Quick Punctuation Guide
Comma
Use * before a coordinating conjunction linking main clauses
* following introductory clauses and phrases
* between items in a series
* to set off incidental comments (appositives, nonrestrictive clauses)
* when meaning is unclear without its use
* when authority figures tell you to use one while you are writing for them
Don't use
* a single comma between a subject and its verb
* when a subordinate clause follows a main clause
* before the first or after the last item in a series
* between two words joined by a coordinating conjunction
Semicolon
Use * instead of a coordinating conjunction between main clauses
* to separate main groups of items in a list already using commas
Don't use
* too frequently in the same document
* between parts of unequal grammatical rank
Colon
Use * to connect explanation, details, or a quotation to a main clause
Don't use
* more than one in a sentence
* directly after prepositions or verbs unless you knowingly choose to violate the normal usage rules
Dash
Use * to indicate a sudden change of tone or idea
* to emphasize, clarify, or interject
Don't use
* too often
* a hyphen(-) for a dash; dash(--) = two consecutive hyphens or an em-dash
Parentheses
Use * to insert nonessential material
* to indicate citation
* to introduce acronyms, abbreviations, etc.
Don't use
*if the material can be better incorporated another way
Brackets
Use * to interpolate in quotations
* as parentheses inside parentheses
Ellipsis
Use * to indicate an omission
Don't use
* to indicate that you're starting a sentence in the middle
* to alter meaning in a quotation
Apostrophe
Use * to indicate possessive case for nouns and indefinite pronouns
* to indicate omissions in contractions
* to indicate plurals of odd words, acronyms, and numerals (opt.)
Don't use
* to indicate possessive case for personal pronouns
* to add an "s" for making standard words plural
Single Quotation Marks
Use * within double quotation marks or for unusual terms
Don't use
* to pretend you're not really using a word you're using
Double Quotation Marks
Use * to enclose direct quotes
* for minor (internal) titles
* correctly with other marks:
place period and comma inside
place colon and semicolon outside
place question mark and exclamation point inside when they apply only to the quoted matter, and outside when they apply to the whole sentence
Don't use
* to pretend you're not really using a cliche you're using
Hyphens
Use * to integrate words into a functional unit
* when your keyboard lacks bullets to set off listed items