[EzineArticles Training] Comma and Colon Tips

Training Series Article Writing - Paragraph & Grammar Structure Comma and Colon Tips Hello Training Series Member, Here is the next edition of the EzineArticles.com Article Writing: Paragraph and Grammar Structure Training Series. Commas: Everyone has their own style when it comes to comma usage. Most modern styles guides now recommend using fewer commas rather than more, but be wary of run-on sentences. The use of a comma before "and" in a series is usually optional, provided there is no danger of misreading. Example: We have apple, orange and grape juices. (no comma) Example: We have apple, orange, and strawberry and grape juices. (comma) "Strawberry and grape" is one flavor; therefore, a comma is needed to avoid confusion. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. Example: After I realized that the store had not applied my discount voucher to my purchase, I returned to the store and customer service credited my account. Use a comma to join independent clauses. Example: I went to the grocery store to pick up some milk, but they were already closed. (commas with two independent clauses) Example: I offered to help and she accepted. (comma unnecessary with short clauses) Do not use a comma before the first item or after the last item in a series. Example: [Wrong] You should combine, aerobics, weight training and stretching into your workout routine, if you want to see the best results. Example: [Right] You should combine aerobics, weight training and stretching into your workout routine if you want to see the best results. Colons: The colon focuses the reader on what is to follow. Use it to introduce a list or idea. Colons should only be used within a sentence after an independent clause. Example: We visited three cities during our vacation: San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Do not place a colon between a verb and its object or between a preposition and its object. Example: [Wrong] We traveled to: San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. (colon between preposition and object) Example: [Right] We traveled to San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Example: [Wrong] My neighbor lent me: a garden hoe, a shovel and a rake. (colon between verb and objects) Example: [Right] My neighbor lent me a garden hoe, a shovel and a rake. The next edition of the EzineArticles.com Article Writing: Paragraph and Grammar Structure Training Series will offer 10 punctuation rules. Ready to submit your next set of quality original articles? http://Members.EzineArticles.com/?goto=submit To Your Article Writing & Marketing Success! The EzineArticles Team http://EzineArticles.com/ You are receiving this email as a registered member of EzineArticles.com. Click here to unsubscribe from future training emails. You can also manage your subscriptions online: http://Subscriptions.EzineArticles.com/ Postal address: EzineArticles.com, PO Box 12740 Green Bay WI 54307 USA © Copyright 1999-2011 EzineArticles.com. All Rights Reserved. To view our Privacy Policy click here.