The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list of particulars, an appositive, an amplification, or an illustrative quotation.
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
If a conjunction is inserted, the proper mark is a comma.
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
If two or more clauses grammatically complete and not joined by a conjunction are to form a single compound sentence, the proper mark of punctuation is a semicolon.
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
A comma is preferable when the clauses are very short and alike in form, or when the tone of the sentence is easy and conversational.
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
It usually follows an independent clause and should not separate a verb from its complement or a preposition from its object.
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Do not break sentences in two.
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
- Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding 's.
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Exceptions are the possessives of ancient proper names ending in -es and -is,
William Strunk JR. and E.B. White • The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Nonrestrictive relative clauses are parenthetic, as are similar clauses introduced by conjunctions indicating time or place. Commas are therefore needed. A nonrestrictive clause is one that does