The comma :
The comma 1. Between independent clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so).
2. To separate items in a series of three or more.
3. To set off parenthetical or interruptive elements such as introductory words, phrases or clauses and nonrestrictive appositives or relative clauses.
The semicolon :
The semicolon 1. Between closely related independent clauses.
2. Where a comma would go, but only if a comma for some reason would not be heavy enough.
The colon :
The colon To precede lists.
To introduce long or formal quotations.
To set up a sense of expectation.
The dash :
The dash It sets expectation that what follows is either emphatic or surprising.
It’s an abrupt break. A strong pause.
Parentheses and brackets :
Parentheses and brackets Parentheses are used to:
To set off certain kinds of interrupters.
To enclose cross-reference information within a sentence.
To enclose numerals or letters setting up a list or series.
Brackets are used for parentheses inside parentheses.
The period :
The period To mark the end of statements or unemphatic commands.
Common errors :
Common errors 1. Do not put a comma between a subject and a verb unless there is an appositive.
2. Do not use a comma between the verb and its object or complement unless some element between them calls for punctuation.
3. Do not put a comma between an adjective and the noun it immediately modifies.
4. Generally, do not put a comma before “and”.
Bibliography :
Bibliography The Canadian Writer’s Handbook
William E. Messenger
Jan de Bruyn
Prentice Hall 1986