Punctuation

Question 1

When do you use a comma?

Answer 1

1. In a sentence where two complete thoughts are separated by but, or, yet, so, for, and, or nor
2. Set off a introductory dependent clause.

Before we reach our goal, we need additional revenue.

3. When three or more items are listed.

I need a hammer, a nail, and some wood.

4. Between two co consecutive adjectives.

Mary hated the dark, gloomy office.

5. To set off parenthetical information.

Mr. Gates ,our manager, will help you in the morning.

6. To set off the year if it is followed by the month and day.
   June 23, 2017
7. To set off the name of anyone that you are addressing directly.

Let’s end this report, Andrea, with a celebration for a job well done.

Question 2

When do you use a semicolon?

Answer 2

1. When a conjunction is omitted between two complete thoughts.
2. When two complete thoughts are linked between however, therefore, accordingly, etc.
3. To separate a series of phrases that already have commas.

The board members went to different countries; Peter, France; Bill, Germany; and Ken, Italy.

Question 3

When do you use Hyphens?

Answer 3

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