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Comma
Use a comma with coordinating conjunctions that connect independent clauses. Look for the primary coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or.
The tornado appeared on the horizon, and most people headed for shelter.
Angela wanted to finish her painting, but the lights went out.
Mark could go to the concert, or he could go to a movie.
Use a comma when the sentence begins with a subordinate clause or a long introductory word group, such as a participial phrase or multiple prepositional phrases. Subordinate conjunctions include: after, although, as, if, since, because, unless, until, when, and while,
Because it was raining, they quit.
While she waited, time ran out.
When the gun sounds, the game ends.
Knowing that he couldn't outrun the car, the convict ran into the fields.
Near a small stream at the bottom of the canyon, we discovered some gold.
Do not use a comma if the subordinate clause comes at the end of the sentence.
We stacked the wood before autumn leaves fell.
They left before the game ended.
Semicolon
Use a semicolon between independent clauses not jointed by a conjunction.
Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what really stings is justice.
Some people slept in shelters; others stayed with relatives.
I learned all of the rules of the sport; however, I had little talent for the game.
Use a semicolon between items in a series with internal punctuation.
Classic science fiction sagas are "Star Trek," with Mr. Spock; "Battlestar Galactica," with its Ceylon Raiders; and "Star Wars," with Darth Vader.
Colon
Use a colon before a list, to introduce a quote, or to introduce an independent clause. Capitalize the first word only if it is a proper noun, the start of an independent clause that would be a complete sentence, and a quote that would be a complete sentence.
The keys to winning baseball are: pitching, defense up the middle, and timely hitting.
He promised this: The company will make good on all losses.
The mayor said: "We must balance the budget."
Apostrophe
Use an apostrophe to indicate possession. Add 's when the noun does not end in s.
Roy climbed out on the driver's side.
Thank you for refunding the men's money.
He disagreed with Marx's theories.
They guarded the kibbutz's perimeter.
Also add 's when noun is singular and ends in s.
The witness's answer was evasive.
The boss's voice echoed in the staircase.
Add only an apostrophe when the noun is plural and ends in s.
Both diplomats' briefcases were stolen.
The players' salaries increased.
Also use only an apostrophe when the noun is plural in form but singular in meaning:
What are measles' symptoms?
How much were General Motors' profits?
In addition, use only an apostrophe with singular proper nouns ending in s.
They enjoyed reading Dickens' novels.
The class studied Tennessee Williams' plays.
If joint possession, use 's or s' with the last noun only.
Have you seen Joyce and Greg's new camper?
The party is at Fred and Sylvia's apartment.
If possession is individual, make all nouns possessive.
John's and Marie's expectations of marriage were different.
If you have a compound noun, use a possessive for the last element.
Her father-in-law's sculpture won first place.
They complied with the attorneys general's request.
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