Extra Credit

Rule 1

Use commas in compound sentences when clauses are separated by a conjunction such as “and,” “but,” “for,” “nor,” or “yet.”

• She managed the restaurant, but he did the cooking.
• He didn’t drive his car, nor did he ride his bike.

Rule 2

Use commas to separate elements in a series. Such elements usually are adjectives, verbs, or nouns.

• My socks were wet, smelly and covered in dirt.
• The tall, dark, handsome man hailed, lauded and applauded Ben, George, Maude and Rebecca.

Rule 3

Use commas when attributing from quoted material. Commas set off words of attribution form the words of a one-sentence quotation unless a question mark or exclamation mark is preferred.

• He said, “Hello.” “Good-bye,” she replied. “The fair has been canceled,” she said.
• "I did it for the guy who lost his mom," McNeal said, "It was the right thing to do."

Rule 4

Commas follow introductory matter, such as after an introductory adverbial clause.

• When the team was forced to kick, the coach sent in his best players.
• Of all the players, he has the most points.

Rule 5

Commas follow the salutation of a friendly letter and the complimentary close of any letter. Commas also follow capitalized elements, such as the complimentary close, and a colon follows the salutation of a business letter.

• Dear James,
• Sincerely, Mike Miller

Rule 6

Commas follow all items in a date or full address:

• I have lived in Cockeysville, Md., all my life.
• January 28, 1987, is my date of birth.

Rule 7

Commas surround nonessential words or phrases.

• Unfortunately, his name was not in the scorebook so that meant a technical foul and two free throws for the other team.
• Bob Brown, a team spokesman, said the season will begin on April 6.

Rule 8

Commas surround words of direct address.

• Mike, I need the remote.
• Obviously, Travis, you fail to see my point.

Rule 9

Commas indicate omitted verbs, usually expressed in another part of the sentence:

• Talent is often inherited; genius, never.
• Coach Smith has much to gain this season; his team, even more.

Rule 10

Semicolons connect two complete sentences if sentences have a related thought. Use of a semicolon usually creates a sense of drama.

• The brown-eyed, dark, and vivacious model, at age 25, seemed destined for quick success; on Dec. 11, 2001, her apparent destiny was altered.
• It’s a big event having Koji here; he’s one of many players to watch this season.

Rule 11

Semicolons are used in a list separating items that require significant internal punctuation.

• He lived six years in Richmond, Va.; four years in Raleigh, N.C.; one year in Greenville, S.C.; and six months in Baton Rouge, La.
• Present at the gala was Bob Smith, president; Mike Miller, vice president; and Teri Sampson, treasurer.

Rule 12

Colons precede formal lists, illustrations, multi-sentence quotes, and enumerations:

• The following students received scholarships: Jim Johnson, Juanita Jones, Martha Taylor, Tiffany Eldridge, and Teri Sampson.
• He answered her with a parable: “A man once had six sons. Five of them…”