Article
Punctuation is more than a collection of marks placed at the end of sentences. It helps organize information, separate ideas, and make written communication easier to understand. Students preparing for the TEAS English and Language Usage section should understand how punctuation works and recognize common errors.
1. Periods
A period marks the end of a declarative sentence or a statement. Example: "The students reviewed their notes before the examination." A complete sentence generally contains a subject and a predicate and communicates a complete thought. A common mistake is joining two independent sentences with only a comma. This creates a comma splice. Incorrect: "The examination was difficult, the students prepared carefully." Correct: "The examination was difficult. The students prepared carefully." You could also use a semicolon or an appropriate coordinating conjunction.
2. Commas
Commas separate elements within sentences and help readers follow the intended meaning. They are commonly used in lists. Example: "The student packed notebooks, pens, a calculator, and a water bottle." Commas are also used after introductory words or phrases. Example: "After reviewing the chapter, Maria completed the practice questions." A comma may separate an introductory dependent clause from the main clause. Example: "Although the test was challenging, the student remained calm." However, avoid placing commas randomly between a subject and its verb. Incorrect: "The nursing student, completed the assignment." Correct: "The nursing student completed the assignment."
3. Semicolons
A semicolon can connect two closely related independent clauses. Example: "The lecture ended early; the students used the extra time to review." Both parts can stand as complete sentences. Semicolons can also separate complicated items in a list, especially when those items already contain commas. Example: "The group included students from Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; and Kigali, Rwanda."
4. Colons
A colon introduces information that explains, illustrates, or lists something mentioned before it. Example: "The student needed three items: a notebook, a pen, and a calculator." A colon can also introduce an explanation. Example: "The result was clear: consistent practice improved the student's performance." In formal writing, the words before a colon should generally form a complete sentence when the colon introduces a list or explanation.
5. Apostrophes
Apostrophes are commonly used to show possession and form contractions. Possession: - The student's book means the book belongs to one student. - The students' books means the books belong to multiple students. Contractions: - Don't means do not. - It's means it is or it has. - They're means they are. Be careful with the difference between its and it's. - Its indicates possession. - It's is a contraction of it is or it has. Example: "The organization changed its schedule." "It's important to review the instructions."
6. Quotation marks
Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech or material taken directly from another source. Example: The instructor said, "Read the question carefully before choosing an answer." In American English, commas and periods are generally placed inside closing quotation marks. Always follow the style guide required by your assignment when punctuation conventions differ.
7. Hyphens and dashes
A hyphen connects certain words, often when they work together as a compound modifier. Example: "The student completed a well-organized report." A dash can set off additional information or create emphasis. Example: "The final topic—laboratory safety—was especially important." Although they look similar, hyphens and dashes serve different purposes
8. How to improve punctuation skills
Read sentences aloud and notice where ideas naturally separate. Then practice editing short paragraphs with missing or incorrect punctuation. Do not assume that every pause in speech requires a comma. Punctuation follows grammatical structure, not simply the way someone speaks. When answering multiple-choice questions, read the entire sentence and consider whether each punctuation mark connects ideas correctly.
Final tip
Learn the purpose of each punctuation mark and practice applying it in complete sentences. Understanding sentence structure will help you recognize errors more confidently. Practice question: Which sentence uses punctuation correctly? A. "Before the examination the students reviewed their notes." B. "Before the examination, the students reviewed their notes." C. "Before, the examination the students reviewed their notes." D. "Before the examination the students, reviewed their notes." Answer: B.
