extra credit

1. Use commas in compound sentences when clauses are separated by a conjunction such as and, but, for, nor, or yet.

examples: She managed the restaurant, but he did the cooking.

                   He thought he was on time for the meeting, yet the clock said otherwise.

2. Use commas to separate elements in a series. Such elements are usually adjectives, verbs, or nouns.

examples: The tall, dark man walked down the street.

                   Helen Keller was blind, deaf and mute.

3. Use commas when attributing from quoted materials. Commas set off words of attribution from the words of a one-sentence quotation unless a question mark or exclamation mark is preferred.

examples: "Hello," he said.

                   "We just didn't play well," the coach said.

4. Commas follow introductory mattter.

examples: When the team was forced to kick, the coach sent in his best players.

                   In the spring of 1981, she returned to College Park.

5. Commas follow the salutation of a friendly letter and the complimentary close of any letter.

examples: Dear Reese,

                   Sincerely, Kevin

6. Commas follow all items in a full address or date.

example: July 16, 1962, is his date of birth.

                 She has lived in Manteo, N.C., all her life.

7.Commas surround nonessential words or phrases.

examples: Well, we will just have to walk home.

                   See, the dog did not get the frisbee.

8. Commas surround words of direct address.

examples: Betty, please pass the butter.

                   I can see, Fred, that you are lazy.

9. Commas indicate omitted verbs, usually expressed in another part of the sentence.

examples: Talent often is inherited; genius, never.

10. Semicolons connect two complete sentences if sentences have a related thought.

examples: The mode seemed destined for quick success; it is possible that's why she was a  target.

11. Semicolons are used in a list separating items that require significant internal punctuation.

examples: He visited Richmond, Va.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Birmingham, Alabama.

12. Colons precede formal lists, illustrations, multisentence quotes, and enumerations.

examples: The following students received scholarships: Ben Williams, Mike Stevens and Allie                        Jones.

                   Do not enter under these circumstances: The door is locked or the alarm is set.