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MR. M'S CLASSES
Punctuation
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Apostrophe ( ' )
  • Indicates "missing" letters in contraction.
  • Makes a possessive structure, between the noun and the "s" for a singular noun and following the "s" for a plural:  1) Horse's = Horses'  2) Glass's = Glasses'  3) Mane's = Manes'
  • Use to pluralize letters and numbers (5's, A's, etc.).
  • NEVER use an apostrophe for a possessive pronoun: 1) It's = wrong  2) Its = it is.

Colon ( : )
  • Introduces something (word, sentence, list) with added emphasis.
  • Never place directly after a verb.
  • If you can substitute a colon for a comma and the word "namely," it is probably correct.

Comma ( , )
  • Placed between the items in a list of three or more.
  • Precedes a conjunction in a compound sentence.
  • Indicates elided words or phrases.
  • Separates words, phrases, or subordinate clauses from the main part of a sentence.
  • Sets off independent.

Dash ( - )
  • Connects two groups of words which are somehow independent or not directly related.
  • Introduces something (word, sentence, list) with added emphasis.

Semi-Colon ( ; )
  • Connects two complete sentences, which are closely related in thought.
  • Do not state the second sentence with a conjunction or capital.
  • Using a comma where a semi-colon is required results in a comma splice.  
  • Using neither a semi-colon or a comma results in run-on sentences or fused sentences.

Quotes ( "......")
  • Use double quote marks for literal quotations.
  • If you have quotations within quotations, use double quote marks for the outside and single for the inside.
  • To indicate a common expression, slang, or some kind of jargon without directly quoting someone, use sine quote marks.
  • Other forms or punctuation (periods, question marks, commas, etc.) goes inside the quotation marks.
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