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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. 2. Use commas to bracket nonrestrictive phrases, which are not essential to the sentences meaning. 3. Do not use commas to bracket phrases that are essential to a sentences meaning. 4. When beginning a sentence with an introductory phrase, include a comma. 5. To indicate possession, end a singular noun with an apostrophe followed by an . Otherwise, the nouns form seems plural. 6. 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. 7. Make the subject and verb agree with each other, not with a word that comes between them. 8. Be sure that a pronoun, a participial phrase, or an appositive refers clearly to the proper subject. 9. Use parallel construction to make a strong point and create a smooth flow. 10. Use the active voice unless you specifically need to use the passive. 11. Omit unnecessary words. | 
