How can I know how to punctuate?

How can I know how to punctuate?

1. Clauses

Understand Clauses An independent clause can stand

alone. A dependent Clause needs an

independent clause to be a sentence.› Dependent clauses begin with

subordinating conjunctions› After, although, as, because, if, once,

since, etc.

Which clause is dependent? I traveled to Florida although I didn’t

have much money.

What punctuation is needed?

Why?

What if there are two independent clauses?

I went to the store and I bought lots of groceries.

What punctuation is needed?

These two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and).Each independent clause can stand alone.

It is important to recognize a coordinating conjunction from a subordinating conjunction.

The library book that I checked out is due soon.

The library book is due soon and I think I owe a fine.

Punctuation?

What do Relative Pronouns Have to do with punctuation?

They introduce dependent clauses and relate to a noun already named in the sentence.› (That, which, what, who, whoever, etc.

› EX: Sometimes the classes that I want are full.

Is punctuation needed?

Remember-- Subordinating conjunctions and relative

pronouns make clauses dependent.

Punctuating Compound Sentences

How to determine a compound sentence

› Ask: Is there a coordinating conjunction and does the sentence contain at least two independent clauses?

1. Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction. 2. You can substitute a semicolon for a

coordinating conjunction sometimes.

Examples How to Punctuate?

She created the program and she led the team.

I think that the issue is clear it also may have multiple outcomes.

Conjunctive adverbs in compound sentences

Clauses in compound sentences are often linked by the conjunctive adverb (consequently, however, moreover, besides, nevertheless, on the other hand, in fact, therefore, thus)

If they are, you need a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb.

Example The firm has had a change in

management; therefore, we are not sure what we should do.

It is clear that we should fix the error; moreover, we are expected to do it.

Punctuating Complex Sentences

Complex sentences contain both an independent and dependent clause.

There may be no punctuation between the clauses, or they may be separated by a comma.

ExamplesEX: Although we don’t have to, we

should correct the error.

--An introductory clause with a subordinating conjunction is followed by a comma.

Restrictive Clauses Restrictive clauses are essential; they

restrict the meaning of the term they modify. No comma is needed.

EX: Schools that let out early are diminishing student opportunities for learning.

Non-Restrictive Clauses Non-Restrictive clauses add additional

information but do not restrict the meaning of the term it modifies.

EX: The detective, who was tall and handsome, took down my statement.

Punctuating phrases Series Commas and Semicolons

› Commas with a series of adjectives If adjectives in a series both or all modify a noun,

use a comma between them but not after the final one.

EX: The new, more important method will be implemented.

Punctuation and Parallelism Parallelism means that related items

share a grammatical structure.

› EX: The responsibility of the cook is creating the recipe, cooking the food, and supervising the staff.

Introductory & Interrupting Phrases

Introductory Phrases—usually followed by a comma unless they are quite short.

› EX: For those with permission statements, the rules are fairly easy.

What about hyphens? A hyphen shows that two words

function as a unit.

Often you need to consult a dictionary to see if the phrase uses a hyphen.

Also, consult a style manual.

Noun forms of hyphens Noun forms of compound terms tend to

be open or solid (no hyphen).

EX: problem solving, bookkeeping

More on hyphens Noun forms that are formed by a noun

and an adjective are more likely to be hyphenated or solid.

EX: self-service, one-half EX: patient services

Hyphens and Adjective Forms

Compound adjectives are hyphenated if they precede the word modified and if they are formed in these ways:

› Adjective or noun + past participle EX: green-tinted glass

› Noun + present participle EX: interest-bearing account

Dashes Can show a break in thought,

› Or provide emphasis.

Dashes also signal to the reader additional information at the end of a sentence, helping the reader to interpret the significance of the primary information in a sentence.

Examples The project will end January 15—unless

the company provides additional funds.

The job will be done—after we are under contract.

Only one person—the president—can authorize such activity.

Continued Compounds with “all,” “half,” “high,”

or “low”› EX: all-around student

Compounds with “well” if they precede a noun

EX: well-connected people

Dashes An em dash—the length of two

hyphens without space around them-- can substitute for parentheses, a break in thought, or provide emphasis.› Above sentence –dash substitutes for

parentheses.

More on Dashes Dashes also signal additional

information at the end of the sentence that helps a reader interpret the significance of the primary information in the sentence.

› EX: Some state prison systems apply the policy of risk-group screening for AIDS only to pregnant women—a very small number of inmates.

Punctuating with hyphens A hyphen shows that two words

function as a unit. EX:

Overview—What others see Copymarks

› Show where changes need to be made to make the document correct, consistent, accurate, and complete.

Marginal Notes› To author (au: Correct?› To typesetter/production specialist (comp:

set rom)

Overview—what we look for Are those groups of words punctuated

as sentences actual sentences? Is the punctuation complete? Do subjects and verbs agree in

number? Do pronouns agree with referents? Do modifiers attach logically to the

word or phrase they modify?

More of what we look for Are words spelled and capitalized

correctly and consistently? Are numbers spelled or in figures? Is identifying information, such as

running headers, in the same place on every page?

Accuracy Check data including dates, numbers,

etc Check words including names, titles,

terms, abbreviations, quotations Check organizational information—

table of contents, index, etc.

Focusing on Consistency Look for consistency in the document.

› Verbal (meanings and arrangements of words) Semantics (meaning). Does the author use

one term of something in one place and then a different term elsewhere?

Syntax (structure). Is there parallel structure where you see related terms, phrases of sentences?

Cont. Syntax, cont.

› Series of steps in a procedure should be worded alike.

Style (word choice, sentence patterns, writer’s voice)› No mixing of formal language with casual

language› Shifts in person

Visual consistency Typography consistency

› Do parallel parts of a document use the same typeface and style? Are variations in headings consistent?

Layout› Is the amount of space below a heading

the same throughout?› Is indentation used for all paragraphs?

Mechanical Consistency Spelling Capitalization Hyphenation Abbreviation Numbers Punctuation Documentation