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Overview of Punctuation Rules - Civil Service Exam

This guide will cover the essential punctuation marks such as commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, quotation marks, and more, providing a solid foundation for anyone looking to improve their writing skills.

1. Commas (,)

Purpose:

  • Separate items in a list.
  • Enclose clauses or phrases that add additional information.
  • Set off introductory elements.
  • Separate adjectives that equally describe a noun.

Examples:

  • I bought eggs, milk, butter, and bread.
  • My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.
  • After the show, we went to a restaurant.
  • It was a long, exhausting day.

2. Semicolons (;)

Purpose:

  • Link independent clauses without using a conjunction.
  • Separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

Examples:

  • She loves painting; she sells her artwork online.
  • We visited London, UK; Paris, France; and Berlin, Germany.

3. Colons (:)

Purpose:

  • Introduce a list, a quote, or an expansion.
  • Separate two independent clauses when the second explains or summarizes the first.

Examples:

  • You need three things to succeed: a wish, a plan, and a commitment.
  • He got what he worked for: a promotion.

4. Apostrophes (’)

Purpose:

  • Indicate possession.
  • Form contractions.

Examples:

  • Jessica’s car is over there.
  • It’s (it is) likely to rain today.
  • Don’t (do not) forget your keys.

5. Quotation Marks (“ ”)

Purpose:

  • Enclose direct speech.
  • Highlight titles of certain works or phrases.
  • Indicate irony or special emphasis.

Examples:

  • She said, “Meet me at noon.”
  • The short story “The Lottery” is controversial.
  • He is so “excited” to see his dentist.

6. Parentheses (())

Purpose:

  • Enclose supplementary or explanatory material that is not essential.
  • Include additional information without disrupting the main sentence.

Examples:

  • He finally decided (after much deliberation) to take the job.
  • Our meeting time (see the schedule) has been moved.

7. Dashes (—)

Purpose:

  • Set off parenthetical elements with more emphasis than commas.
  • Indicate an abrupt change in thought or break in sentence structure.

Examples:

  • Everything I need—peace, love, and comfort—is here.
  • I need this report—oh, before you leave—by tomorrow.

8. Hyphens (-)

Purpose:

  • Join words or parts of words (like in compound words).
  • Avoid ambiguity or form compound adjectives before nouns.

Examples:

  • A well-known author
  • Long-term planning
  • Twenty-four

9. Ellipses (…)

Purpose:

  • Indicate omitted material in a quote.
  • Suggest trailing off of thought or speech.

Examples:

  • “To be or not to be, that is the question…”
  • Well, I’m not sure…

10. Exclamation Points (!)

Purpose:

  • Express strong emotion or a command.
  • Indicate a forceful remark or interjection.

Examples:

  • Stop!
  • Wow! That’s amazing!

 

Practice Test in Punctuation - Civil Service Exam

Question 1: Commas

Which sentence correctly uses commas?

  • Choice A: I bought apples oranges, and bananas.
  • Choice B: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
  • Choice C: I bought apples oranges and bananas.
  • Choice D: I bought, apples, oranges and bananas.
  • Answer: B
  • Solution:
    Commas should be used to separate items in a list. The correct sentence is “I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.”

Question 2: Semicolons

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

  • Choice A: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.
  • Choice B: I have a big test tomorrow, I can’t go out tonight.
  • Choice C: I have a big test tomorrow: I can’t go out tonight.
  • Choice D: I have a big test tomorrow I can’t go out tonight.
  • Answer: A
  • Solution:
    A semicolon is correctly used to separate two independent clauses. “I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.”

Question 3: Colons

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

  • Choice A: Here is what I need at the store: milk, eggs, and bread.
  • Choice B: Here is what I need at the store, milk, eggs, and bread.
  • Choice C: Here: is what I need at the store milk, eggs, and bread.
  • Choice D: Here is what I need at the store milk, eggs, and bread.
  • Answer: A
  • Solution:
    A colon is used to introduce a list. The correct sentence is “Here is what I need at the store: milk, eggs, and bread.”

Question 4: Apostrophes

Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe for possession?

  • Choice A: Its Johns book.
  • Choice B: It’s Johns book.
  • Choice C: It’s John’s book.
  • Choice D: Its John’s book.
  • Answer: C
  • Solution:
    An apostrophe is used to indicate possession. The correct sentence is “It’s John’s book.”

Question 5: Quotation Marks

Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks?

