Note that nouns used as descriptive modifiers do not necessarily require an apostrophe.
Between clauses when one is either an illustration a restatement, or an amplification of the otherĮxample: There have been three vice presidents since the administration came to power: This may account for the loss of credibility. To introduce an example, list or enumeration. No space follows the colon.Įxample: The chemicals are mixed in a ratio of 4:1. Instead of "to" in ratios, when necessary to save space. In general, use a comma instead of a colon before a quotation. To introduce a quotation of only one sentence when formality is desired or to introduce a quotation that begins a new paragraph. He was on time however, the interviewer refused to see him. Between clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs, such as therefore, hence, so, however, moreover and accordinglyĮxamples: He ran out of money therefore the job was delayed. #Replace semicolon with greek question mark series
In a series when one or more of the elements requires a commaĮxample: The wood, pulp, and paper industries the consumers and the environmentalists are at odds. Between the members of a compound sentence when either one contains elements separated by commasĮxample: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three but the greatest of these is charity. Between coordinate clauses that are not joined by a conjunctionĮxample: He went to the ball game on Saturday I came to the office to work. SemicolonsĪ semicolon denotes a longer pause than that denoted by a comma. 
It may be used to indicate a sequence in thought or to introduce an illustration or amplification. The colon is used to mark a break in grammatical construction equivalent to that marked by a semicolon, but the colon emphasizes the content relation between the separated elements.
To separate month and year in dates that give only the month and yearĮxample: In April 1982, he left for Europe.Įxample: He failed a course in fall 2000. Between the two parts of a sentence with a compound predicate (two or more verbs with the same subject)Įxample: He went to the University Ball and had a good time.Įxample: When he left San Francisco (shortly after the earthquake), he headed for Chicago. To set off a restrictive (or essential) clauseĮxample: The ideas that you have expressed are basically sound. 
Those adjectives are commonly used togetherĮxample: A little old lady lives down the street.
In a series of related adjectives modifying the same noun, except when. To separate digits in numbers greater than 999. To separate elements that might otherwise be confusedĮxample: Soon after, he sold the house and moved away.Įxample: Her husband, John, accompanied her.Įxample: He has lived in Cleveland, Tennessee, since 1976.Įxample: I met him on April 7, 1992, to find out why. Before and after nonrestrictive (nonessential) descriptive or explanatory words, phrases, and clausesĮxample: The endowment, which is the first of its kind in the country, represents a giant step forward for the school. To separate elements in a series, but do not put a comma before the conjunction in a simple series:Įxample: This summer's offerings consist of workshops on technical, commercial and legal librarianship. 
However, if the clause or phrase is short and no confusion results from omitting the comma, it may be omitted.Įxample: In 1999 he joined the faculty of the school of management.
After a participial clause, an adverb or an adverbial clause or phrase that comes before the main clause of a sentence. Before the conjunction in a compound sentence (a sentence with two or more independent clauses). After abbreviations of units of measure, except when the unit could be mistaken for a word (e.g., hr, ft in.). After items in a bulleted list that are not complete sentences. 
Here are a few instances where a period should not be used: Punctuation is intended to clarify meaning and speed comprehension.
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