Punctuation

Jan says, “If in doubt, leave it out.”

Apostrophes

• With possessives
  A singular noun - add apostrophe and “s”
  Example- Tony’s book is on the table.
  
  A singular noun ending in “s” - add apostrophe and “s”
  Example- Lois’s father is coming to visit.
  
  A plural noun ending in “s” - add only the apostrophe.
  Example: All of the students’ parents were at the graduation.
• With contractions
  The apostrophe belongs in the place of the letters left out.
  Example: There’s more than one way to do that job.
  
  Remember - In clear writing avoid contractions.
• Plurals that add “s” do not require an apostrophe.
  Example: The Smiths live in this house.

Commas

• Items on a list.
  Example: Trains, planes and automobiles are common forms of transport.
• A word or phrase that comes between the subject and verb.
  Example: Clear writing, the focus of this book, is important for everyone.

Colons

• Use after an independent clause (one that can stand alone) to introduce a list of items or explanation.
  Examples:
  Right -The prescription should be taken as follows: once in the morning, once at night, and once at noon.
  Wrong - Things to watch are: the news, history shows, and sports.