Punctuation

1. Punctuation

2. Meet Period • What it does: Separates ideas • What it “says”: “We are done with this thought. Let’s move on.” • What it cannot do: Connect ideas • It’s kind of like a: Wall that divides two properties

3. Meet Comma • What it does: Joins a smaller idea to the main idea • What it “says”: “And one more thing that connects here . . .” • What it cannot do: Connect two big ideas (ICs) • It’s kind of like a: Hook connecting a train car to the engine

4. Meet Semicolon • What it does: Connects two main ideas (ICs) • What it “says”: “Here’s some information; wait, here’s some more” “Let’s join up and finish this together!” • What it cannot do: Connect two dependent clauses • It’s kind of like a: Door between two rooms Bridge between two islands

5. Meet Colon • What it does: Shows examples that support a statement • What it “says”: “Here’s an/some example(s)” • What it cannot do: End a sentence • It’s kind of like a: Presenter at the Oscars (introducing nominees) Sports announcer naming players before the game Bridge connecting the USA of Main Ideas to Key List

6. Listen up: • You should know this fact: a colon can be used to introduce and emphasize important ideas EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO LIST • Here is one more reminder: there is not always a list after a colon. • Something else besides a list can come after a colon: one really important statement.

7. Try this: • Holicong “sevvies” must remember one thing: • Teachers repeat the same refrain all year: • Sometimes there is only one right way to act: • There he was, standing right in front of me:

8. Try this: (completed example) • Holicong “sevvies” must remember one thing: learn how to walk in the hallways. • Teachers repeat the same refrain all year: always do your homework. • Sometimes there is only one right way to act:like a child. • There he was, standing right in front of me: Godzilla.

9. Semicolons and Colons