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1.
| To join two independent clauses, use a comma followed by a conjunction, a semicolon alone, or a semicolon followed by a sentence modifier. |
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2.
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Use commas to bracket nonrestrictive phrases, which are not essential to the sentence's meaning. |
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3.
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Do not use commas to bracket phrases that are essential to a sentence's meaning. |
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4.
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When beginning a sentence with an introductory phrase or an introductory (dependent) clause, include a comma. |
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5.
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To indicate possession, end a singular noun with an apostrophe followed by an "s". Otherwise, the noun's form seems plural. |
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6.
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Use proper punctuation to integrate a quotation into a sentence. If the introductory material is an independent clause, add the quotation after a colon. If the introductory material ends in "thinks," "saying," or some other verb indicating expression, use a comma. |
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7.
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Make the subject and verb agree with each other, not with a word that comes between them. |
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8.
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Be sure that a pronoun, a participial phrase, or an appositive refers clearly to the proper subject. |
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9.
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Use parallel construction to make a strong point and create a smooth flow. |
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10.
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Use the active voice unless you specifically need to use the passive. |
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11.
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Omit unnecessary words. |
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