TEAS® English Study Guide
Punctuation
Punctuation questions test a tiny aspect of sentence structure that has a big impact. Know the rules for each punctuation mark and most questions can be answered quickly.
Comma — the main uses:
- In a series: apples, oranges, and pears. (The final comma before "and" is a “serial” or “Oxford” comma, and its usage is standard on the TEAS.)
- After an introductory word or phrase: After the storm, we cleaned up.
- Before a coordinating conjunction joining two complete sentences: She knocked, but no one answered.
- Around nonessential information: My brother, who lives in Ohio, is visiting.
Semicolon vs. colon:
- Semicolons join two closely related complete sentences: The meeting ran late; everyone was exhausted. Both sides must be able to stand alone.
- Colons introduce a list or explanation, and what comes before them must be a complete sentence: She packed three things: a map, water, and snacks.
Apostrophe:
- Contractions (a letter is missing): don’t = do not, it’s = it is, they’re = they are.
- Possession: with a singular noun, add ‘s (the dog’s bowl); with a plural noun ending in s, add just ‘ (the dogs’ bowls).
- The classic trap: its is possessive (the dog wagged its tail); it’s always means it is or, colloquially, it has. If you can’t substitute "it is," use its with no apostrophe.
Putting it in practice:
Identify which mark the question is testing, and then apply that mark’s specific rule. For semicolons and colons, check what sits on each side. A semicolon needs a complete sentence on both sides; a colon should have a complete sentence before it.
Example:
The store has everything, milk, bread, and eggs.
A comma can’t introduce a list after a complete sentence — that job belongs to a colon. The store has everything: milk, bread, and eggs.