Commas, Dashes, Colons, Semicolons, and Apostrophes
Comma A comma should NOT be used alone to connect two related sentences. That’s called a comma
Splices splice. Instead, use a semicolon (;) to connect two related sentences that could stand alone.
document Another option is to use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction. (FANBOYS - for, and, nor,
but, or, yet, so)
Comma Rules study guide
Dashes
● Dashes can be used to set off nonessential elements that need special emphasis. For
example, "President Dunn introduced the plan—the first of its kind—at a public
- - forum".
● Interrupting writing: Dashes can be used to insert a pause or interjection. For example,
"Wow, this bed looks so—comfy."
● Dashes can be used to mark the beginning and end of a series. For example, "The three
female characters—the wife, the nun, and the jockey—are the incarnation of
excellence"
Tip: In the middle of a sentence, two dashes work together much like parentheses do. It’s
simply a more formal way of writing.
Colons
Colons are generally used to introduce a list. Example: Bob loves three sports: hockey, cricket, and
basketball.
:
Colons could also be used to emphasize something important. Example: Sreeya studied hard for
one main purpose: to succeed in her college courses.
***Colons can also be used to separate independent clauses. This is tricky because I’d suggest
using a semicolon to connect independent clauses. When the second clause is directly related to the
first, or when emphasis is on the second clause, use a colon to separate the two clauses. I saw this
in several College Board practice questions.
Tip: If you think the correct answer should involve a semicolon but it’s not an option, then look for a
colon as the correct answer.
Colons and Semicolons document
Semicolons A semicolon is usually used to connect two related sentences.
;
Example: Western North Carolina was adversely affected by Hurricane Helene; hundreds
of people are missing and presumed dead in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
A semicolon can also be used in a list of items that require commas.
Example: Fred has traveled to Austin, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Topeka, Kansas
this month.
Apostrophes Use an apostrophe when creating a singular possessive noun.
Example: That is Sally’s bike. (There’s one Sally. Add an apostrophe + s after her name.)
Use an apostrophe when creating a plural possessive noun.
Example: The boys’ soccer team plays in Raleigh today.
(There are multiple boys on the soccer team. After the plural noun “boys” add an apostrophe.)
Use an apostrophe to create a plural possessive noun that doesn’t end in -s.
Example: The children’s theater will perform Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Saturday.
(“Children” is already plural. Just add the apostrophe + s at the end.)
Use an apostrophe to make a singular noun ending in -s a possessive noun.
Is it Chris’s birthday?
OR
Is it Chris’ birthday?
Great question! The Associated Press style guide says “Chris’ birthday,” but the Chicago Manual of
Style says “Chris’s birthday.” According to ProWritingAid, most style guides suggest using the ‘s, but
both ways are acceptable.
