This document provides an overview of basic punctuation marks in English including the period, comma, semicolon, colon, quotation marks, dashes, parentheses, and hyphen. It explains the main uses of each punctuation mark and provides examples to illustrate proper usage. Key uses covered include separating elements in a list, joining independent clauses, introducing a quote or example, and forming compound adjectives.

1. Basic Uses of
Punctuation in
English

2. period (US) / full stop (UK)
.
This is a strong termination, to mark the end of a sentence.
One summer I worked in a school in Ireland. The kids helped
me learn English.

3. comma
,
1. to separate items in a list. (The comma before the “and” is
optional.)
…horses, pigs, chickens and turkeys…
or
…horses, pigs, chickens, and turkeys

4. comma
,
2. to separate a dependent clause when the dependent clause
comes first
Once this TV show is over, we’ll leave.
We’ll leave once this TV show is over. (no comma)

5. comma
,
3. to separate a non-defining relative clause from the rest of
the sentence
Joey Bishop, whom you met last month, is the keynote speaker.

6. comma
,
4. to separate parenthetic expressions, that is, inserted
explanatory expressions, from the rest of the sentence
My father, a jaded and bitter man, ate the muffin.
You can also use parentheses ( ) or dashes -- -- here.

7. comma
,
5. to separate a quote from the rest of the sentence (not
always)
The butler announced, “Dinner is served,” and invited us into
the dining room.

8. comma
,
6. to separate two independent sentences joined by a
conjunction.
Jackie was having trouble with her homework, so she asked
her dad for help.
If you don’t have a conjunction (and, so, but, because), you
cannot use a comma! You have to use a period or a semi-
colon. See the next slide.

9. semi-colon
;
1. to separate two independent sentences when they are
logically related
The stores are closed; we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to buy
food.
(Note: Never use just a comma to separate two independent
sentences unless you have a conjunction, as in the previous
example about Jackie and her homework. That mistake is
called a “comma splice.” It is considered an error in English
and makes a bad impression in formal writing.)

10. semi-colon
;
2. to separate items in a list when some of the items
themselves have “internal” commas. A “list within a list”.
The house was decorated with colored lights; red, white and
blue ribbons; and freshly cut flowers.

11. colon
:
Used only after a complete sentence to introduce something.
A rock climber requires good equipment: rope, special shoes,
clips, and a harness.
But don’t use a colon to separate a verb from its objects.
A rock climber needs rope, special shoes, clips, and a harness.
(No colon)

12. quotation marks
“ “
to indicate that the enclosed words are not the writer’s, but
someone else’s.
Do you think we should negotiate with countries that belong
to the “Axis of Evil”?

13. dashes and parentheses
-- -- ( )
Like the comma, used to separate parenthetical expressions. A
dash indicates a stronger, more abrupt interruption than the
comma, and parentheses are very formal.
Two of our group — Eddie and John — came walking down the
street.
Morelos was born in Valladolid (now called Morelia).

14. hyphen
-
to separate words in compound adjectives placed before a
noun.
Have you ever ridden in a hot-air balloon?
Other examples:
non-smoking room
low-fat milk
pet-friendly apartment