sentence:

(1)            appositives

Dylan Thomas, a Welsh poet, died at 39.

(2)            parenthetical expressions  

We should, I think, attend the party.   I do not, however, think we should stay long.

(3)            non-restrictive modifiers

The students, who have finished their work, are leaving early.

Do not use a comma with restrictive modifiers, words that are necessary to the meaning of a sentence:  

The students who have finished their work may leave.

To separate coordinate adjectives:  

He was a wild, wicked man.

 

Do not use a Comma:

Between independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (comma splice):  

I'm a lover, I'm not a fighter.   I got up early this morning, I had a lot to do.

Between a subject and a verb:  

A weekend in New York, would be a nice change.

 

Use a Semicolon:

Between independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction:  

I agree with you; jogging is boring.

To separate items in a series that contains commas:  

Dr. Quack, a psychiatrist; Mr. Wright, an architect; Professor Chomsky, a linguist; and Ms. Klein, a fashion designer, all attended the convention.

 

Use the Colon:

To introduce a formal list (a list is formal if it is preceded by   "the following" or by a specific number):  

I participate in the following sports:   tennis, hockey, and badminton.   I participate in three sports:   tennis, hockey, and badminton.

To introduce a quotation:  

Commodore Vanderbilt stated: "The public be damned!"

 

Do not use a Colon:

To introduce an informal list (one not preceded by "the following" or by a specific number):  

I play tennis, hockey, and badminton.

After "for example" and "such as":  

I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and jogging.

 

Use the Apostrophe:

To replace omitted letters in contractions:   won't, he'll, doesn't, don't.   Be sure that the apostrophe is placed where the omitted letter would be.

In possessive forms:   Jim's ability; Charles' or Charles's routine; the children's circus.

*For Practice:   See Exercises T through W.