Punctuation Mastery

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Essential Punctuation Rules

Commas

Use commas: after introductory elements, between items in a list, before coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences, and around nonessential information.

Semicolons

Use semicolons to connect two related independent clauses: "I love writing; it helps me think clearly." Also use them in complex lists where items contain commas.

Colons

Use colons to introduce lists, explanations, or elaborations: "She had one goal: graduation." The clause before a colon must be a complete sentence.

Apostrophes

Use for contractions (don't, it's) and possession (Sarah's book, the dogs' bones). Remember: "its" (possessive) has no apostrophe; "it's" always means "it is."

Quotation Marks

Use double quotes for direct speech and titles of short works. Periods and commas go inside quotation marks in American English. Semicolons and colons go outside.

Grammar Essentials