Punctuation and Mechanics
What this domain tests
Punctuation and Mechanics tests conventional marks and capitalization in formal written English. The exam rewards punctuation that clarifies structure, not punctuation inserted for pause or emphasis.
Core rules
- Comma: Use before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses; after introductory elements; around nonessential interruptions; and between items in a series. Do not use a comma by itself to join two independent clauses.
- Semicolon: Join closely related independent clauses; separate series items that already contain commas. A semicolon is not a stronger comma before a phrase.
- Colon: Use after a complete independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation. Do not put a colon between a verb and its object.
- Apostrophe: Add 's for singular possession, s' for plural possession, and no apostrophe for simple plurals. Its is possessive; it's means it is.
- Hyphen and dash: Hyphenate compound modifiers before a noun (a well-documented case) but not after (the case is well documented). Use an em dash for a sharp break, sparingly.
- Capitalization: Capitalize proper nouns and the first word of a sentence; do not capitalize job titles used generically.
- Quotation marks: In North American style, place periods and commas inside closing quotation marks; use quotation marks for short titles or direct words and italics for longer works.
Worked example
The manager requested three things, a revised timeline, a cost estimate, and a risk assessment. The comma after things is wrong because three things is not a complete clause and the list is essential to the sentence. Use a colon after the complete clause: The manager requested three things: a revised timeline, a cost estimate, and a risk assessment. The colon introduces the list; the serial commas separate items.
Traps that cost marks
- Comma splice: The draft was late, it missed the deadline.
- Putting a semicolon before however but no comma after it: The draft was late; however, it was complete.
- Using a colon after including or such as, which already introduce examples.
- Writing the 1990's for a decade when the house style prefers the 1990s; follow the style used in the prompt.
- Confusing plural and possessive: the analysts' recommendations (several analysts) versus the analyst's recommendations (one).