E.1.2 - USE CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH PUNCTUATION

Commas

• Place a comma before a conjunction in a compound sentence.

• Place a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.

• Place a comma before and after dependent phrases and clauses or around nonessential elements that interrupt the main clause of a sentence.

• Place commas after items in a series. The comma before the “and” in a series is a preference.

• Place a comma between two or more coordinate adjectives describing the same noun. (Adjectives are coordinate, or equal, if they can be used in a different order and still make sense. You can test if adjectives are coordinate by using the word “and” between the adjectives. If “and” works, they are coordinate adjectives.)

Indirect Quotations

An indirect quotation is when a writer paraphrases what another person has written or said. If a writer relays an idea in their own words, it does not need quotation marks. However, the writer must cite the source of the idea.

Direct Quotations

• the words within the quotation marks are exactly what someone else has written or stated.

• The exact words must be placed within quotation marks, with the end mark within the quotation marks.

• A comma is used after the phrase introducing the person who is being quoted, before the opening quotation mark.

• For example:
  Scientist Albert Einstein said, “Education is that which remains when one has forgotten everything he learned in school.”
  

• If the sentence identifies the person after the quotation, the comma is placed inside the end quotation mark.

• For example:
  “Education is that which remains when one has forgotten everything he learned in school,” Albert Einstein said.

• If a writer uses someone else’s words without quotation marks, this practice is called plagiarism.

independent clause

has a subject and a verb. It can stand on its own as a sentence

dependent clause

lacks a subject and cannot stand on its own

simple sentence

contains one idea or independent clause and uses only an end mark

complex sentence

has an independent clause and a dependent clause.

Use a comma following an introductory subordinate clause to separate it from the independent clause.

You do not need a comma if the subordinate clause follows the independent clause.

compound sentence

has two independent clauses.

Use a comma before the conjunction that joins the clauses.

Use a semicolon between two related independent clauses.

Use a semicolon before a transition word that connects two independent clauses and a comma after a transition.

I have been lifting weights for over a year, and I finally set a new maximum bench press.

The comma in this sentence indicates that what follows will be a second independent clause rather than a dependent clause.

When I went to the gym, I found it was closed.

The comma in this sentence separates an introductory dependent clause from the independent clause.

“It’s not easy to increase your bench press,” she announced. “You’ve probably heard that there are many different theories for the best approach!”

This example demonstrates a number of concepts.

Quotation marks are used for the direct quotation, and a comma is used before the closed quote to indicate that there is additional text in the sentence.

An apostrophe is used for a contraction.

An exclamation mark is used to indicate both the end of the sentence and strong feeling.

1. Which of the following are correctly punctuated compound sentences? (Select all that apply.)

   1. I’ve decided to run a 5K race, but running a long race requires training.

   2. I plan on taking two rest days per week and this will help me avoid injury.

   3. I’ll run long distances on the weekend, and rest on the following day.

   4. Running a 5K race would be a great accomplishment, and exercise will improve my health.

1and 4

1. Which of the following uses correct punctuation for a quotation?

   1. “A good laugh and a long run,” she said. “Are the two best cures for anything.”

   2. “A good laugh and a long run,” she said, “are the two best cures for anything.”

   3. “A good laugh and a long run are the two best cures for anything.” she said.

   4. “A good laugh and a long run are the two best cures for anything,” She said.

2

1. Which of the following uses a correct punctuation pattern for a complex sentence?

   1. Although I enjoy running I would never want to run a marathon.

   2. Although I enjoy running, I would never want to run a marathon.

   3. Although, I enjoy running I would never want to run a marathon

   4. Although I enjoy running I would never want to run, a marathon.

2

1. Which sentence uses commas correctly to clarify the meaning of the sentence?

   1. In order to begin training as a long-distance runner, you will need high-quality shoes, socks, and running clothes.

   2. In order to begin training as a long-distance runner you will need high-quality shoes, socks, and running clothes.

   3. In order to begin training as a long-distance runner, you will need high-quality shoes socks, and running clothes.

   4. In order to begin training as a long-distance runner you will need high-quality shoes socks and running clothes.

1

1. Which of the following uses commas correctly?

   1. Several dark ominous clouds formed in the sky about halfway through our run.

   2. Several dark, ominous clouds formed in the sky about halfway through our run.

   3. Several dark, ominous, clouds formed in the sky about halfway through our run.

   4. Several, dark, ominous, clouds formed in the sky about halfway through our run.

2