  • Choice A: She said, “I’ll be there soon.”
  • Choice B: She said, I’ll be there soon.
  • Choice C: She said, “I’ll be there soon”.
  • Choice D: She said “I’ll be there soon.”
  • Answer: A
  • Solution:
    Quotation marks are used to denote spoken words. The correct sentence is “She said, ‘I’ll be there soon.'”

Uses of Comma

Conjunction Comma

A conjunction comma is used to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Examples:

I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

She loves reading books, and she often visits the library.

We can go to the beach, or we can stay home and watch a movie.

 

Serial Comma

The serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma or Harvard comma, is the comma placed before the conjunction (usually “and” or “or”) in a list of three or more items. It helps to clarify the separation of items in a series.

Examples:

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

For breakfast, I had eggs, toast, and coffee.

I dedicate this book to my parents, Ayn Rand, and God.

 

Quote Comma

The quote comma, also known as the punctuation inside quotation marks, follows specific rules in American English

Examples:

“I will be there soon,” she said.

He said, “Let’s go to the park.”

“When I was young,” she began, “I loved to read fairy tales.”

“We need to leave now,” he insisted.

 

Interjection Comma

An interjection comma is used to set off an interjection—a word or phrase that expresses emotion or a reaction—from the rest of the sentence. Interjections can be mild or strong, and the comma helps to convey the appropriate pause or separation.

Examples:

“Well, I suppose we could try that.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Yes, I would love to join you.”

“Wow, that was an incredible performance!”

“Hey, don’t forget your keys.”

“Oh no, we missed the bus.”

 

Time Comma

A time comma, also known as a comma used in dates and times, helps to separate various elements of a date or time to improve clarity.

Examples:

“She was born on July 4, 2000, in New York.”

“The meeting is scheduled for March 15, 2023.”

“The train departs at five o’clock, forty-five minutes past the hour.”

Use of Semicolon

The semicolon (;) is a versatile punctuation mark that connects closely related ideas, adds clarity to complex lists, and enhances the readability of sentences. Understanding how to properly use semicolons can greatly improve your writing skills.

1. Connecting Independent Clauses

A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Unlike a comma, a semicolon indicates a stronger separation between the clauses while still showing their connection.

Example:

  • Correct: I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.
  • Incorrect: I have a big test tomorrow, I can’t go out tonight.

2. With Conjunctive Adverbs

When an independent clause is connected to another independent clause with a conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, moreover, consequently, etc.), a semicolon should precede the conjunctive adverb, and a comma should follow it.

Example:

  • Correct: She didn’t see the stop sign; therefore, she received a ticket.
  • Incorrect: She didn’t see the stop sign, therefore, she received a ticket.

3. Complex Lists

Use a semicolon to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the list is easily readable.

Example:

  • Correct: On our trip, we visited Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; and Miami, Florida.
  • Incorrect: On our trip, we visited Los Angeles, California, New York, New York, and Miami, Florida.

4. Avoiding Confusion

Semicolons can be used to avoid confusion in sentences where commas are already used for smaller separations.

Example:

  • Correct: The meeting included representatives from Tokyo, Japan; Paris, France; and Berlin, Germany.
  • Incorrect: The meeting included representatives from Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and Berlin, Germany.

Use of Colon in Punctuation

The colon (:) is a punctuation mark used to introduce lists, quotations, explanations, and more. It helps to direct the reader’s attention to the information that follows and provides emphasis.

1. Introducing Lists

A colon is often used to introduce a list, especially after an independent clause (a complete sentence).

Example:

  • Correct: You will need to bring several items to the picnic: a blanket, a basket, utensils, and napkins.
  • Incorrect: You will need to bring: a blanket, a basket, utensils, and napkins.

2. Before a Quotation

A colon can be used to introduce a quotation, particularly after an independent clause.

Example:

  • Correct: He said it best: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”
  • Incorrect: He said: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”

3. Introducing an Explanation or Example

A colon can introduce an explanation, a definition, or an example that elaborates on the preceding clause.

Example:

  • Correct: She had only one hobby: reading.
  • Incorrect: She had only one hobby, reading.

4. Emphasizing a Point

A colon can be used to emphasize a particular point or detail that follows an independent clause.

Example:

  • Correct: There was one thing he dreaded most: failure.
  • Incorrect: There was one thing he dreaded most, failure.

5. Between Independent Clauses

A colon can be used between two independent clauses when the second clause explains, illustrates, or expands on the first.

Example:

  • Correct: She was faced with a tough choice: move to a new city or stay in her current job.
  • Incorrect: She was faced with a tough choice, move to a new city or stay in her current job.

