When should commas be used in a series?

Commas should be used to separate three or more equal elements (words, phrases, or short clauses) in a series. Careful writers use a comma before the conjunction in a series (the Oxford comma) to ensure clear separation of the last two elements.

How do you punctuate a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence?

When a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, it should be followed by a comma. Dependent clauses do not make sense by themselves and depend on independent clauses for meaning.

How should conjunctive adverbs like 'however' be punctuated between independent clauses?

Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, consequently, moreover) that separates two independent clauses, followed by a comma after the conjunctive adverb. For example: 'I like my job; however, the pay isn't very high.'

Where should punctuation be placed in relation to quotation marks?

In American English, periods and commas are always placed inside closing quotation marks. Semicolons and colons are always placed outside closing quotation marks. Question marks and exclamation points may go either inside or outside closing quotation marks, depending on whether they are part of the quoted material.

[Solution] Grammar/Mechanics Checkup 14: Total Review

Q: When should colons be used with lists?

Use colons after complete thoughts (independent clauses) that introduce a list of items. However, do not use a colon with a list that immediately follows a preposition or a to be verb (is, are, was, were, etc.).

Created at: Sun Apr 20 2025

Author: Marcus D. Green

The following questions will test your knowledge of punctuation rules that are essential for clear, professional business writing.

Choose the sentence that uses correct punctuation.

Organizational patterns for report findings include chronology, geography/space, topic/function, compare/contrast, importance, and convention.
Organizational patterns for report findings include chronology geography/space topic/function compare/contrast importance and convention.

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Commas are used to separate three or more equal elements (words, phrases, or short clauses) in a series. To ensure separation of the last two elements, careful writers use a comma before the conjunction in a series.

Choose the sentence that uses correct punctuation.

As Grace mentioned last week, we will not be meeting again until September.
As Grace mentioned last week we will not be meeting again until September.

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Dependent clauses do not make sense by themselves. They depend on independent clauses for meaning. When a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, it is followed by a comma.

Choose the sentence that uses correct punctuation.

Mary was planning on, compiling the survey data this weekend.
Mary was planning on compiling the survey data this weekend.

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Commas are often overused. Do not use commas needlessly. For example, commas should not be inserted merely because you drop your voice when speaking a sentence.

Choose the best revision for the following sentences.

I like my job, however the pay isn't very high.

I like my job, however, the pay isn't very high.
I like my job; however, the pay isn't very high.

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Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that separates two independent clauses. Some of the most common conjunctive adverbs are therefore, consequently, however, and moreover.

Choose the best revision for the following sentences.

Our most productive employees are; Alex Monahan, Julie Webber, and Katie Nichols.

Our most productive employees are: Alex Monahan, Julie Webber, and Katie Nichols.
Our most productive employees are Alex Monahan, Julie Webber, and Katie Nichols.

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Use colons after complete thoughts that introduce a list of items; however, do not use a colon with a list that immediately follows a preposition or a to be verb (is, are, was, were, and so on).

Choose the correct punctuation to complete the sentence.

The company parking lot is located across the street.

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Use apostrophes to show ownership, origin, authorship, or measurement. If the ownership word does not end in an s sound, add an apostrophe and an s to the ownership word. If the ownership word ends in an s sound, add only an apostrophe.

Choose the correct punctuation to complete the sentence.

The third chapter of his book is entitled

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Use quotations marks to enclose the titles of literary and artistic works such as magazine and newspaper articles, chapters of books, movies, television shows, and lectures.

True or False: In this country, semicolons and colons are always placed inside closing quotation marks.

True
False

View Explanation

In this country, periods and commas are always placed inside closing quotation marks; semicolons and colons are always placed outside closing quotation marks; and question marks and exclamation points may go either inside or outside closing quotation marks, as determined by the form of the quotation.

Punctuation Rules Quick Reference

Punctuation	Key Rules	Example
Comma (,)	Separate items in a series After introductory clauses Between independent clauses with a conjunction	We need pens, paper, and notebooks.
Semicolon (;)	Between independent clauses Before conjunctive adverbs In complex item lists	The report is late; therefore, we need to adjust our timeline.
Colon (:)	After complete thoughts introducing lists Not after to be verbs or prepositions	We need three items: a computer, a printer, and paper.
Apostrophe (')	To show possession For contractions	The company's policy; it's time to go
Quotation Marks (" ")	For direct quotes Titles of shorter works Periods and commas inside; semicolons and colons outside	She said, "The meeting is tomorrow."

[Solution] Grammar/Mechanics Checkup 14: Total Review

Punctuation Rules Quick Reference

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