Hello Asad,
Here is the next edition of the EzineArticles.com Article Writing: Paragraph and Grammar Structure Training Series.
Commas: Everyone has their own style when it comes to comma usage. Most modern styles guides now recommend using fewer commas rather than more, but be wary of run-on sentences.
- The use of a comma before "and" in a series is usually optional, provided there is no danger of misreading.
Example: We have apple, orange and grape juices. (no comma)
Example: We have apple, orange, and strawberry and grape juices. (comma)
"Strawberry and grape" is one flavor; therefore, a comma is needed to avoid confusion.
- Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.
Example: After I realized that the store had not applied my discount voucher to my purchase, I returned to the store and customer service credited my account.
- Use a comma to join independent clauses.
Example: I went to the grocery store to pick up some milk, but they were already closed. (commas with two independent clauses)
Example: I offered to help and she accepted. (comma unnecessary with short clauses)
- Do not use a comma before the first item or after the last item in a series.
Example: [Wrong] You should combine, aerobics, weight training and stretching into your workout routine, if you want to see the best results.
Example: [Right] You should combine aerobics, weight training and stretching into your workout routine if you want to see the best results.
Colons: The colon focuses the reader on what is to follow. Use it to introduce a list or idea.
- Colons should only be used within a sentence after an independent clause.
Example: We visited three cities during our vacation: San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
- Do not place a colon between a verb and its object or between a preposition and its object.
Example: [Wrong] We traveled to: San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
(colon between preposition and object)
Example: [Right] We traveled to San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
Example: [Wrong] My neighbor lent me: a garden hoe, a shovel and a rake.
(colon between verb and objects)
Example: [Right] My neighbor lent me a garden hoe, a shovel and a rake.
The next edition of the EzineArticles.com Article Writing: Paragraph and Grammar Structure Training Series will offer 10 punctuation rules. |
No comments:
Post a Comment