Writing Center

Learn the rules for using apostrophes. Handout also includes a practice worksheet with answers!

Learn the rules for properly using the Oxford comma.

Learn about using commas with parenthetical phrases and clauses, coordinating conjunctions, and introductory phrases.

When and how to use ellipses.

When and how to use dashes.

When and how to use quotation marks.

Learn how to use colons and semicolons.

This handout defines dependent and independent clauses and explores how they are treated in standard usage.
Common errors to avoid: comma splices, fused sentences, and fragments.

How to identify and correct fragments in your writing.

Run-ons are sentences packed with too many ideas; the writer is “running on” from one idea to the next without punctuating correctly, so the reader doesn’t know how one idea relates to the next. Check out this guide to learn about the several ways to identify and correct run-ons.

Learn how to make phrases/clauses/sentences parallel to improve readability.