Grammar 101: A Quick Review of Punctuation Do’s and Don’ts
By Daniella Elghanayan
Let’s face it, we have all asked the question, “Should there be a comma here?” Unfortunately, grammar rules are endless, and the number of mistakes we see in day-to-day writing is often far too many. The good news: there are easy ways to double check your grammar use and avoid making these common errors. Here are a few do’s and don’ts when using commas, colons, and semicolons:
DO use a comma…
• before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) joining independent clauses
Ex. We are all graduating in the spring, but everyone plans to keep in touch.
• between all items in a series
Ex. The recipe requires onions, large potatoes, and carrots.
• between coordinate adjectives (modify a noun separately)
Ex. Bob is a smart, funny, energetic person.
DON’T use a comma…
• between cumulative adjectives
Ex. Three small green apples are in the bag.
DO use a colon…
• after an independent clause that precedes a list, appositive, or quotation
Ex. A typical routine includes the following: twenty knee bends, fifty sit-ups, and fifteen minutes of running.
• to separate an explanation, rule, or example from a preceding independent clause
Ex. Faith is like love: It cannot be forced.
NOTE: “It” may begin with a lowercase or capital letter.
DON’T use a colon…
• between a verb and its object or complement
Ex. Some important vitamins and minerals are vitamin A, iron, thiamine, potassium, and vitamin C.
• between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression (however, therefore, meanwhile, then, for example, in addition, on the other hand,etc.)
Ex. We bought our tickets in advance; otherwise, they would have been sold out.
• to separate closely related independent clauses
Ex. Some students work diligently; others ignore their studies.
DON’T use a semicolon…
• to introduce a list, or between independent clauses joined by and, but, or for, nor, so,or yet
Be sure to keep a writing source, such as Diana Hacker’s A Writers Reference, by your side to ensure proper grammar and punctuation use. I also recommend the following: the Covey Style Book and the Purdue Online Writing Center (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/). Check out the Writing Program’s website for further links and recommendations (http://www.writing.ucsb.edu/students.html). Good luck!