Use of Contraction

Contractions are shortened forms of words or combinations of words created by omitting certain letters and sounds. An apostrophe (‘) is used in place of the omitted letters. Understanding how to correctly use apostrophes in contractions can enhance both your writing and speaking skills.

Common Contractions

Here are some common contractions and the words they represent:

  • I’m = I am
  • You’re = You are
  • He’s/She’s/It’s = He is/She is/It is
  • We’ve = We have
  • They’ve = They have
  • Can’t = Cannot
  • Don’t = Do not
  • Didn’t = Did not
  • Wouldn’t = Would not

How to Form Contractions

To form contractions, identify the words you want to combine and omit certain letters. Use an apostrophe to indicate the omitted letters.

Examples:

  • Do not → Don’t (omit the “o” in “not”)
  • I am → I’m (omit the “a” in “am”)
  • He is → He’s (omit the “i” in “is”)
  • We have → We’ve (omit the “ha” in “have”)

Rules for Using Apostrophes in Contractions

  1. Replace Omitted Letters: Always place the apostrophe where letters have been omitted.

    • Example: “She is” becomes “She’s” (the apostrophe replaces the “i”).
  2. Singular and Plural Pronouns: Use apostrophes to form contractions with both singular and plural pronouns.

    • Example: “You are” becomes “You’re” and “They are” becomes “They’re”.
  3. Avoid Double Apostrophes: When combining two contractions, avoid using double apostrophes.

    • Incorrect: I’d’ve (I would have)
    • Correct: I’d have

Use of Quotation Marks

Quotation marks (” “) are punctuation marks used to indicate direct speech, quotations from texts, titles of certain works, and to highlight specific words or phrases. Understanding the correct use of quotation marks can help you accurately convey spoken words, cite sources, and emphasize parts of your writing.

1. Direct Speech and Dialogue

Quotation marks are used to enclose direct speech or dialogue, indicating the exact words spoken by someone.

Example:

  • Correct: She said, “I’ll be there soon.”
  • Incorrect: She said, I’ll be there soon.

2. Quoting Text

Use quotation marks to quote text from books, articles, speeches, or other sources.

Example:

  • Correct: According to the report, “The economy grew by 3% last quarter.”
  • Incorrect: According to the report, The economy grew by 3% last quarter.

3. Titles of Short Works

Quotation marks are used for the titles of short works such as articles, poems, short stories, songs, and chapters of books.

Example:

  • Correct: I just read “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe.
  • Incorrect: I just read The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe.

4. Highlighting Words or Phrases

Quotation marks can be used to highlight or emphasize a specific word or phrase, often to indicate irony, sarcasm, or an unusual usage.

Example:

  • Correct: The “expert” gave us incorrect information.
  • Incorrect: The expert gave us incorrect information.

5. Punctuation with Quotation Marks

Punctuation marks such as commas and periods typically go inside the quotation marks in American English. Other punctuation marks like colons, semicolons, question marks, and exclamation points are placed inside the quotation marks only if they are part of the quoted material.

Use of Hyphens

Hyphens (-) are punctuation marks used to join words or parts of words. They are essential for clarity in writing, preventing ambiguity, and ensuring accurate meaning. Understanding the correct use of hyphens can significantly enhance your writing skills.

1. Compound Words

Hyphens are used to form compound words, which are words made up of two or more words joined together to create a new meaning.

Examples:

  • Mother-in-law
  • Well-known
  • High-speed

2. Compound Adjectives

When two or more words are used together as an adjective before a noun, they are often hyphenated to show they are one unit modifying the noun.

Examples:

  • A well-written book
  • A high-quality product
  • A five-star hotel

3. Numbers and Fractions

Hyphens are used in compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine and in fractions used as adjectives.

Examples:

  • Twenty-one
  • Ninety-nine
  • A two-thirds majority

4. Prefixes and Suffixes

Hyphens are sometimes used with prefixes and suffixes, especially to avoid confusion or awkward spelling.

Examples:

  • Re-enter
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Self-esteem

5. Avoiding Ambiguity

Hyphens can be used to avoid ambiguity in sentences where the meaning might be unclear without them.

Examples:

  • A little-used car (a car that is used very little)
  • A little used car (a small, used car)

6. Hyphenating Prefixes Before Proper Nouns

Use a hyphen when a prefix is followed by a proper noun or adjective.

Examples:

  • Mid-July
  • Pre-World War II
  • Un-American