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 independent clauses • What it “says”: “Another similar thought is . . .” • What it cannot do: Connect an independent clause to a dependent clause or smaller idea in the same sentence • It’s kind of like a: • A bridge connecting two cities

5. Meet Colon • What it does: Follows an independent clause and precedes a list • What it “says”: “Some examples of this are . . .” • What it cannot do: Link two independent clauses together • It’s kind of like a: Vanna White, presenting little ideas Sportscaster announcing the names of the players

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: that Chris Schweikert doesn't move out of your way. • Teachers repeat the same refrain all year: “Stop talking.” • Sometimes there is only one right way to act: • There he was, standing right in front of me:

8. 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:

9. Semicolons and Colons