English for Careers

English for Careers Chapter 10 Punctuating Sentences Properly

Your goals for Chapter 10 Properly punctuate sentences using the: Semicolon Colon Period Question Mark Exclamation Point

Use a SEMICOLON between two closely related independent clauses. NOT joined by and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet Few minds wear out; most minds rust out. Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.

Use a SEMICOLON before a transitional word or expression joining independent clauses. I have a contract; therefore, I am protected legally. Except after very short transitions: then, thus, hence, still, yet, and also.) If you are protected thenso am I.

Use a SEMICOLON before a coordinating conjunction that joins independent clausesIF the sentence already has two or more commas. We ordered the team’s uniforms, shoes, and caps; and they were shipped directly to your Cincinnati, Ohio, stadium address.

Use a SEMICOLON after an independent clause preceding for example, for instance, namely, or that is. The retirement village is convenient to needed services; namely, a grocery store, a library, and a post office.

Use a SEMICOLON between items in a series IF the series has commas within. Visiting hours are weekdays, 8 to 5; Saturdays, 10 to 5; and Sundays, 1 to 5. We also have locations in San Mateo, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and San Antonio,Texas.

Use a COLON to connect two closely-related independent clauses. Bird watching is growing in popularity: please do some research on this popular hobby.

Use a COLON to introduce a list or series of items, a phrase, or even a single word that explains or supplements the first clause). Urban birds have one main predator: cats. We are planning three events: an art show, a dinner, and a networking party.

Use a COLON after a complete sentence (independent clause) that introduces a quotation. There is an old saying: “Birds of a feather flock together.”

Use a COLON after the salutation in a business letter or formal email … Dear Mr. Vu: … and between the hour and minutes in time and in ratios. 12:30 p.m. 20:1 (ratio of 20 to 1)

Use a colon to introduce a vertical list if it directly follows: These may be North America’s rarest birds: Common Nighthawk Chimney Swift Green Parakeet

Use a period after a statement. We sent you the bill last week. Use a period after a command. Pay your bill this week. Use a period after a polite request. Please close the door.

Use a period after a question when action is expected rather than a reply. Would you please respond by May 15. Use a period after an indirect question. I asked if he would pay the bill. Use one period when an abbreviation ends a sentence. Please arrive by 9 a.m.

Use a question mark after a direct question that calls for a reply. Do you think he will come? Have you read the book? If so, what did you think of it?

Use a question mark after a sentence that might be considered presumptuous if punctuated as a polite request. Would you please sign this form today? (a request from an employee to a supervisor)

Use an exclamation mark to express strong feeling At the end of a sentence: I am so excited for you! At the end of an expression that stands for a sentence (an interjection): Wow! Great news!

Use either a dash or parentheses… to set off parts of sentences that are not essential to the main idea when using commas would disrupt the flow or possibly make the sentence harder to understand.

DASHES emphasize and PARENTHESES de-emphasize. Qualities that help in the workplace—honesty, creativity, and humor—are those that cannot be taught. The game (see map on page 7) will be at McCormack Stadium.

Checkpoint You have now seen how to use punctuation marks (the semicolon, colon, dash, and parentheses) with precision .

English for Careers