Punctuation

1. Punctuation

2. Meet Period • What it does: Separates ideas • What it “says”: “We are done with this thought. Let’s move on.” • What it cannot do: Connect ideas • It’s kind of like a: Wall that divides two properties

3. Meet Comma • What it does: Joins a smaller idea to the main idea • What it “says”: “And one more thing that connects here . . .” • What it cannot do: Connect two big ideas (ICs) • It’s kind of like a: Hook connecting a train car to the engine

4. Meet Semicolon • What it does: Connects two main ideas (ICs) • What it “says”: “But wait, there’s more!” • What it cannot do: End a sentence Connect a smaller idea like a DC • It’s kind of like a: A revolving door connecting two rooms A millionaire matchmaker connecting two people with similar interests and money

5. Meet Colon • What it does: Follows a main idea with a list • What it “says”: “Here’s an/some example(s).” • What it cannot do: Connect two ICs • It’s kind of like a: A web in your notes because it connects many examples

6. Listen up: • You should know this fact: a colon can be used to introduce and emphasize important ideas EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO LIST • Here is one more reminder: there is not always a list after a colon. • Something else besides a list can come after a colon: one really important statement.

7. Try this: • Holicong “sevvies” must remember one thing: stay out of the 9th graders’ way. • Teachers repeat the same refrain all year: “Do you have your homework?” • Sometimes there is only one right way to act: “Be a good person.” • There he was, standing right in front of me: Peterson, Chase Peterson.

8. Try this: • Holicong “sevvies” must remember one thing: • Teachers repeat the same refrain all year: • Sometimes there is only one right way to act: • There he was, standing right in front of me:

9. Semicolons and Colons