PUNCTUATIONS
By Sheku Kamara

USES OF THE COMMA
1. Use a comma to separate two main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, but). The purpose is to prevent misinterpretation of the subject and the object.
He broke his arm, and his temper was high.
Use commas in the following sentences:
He sold his car and his wife was angry.
It rained yesterday and today the road is dry.
I went to see the new car and the old car broke down on the way.
It was dark but bright light escaped through the narrow crack.
He married his girlfriend and his sister was unhappy about it.

2. Use a comma when a subordinate clause starts a sentence. Generally a comma is used to separate subordinate and independent clauses especially when the sentence is a long one. Adverbial clauses are subordinate clauses. They start with words like: when, after, before, since, until, while, if, unless, although, though, because.
Unless you tell me everything, I will not go out.
When you are ready, we shall go together.
Because I came early, I was able to see him.

3. Use a comma to mark off names and titles of people spoken to in a sentence. If you are addressing someone and you happen to call him by his name, that name must be cut off from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Fatu, I know that you will pass your exams.
I know that you will pass your exams, Fatu.
I know, Fatu, that you will pass your exams.

4. Use a comma to set off a group of words which is actually another way of describing someone or something, often his name.
If two expressions refer to the same person or thing in a sentence, the second expression must be cut off from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Mr. Koroma, our French teacher, has arrived.
Her father, the manager of the company, will be responsible.
They want us, you and me, to go.
We want a radio, an important medium of communication, to be given to us.

5.Use a pair of commas in a sentence which has been interrupted by a phrase or clause
The fan, the only one I think I can afford, should be handled carefully.
The people, filled with emotion, sang their praise to God.
Brima, who is my brother, will come today.
Bo, which is in the South, is a big town.
The sun, which is round in shape, rises every morning.
The tall man in the red trousers, who is sitting at the back of the hall, is my best friend.
The beautiful young lady, whom I was talking about, has got married.
She said that, if we gave her a present, she would be glad.

6. Use a comma to set off the following words, especially when they start sentences:
however, meanwhile, by the way, well, moreover, without doubt, nevertheless.
However, he didn't come.
Meanwhile, some of us decided to wait.
Some people however did not accept the plan.
Some people, however, did not accept the plan
This will, without doubt, force them to wait

7. Use a comma to separate two words or expressions that can be easily misunderstood.
For most, the year is already finished.
Use a comma in each of the sentences below to make them clear.
a. To Alice Mansaray was very kind.
b. Instead of a hundred thousands came.
c. I do not care for money isn't everything.
d. Five feet below the bridge was flooded.
e. When we had finished eating the cigarettes were served.
f. After all their hopes were too ambitious.
g. When you say that smile.
h. As far as I know the answer is hidden.
i. If you want it take it.
j. If your shirt is rough iron it with a flat iron.
k. That sergeant is an order.

9. Use commas to set off a participial phrase from the rest of the sentence.
Losing his temper, Mr. Mansaray ordered the class to stand.
Supported by her brother, Fatmata finally solved her problems.
Written on the paper was a message for him.
Last week Edna, feeling very tired, went home early.
His uncle, dressed in jeans, stood in front of the crowd.

Misuse of a Comma
1. Don't use a comma where a full stop or semi-colon is required. [See run on sentences]
I did all the housework, he did nothing at all.
How are your children, I hope they are all well.

2. If there is no interrupting expression in a sentence:
i. Don't use a comma between a subject and its verb and object.
My younger brother, collected his papers.
The first person, will receive a prize.
ii. Don't use a comma between a subject and its verb and complement.
Mr. Ibrahim Daboh, is the new secretary.
iii. Don't use a comma between a subordinator and the following clause or phrase.
I refused to go because, he didn't invite me.
She told me when, I asked him.
iv. Don't use a comma between an adjective (or adverb) and noun.
I told the careless, driver to stop.
He was holding a red, pen when I saw him.
He ran, quickly and greeted him.
Sheku Kamara 1 Goderich Street Freetown Tel: 220175 Sheku Kamara 1 Goderich Street Freetown Tel: 220175 Sheku
SEMI-COLON
1.Use a semi-colon to separate closely related independent clauses not connected by a conjunction. Thus semi-colons can replace the full stop when two separate sentences are closely linked:
Try this one; it seems to be good.
His mother won't let him go; she is afraid he will run away.
Your car is new; mine is too old.
Young men can play any game; older men have less choice.
Birds can fly great distances; a hundred kilometres is little to them.
2.Use a semi-colon to separate elements (or names) in a series when they contain internal punctuation.
Among those present were Mr. Jalloh, principal of Ansarul; Mr. Turay, Headmaster of D.E.C. School; and Mr. Foray, Inspector of School.

COLON
1.To introduce a series
These were taken: a pen, a ruler and a book.
2.To introduce a phrase or a clause that explains, restate or amplifies a matter earlier stated in the sentence.

Agriculture is not just a subject: it is a science.
Isatu was happy: she had just won a prize.
He wanted to go to bed: he was tired.
There were no eggs left: Alieu had eaten them
Sheku Kamara 1 Goderich Street Freetown Tel: 220175 Sheku Kamara 1 Goderich Street Freetown Tel: 220175 Sheku
FULL STOPS
Do not use commas where there should be a full stop:
I am tired, I want to go to bed.
Be careful to identify when the sense is broken so clearly that the comma just won't do. Of course, the example above is clearly two separate statements. A full stop, a semi-colon or a conjunction must be chosen:
I am tired; I want to go to bed.
I am tired, and I want to go to bed.
I am tired. I want to go to bed.

2.Remember that full stops are also used to show when words have been shortened. These are called 'abbreviations'. The full stop should appear after each abbreviated word:
I visited Mr. A.B.S. Sillah.
I intend to go to W.A.E.C. this afternoon.
The O.A.U. was changed to the A.U. in 2001.
The following is wrong:
The O.A.U was changed to the A.U in 2001.
It is conventional to write some abbreviations without full stops. So one can write:
I intend to go to WAEC and FBC this morning.
The OAU was changed to the AU in July 2001.
2.If you end your sentence with a stopped abbreviation, you do not need an extra full stop. The one you use does double duty:
They arrived at 8p.m.
NOT: They arrived at 8p.m..
4.If abbreviations occur in a list or clause which would normally require a comma, then use the full stops as well as the commas:
I visited W.A.E.C., F.B.C., N.I.C. and I.P.A.M.
We can also write:
I visited WAEC, FBC, NIC and IPAM.