ACT Punctuation Lessons

Punctuation: Commas1. Commas separate introductory words or

phrases from the main part of the sentence:– Over the course of the year, I will get better at

note taking.– In the summer, Marla enjoys swimming and

reading novels.– After his next birthday, Stephen will be able to

vote.– At school, Tanya often skips lunch.

Punctuation: Commas2. Commas set off words or phrases that aren't essential to the sentence:– My grandmother, even though she is 85, still enjoys

traveling frequently.– Jonathon, who has been playing soccer since he

was eight, is our best goalie.– The rose bushes, which were nearly killed by

insects last year, are healthy now.– Mr. Hernandez, my history teacher, often assigns

group projects.

Punctuation: Commas3. Separate two independent clauses that are joined together by a FANBOYS word:– I am hoping to jog outdoors today, but the ice

storm may prevent me.– Julia may go to the party tonight, or she may stay

at home.– My brother is a dedicated student, and I am trying

to be more like him.– I was cold, so I decided to adjust the thermostat.

Punctuation: Commas

4. Commas separate items in a list or in a series:– When I ‘m out today, I need to buy shampoo, gym

socks, and a set of markers.– I can’t believe that she would do such a thing, lie

about it, and then blame her best friend.

Punctuation: Semicolons• Use a semi colon to join two closely related

independent clauses without a FANBOYS word:– We don’t get many snowstorms in late March; by

April, I’m usually able to use my bike for local errands.OR– We don’t get many snowstorms in late March, so I’m

usually able to use my bike for local errands by April.

Punctuation: Semicolons• Some non-FANBOYS can be used after a

semicolon:– furthermore– however– moreover– nevertheless– therefore– thus

Punctuation: Colons• Use a colon after an

independent clause to introduce an example, explanation, short phrase, quotation, a list, or to show emphasis (dependent clauses).– Right: Yolanda is moving

to a city known for its rainy weather: Seattle.

• Never use a colon after is, are, am, was, were– Wrong=

Sarah and Kevin are: the leading actors in the fall musical.

– Wrong= Lonnie will set up: tents for the junior high campers.

Punctuation: Dashes• Use Dashes to indicate a

hesitation or break in thought.

• If the break comes in the middle of the main part of the sentence, use a dash before and after the interruption: Dashes--a single dash or a

pair of dashes--are used to indicate a break in thought.

I couldn’t believe it--we won the game after all!

• Example:• This year’s prices at the

amusement park –I know because I come here every year, are much higher than last year’s.a. NO CHANGEb. park, I know because I come

her every year--c. park--I know because I come

here every year--d. park--I know because I come

here every year;

Punctuation: Apostrophes• Apostrophes are used to show possession:– Roma’s mother is a doctor.– The woman’s room is being renovated.

• When the noun is plural and ends in s, the apostrophe follows the final s:– Both my grandparents’ families are from France– All the students’ desks need to be repaired.

Punctuation: Apostrophes• Apostrophes are used to indicate where

letters are left out of a contraction: – They’re = they are– It’s = it is– There’s = there is– Who’s = who is or who has