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Punctuation: Commas, Colons, Semi-colons, Dashes and Hyphens, and Brackets This workshop will − Refresh your understanding of different punctuation and its function − Provide tips for the appropriate use of commas, colons, semi-colons, dashes, hyphens and brackets − Provide practice and follow-on activities for you to be able continue to improve your use of punctuation Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser Today’s Plan • The comma • The colon • The semi-colon 1.The Comma • The hardest working punctuation in English language • Separation • Eats shoots and leaves − Separating the words in a different way gives new meaning 1.The Comma The 7 rules of commas 1 To separate the clauses in a sentence 2 To separate the introductory element of a sentence from the main part (or subject) of it 3 To separate an additional and final part of a sentence from the opening and main part (or subject) of it 4 To separate out essential/useful information from the main part (subject) of the sentence 5 To separate out nonessential words from the remainder of the sentence. The word ‘however’ is used as a signal to suggest a change of direction or to stress an exception to the rule 6 To separate commands or interjections from the remainder of the sentence 7 To separate out a) adjectives, or b) list of items in a sentence 1.The comma Clauses A clause is a group of words that may or may not have a complete meaning on their own. Clauses are building blocks of sentences with each one adding to the overall detail of a sentence. A sentence may contain more than one clause, but must have one main clause. 2.The Colon • • • • Signal Substitute Introduction Separation 2.The Colon Examples: Signal: As he grew older Joseph found he became more paranoid in two main ways: his dislike of spending his own money, and his dislike of others spending his money. Substitute: The way ahead for the organisation was quite clear: to reorganise, regroup, and rethink their strategy. Introduction: The backlog in orders continued to build. One person familiar with the system likened it to a sponge: ‘It could take so much water and then no more’ Separation: Lady Macbeth: Is this a dagger I see before me? 3.The Semi-colon • Link • Separation 4.Dashes and hyphens Hyphen: No space before and after • • • • • Adjectives Some prefixes Number and another word Numbers Surnames 4.Dashes and hyphens Dashes: Space before and after • Add thought or comment in middle or end of sentence • To summarise or conclude something at end of sentence 5.Brackets Should be used for: • Cross-references • Sources of information • Around numbers/letters Can be used for: • Add non-essential information • For a whole sentence adding information Question: who can you go to in the university for proof-reading, assignment checking or assisted editing? Nobody References Clip art – colon/question Drawingcoach.com (2010) Drawing a Friendly Cartoon Panda [online]. Available at: http://www.drawingcoach.com/cartoon-panda.html [Accessed 2.7.2014]. Harrison, M., Jakeman, V. and Paterson, K. (2012) Improve your grammar. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. How Stuff Works. (2012) 10 Completely wrong ways to use a comma. [online] Available at: http://howstuffworks.tumblr.com/post/24471189949/10-completely-wrong-ways-to-use-commas-commas-are [Accessed 2.7.2014]. Lucy and Maeve. (2009) Colon. [online] Available at: http://www.lucyandmaeve.com/punctuation/colon.html [Accessed 2.7.2014]. Lucy and Maeve. (2009) Semi-colon. [online] Available at: http://www.lucyandmaeve.com/punctuation/colon.html [Accessed 2.7.2014]. Savage, D. (2007) Endangered. [online] Available at: http://www.savagechickens.com/tag/semicolon [Accessed 16.6.2014]. Schwartz, B (2013) Search Engine Roundtable. [online] Available at: http://www.seroundtable.com/google-pandaadvice-17354.html [Accessed 2.7.2014]. University of Bristol. (2012) Using the comma. Bristol: University of Bristol. [online] Available at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_45.htm [Accessed 16.6.2014]. Academic Skills Advice Service • Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23 • What do we do? Support undergraduate students with their academic skills by running clinics and workshops, having bookable appointment slots, and enabling students to drop-in for Instant Action. • Who are we? Michael and Helen specialise in Maths Support; Lucy and Russell advise students on study skills; and I (Louise) deliver the workshops • When can you come for help? Everyday both face to face and on-line • How do I get in touch? Email: [email protected] or website www.brad.ac.uk/academicskills Any questions?