Punctuation - PSAT Reading & Writing

Use quotation marks around the spoken words. Quotation marks enclose direct speech.

Use a colon ($:$) after the independent clause. Colons introduce what follows the complete thought.

Use a comma after the city name. Standard format separates city from state.

Do not place a colon directly after a verb or preposition. Colons need a complete clause before them, not just a verb/preposition.

Use quotation marks around the exact spoken words. Quotation marks enclose the speaker's exact words.

Add apostrophe + $s$ (e.g., "teacher’s"). Singular possessives add apostrophe + $s$.

Use an em dash ($—$). Dashes create dramatic pauses or set off interruptions.

Use commas between items (including the serial comma if used). Commas separate list items for clarity.

Use a comma after the introductory element. Introductory elements need commas to separate from main clause.

It was a long, exhausting trip. Coordinate adjectives modify noun equally and independently.

Use a colon after the independent clause. Complete sentence before colon can stand alone.

She brought pens, paper, and tape. No colon after verb; list follows verb directly.

Use commas between items (including the Oxford comma if needed). Series items need commas; Oxford comma prevents ambiguity.

Use a colon before the explanation. Colon signals that what follows explains the first part.

He had one goal: to win. Colon introduces the goal's explanation or definition.

Use em dashes to set off the interrupting material. Em dashes create dramatic pause for emphasis or interruption.

The result was unexpected. Em dash incorrectly splits subject from predicate.

Add apostrophe + s: the student's; the boss's. Singular possessive always adds 's, even after s.

The dog's bone was buried. Singular possessive shows one dog owns the bone.

Use hyphens in a compound modifier: well-known author. Hyphenated words function as single adjective unit.

We bought apples, oranges, and pears. Commas separate each item in a series of three or more.

After the show ended, we left. Introductory dependent clause requires comma before main clause.

Use commas (or matching dashes/parentheses) around it. Nonessential info can be removed without changing meaning.

My brother, who lives in Denver, is visiting. Nonrestrictive clause adds extra info about only brother.

Use a semicolon: independent clause; independent clause. Semicolons link related independent clauses without conjunctions.

Use ; before and , after: clause; however, clause. Conjunctive adverbs need semicolons before and commas after.

Use a comma between coordinate adjectives. Test with "and": long and exhausting = coordinate adjectives.

Use a comma between the adjectives. Coordinate adjectives can be reversed or joined by 'and'.

Use ; before and , after the conjunctive adverb. Semicolon separates clauses; comma follows the transitional word.