Punctuation Rules

Punctuation is the set of symbols, called punctuation marks, used to separate sentences and parts of sentences in order to make their meaning clear. 

Some of the common punctuation marks in English are: capital letters and full stops, question marks, commas, colons and semicolons, exclamation marks and quotation marks.

 It is important to know how to use punctuation correctly with conjunctions.

A conjunction is a word that links words, phrases and clauses.

For instance:

• I bought a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
• You should not call the movers unless you are ready.

When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, a comma is used before the coordinating conjunction.

For instance:

• The weather is pleasant, but it might rain heavily in the evening.

However, the most common usage of commas is to separate items in a series.

For example: 

• Germany, France and Italy are in Europe.
• Julia, Rick and I went on a road trip last Saturday.

Besides this, we always use a comma or a pair of commas to set off introductory or non essential information, that is, elements inserted in the sentence that interrupt it without changing the essential meaning. 

• On my way to the office, I ran into an old colleague.
• She ordered a milkshake, which she thinks is healthier, instead of a cold drink.

Watch the video to learn more about more punctuation marks and their correct usage with conjunctions.