Punctuation Formulas

(AKA – A cheat sheet for sophisticated writing)

Formula / Definition / Explanation / Example
S, conjunction S / Sentence comma conjunction sentence / Use a comma followed by a conjunction to connect two sentences, (independent clauses). / The situation is dangerous, but there is still a way to escape.
A, B, conjunction C / Verb comma verb comma conjunction verb
Or
Noun comma noun comma conjunction noun / In a series (list) of three or more items with a single conjunction, use a comma after each item except the last. / He opened the letter, read it, and made a note of its contents.
She ate an apple, banana, and orange.
A, B, C noun / Adjective comma
Adjective comma
Adjective noun / Use a comma after each adjective in a series except the last. / Please do not be a mean, selfish, inconsiderate person.
NP, APP, / Noun phrase comma
Appositive comma / An appositive is a parenthetical expression placed in between commas after a noun. It provides more information about the noun.
*An appositive may be placed at the end of a sentence and is set off by a single comma. / My brother, a well-know architect, is working on plans for a new museum.
*He is playing guitar, my favorite instrument.
Cor s, cor s / Correlative sentence
Correlative sentence / Two sentences, each beginning with a correlative conjunction, separated by a comma. / Either he is going to eat pizza for lunch, or he is going to be very hungry.
S; s / Sentence semicolon sentence / This can be used when two or more independent clauses (complete sentences) are related in topic and are not joined by a comma and conjunction.
Two independent clauses cannot be joined by using only a comma.
The semicolon takes the place of the comma and conjunction. / It is almost five thirty; we cannot reach our destination before dark.
LB, s / Left branch comma sentence / The “left branch” is a subordinate clause and depends on the rest of the sentence in order to be complete; otherwise, it would be considered a fragment. / Even though he is hungry, he does not want to eat.
S; SC, s / Sentence semicolon
Sentence connector
Comma sentence / This is another way to combine related sentences. A sentence connector is a transition word used within a sentence. / He did poorly in algebra this year; therefore, he will have to repeat the course.
S: / Sentence colon list of particulars / Use a colon after a sentence when it is followed by particulars. / A dedicated musician requires three things: an instrument, time to practice, and inspiration.
Conjunctions (FANBOYS) / Correlative Conjunctions / Sentence Connectors (Transitions) / Meaning / Common Subordinating Conjunctions
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So / Either…or
Neither…nor
Not only…but / Therefore / For this reason / After
Although
As
When
While
Where
How
So that / If
Even though
Because
Before
Until
Unless
Since
Nevertheless / In spite of
Moreover / Besides, further, in addition to,
Hence / As a result
Indeed / Truly
However / But; in spite of
Consequently / As a result
On the other hand / Looking at the other or opposite point of view