Monday, February 16, 2015

[EzineArticles Training] Comma and Colon Tips

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Training Series
Article Writing - Paragraph & Grammar Structure
Comma and Colon Tips

Hello Training Series Member,

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.
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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)

  4. 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.
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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