Know the Pattern in Punctuations

Initially, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when learning about punctuations. But once you’ve mastered the rules, you may find that they are often inconsistent (especially when it comes to using the comma). Punctuations aren’t merely a set of rules; they have a purpose. Even though punctuations can appear arbitrary at times, they can improve clarity and even raise the emotion in your writing when used correctly. However, there are many examples of punctuations. And while this article is not a comprehensive guide on punctuations, it serves as a starting point if you want to improve your punctuation skills.

Punctuation Patterns in Sentences

There are eight distinct ways to punctuate a sentence, and it is crucial to be familiar with all of them. Simple, compound and sophisticated sentences are all acceptable sentence forms. A sentence may have one or more dependent clauses that are both distinct and independently reliant on one another (depend on independent clauses; cannot stand on their own). There are numerous methods to employ punctuation patterns in these various sentence structures.

• Pattern One: Simple Sentence

Here is an example of a simple sentence:

Punctuation worksheet: Independent clause [ . ]

Punctuation example: Health officials in PNG are alarmed by the recent polio epidemic in several districts.

• Pattern Two: Compound Sentence

Here is an example of a compound sentence, including coordinating conjunction:

[ , ] coordinated conjunction with an independent clause.

Punctuation worksheet: Coordinating conjunctions include the following: and, but, for, or, not, yet.

Punctuation example: When it comes to research, many undergraduate students at DWU are still struggling with it.

• Pattern Three: Compound Sentence 

Here is an example of a compound sentence with a semicolon:

Punctuation worksheet: Independent clause [ ; ] independent clause [ . ]

Punctuation example: Many Digicel mobile phone users in PNG are concerned about the rise in rates, but they don’t know what’s behind it.

• Pattern Four: Compound Sentence

Here is an example of a compound sentence with a separate marker:

The indefinite article (‘the’) [ , ] is a standalone marker. [ . ] is an independent clause in this sentence.

Punctuation worksheet: Furthermore, therefore, additionally, consequently, although are examples of independent markers.

Punctuation example: A new policing approach called the Foot-beat had been implemented in Madang because of an increase in lawlessness.

• Pattern Five: Complex Sentence

Here is an example of a dependent marker in a complex statement:

Dependent marker dependent clause [ , ]

Punctuation worksheet: Dependent markers include: because, before, until, since, while, if, when, although, as, as if, and as a result of, amongst others.

Punctuation example: Employees and students at DWU can take advantage of the Diwai Mart’s late-night hours on weekdays, for example, until 6:00 pm.

• Pattern Six: Complex Sentence 

Here is an example of a dependent marker in a complex statement:

The independent clause is dependent on the marker [ . ]

Punctuation worksheet: Dependent markers include: because, as, until, before, since, although, while, if, when, as if, and as a result of, amongst others.

Punctuation examples: There are still a lot of e-tools to learn for DWU staff and students; thus, there is continual training on how to utilise Moodle for teaching and learning.

• Pattern Seven

Independent clause with a non-essential clause or phrase embedded in it.

Non-essential clause or phrase and the rest of independent clause [ . ] [ . ] [ . ]

Punctuation worksheet: Clauses and phrases that aren’t necessary can be omitted in a sentence without altering the meaning or making the sentence grammatically incorrect. The non-essential clause or phrase provides additional information, yet the sentence can stand on its own without it.

Punctuation example: People in catering services are concerned about students’ behaviour on the weekends.

• Pattern Eight

This pattern features an independent clause with an integral phrase or sentence tucked away inside it.

Punctuation worksheet: The initial phase of a standalone clause, the rest of the independent clause’s basic clause or phrase is [ . ]

The meaning of a statement is altered if a key clause or phrase is omitted.

Punctuation example: In the case of the Papua New Guinea government’s spending on foreign events, many citizens have taken to social media to express their displeasure.

Conclusion

Punctuations aren’t merely a set of rules; they have a purpose. When utilised correctly, punctuations can improve clarity and even raise the emotion in your writing. 

A phrase pattern is a collection of words that are repeated over and over again. Subordinate clauses include subjects and predicates, action verbs and direct objects. 

Simple sentences are the most basic type of sentence, followed by compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.