25.4: Punctuation Usage Guide

Regardless of the style, the function of punctuation is to communicate the writer’s meaning. The punctuation usage guide that follows covers the most common needs for Air Force writers. Use the guide to help you punctuate your documents and clearly communicate to your readers.

Apostrophe '

1. Use an apostrophe to create possessive forms of nouns and abbreviations used as nouns.
   1. Add ’s to singular or plural nouns that do not end with an \(s\).
      • the children’s room
      • the oxen’s tails
      • ROTC’s building
      • officer’s rank
   2. Add ’s to singular nouns that end with an \(s, x\) or \(z\).
      • Mr. Jones’s family tree
      • Marx’s theories
      • A business’s contract
      • Marine Corps’s Ball
      • United States’s policy
      • Berlioz’s works
   3. Add ’s to most singular proper nouns, including names that end with \(s\).
      • Jefferson Davis’s home
      • Burns’s poems
   4. Add only the apostrophe to plural nouns that end in \(s\) or with an \(s\) sound, or to singular nouns ending with an \(s\) where adding an ’s would cause difficulty in pronunciation.
      • The two businesses’ contracts - for righteousness’ sake
      • Our bosses’ schedule - Officers’ Club
   5. Add only the apostrophe to ancient proper names that end with \(s\).
      • Jesus’ teaching
      • Moses’ law
      • Zeus’ temple
      • Aristophanes’ play
   6. Add ’s to the final word of compound nouns to show possession.
      • secretary-treasurer’s report
      • eyewitness’ comment
      • attorney general’s book
      • mother-in-law’s car
      • mothers-in-law’s cars
   7. Add ’s to show possession for indefinite pronouns (someone, no one, each, anyone, anybody, etc.), add ’s to last component of the pronoun.
      • someone’s car
      • somebody else’s book
   8. To show joint possession for two or more nouns, add the apostrophe or ’s to the last noun. Add only the apostrophe to plural nouns ending in \(s\) and ’s to singular nouns.
      • girls and boys’ club
      • aunt and uncle’s house
      • Diane and Wayne’s daughters
   9. To show separate possession, place the possession indicators on each noun or pronoun identifying a possessor.
      • soldiers’ and sailors’ uniforms
      • Mrs. Williams’s and Mr. Smith’s classes
      • king’s and queen’s jewels
      • son’s and daughter’s toys

Few men are lacking in capacity, but they fail because they are lacking in application.
-Calvin Coolidge

2. Use an apostrophe to mark omissions or form contractions.
   • can’t (can not)
   • wouldn’t (would not)
   • I’ve (I have)
   • it’s (it is) - mustn’t (must not)
   • I’m (I am)
   • you’ll (you will)
   • rock ’ \(n\) ’ roll (rock and roll)
   • don’t (do not)
   • won’t (will not)
   • let’s (let us)
   • jack-o’-lantern
3. Use an apostrophe to form plurals.
   
   Use an apostrophe to form plurals of certain letters and abbreviations. Make all individual lowercase letters plural by adding ’\(s\) and make individual capital letters plural by adding \(s\) alone unless confusion would result. (For example, apostrophes are used with the plurals of A, I, and U because adding an s forms the words As, Is, and Us.) To plural most abbreviations (upper and lowercase), add a lowercase \(s\). If the singular form contains an apostrophe, add \(s\) to form plural.
   • dotting the i’s
   • S’s, A’s, I’s, U’s
   • six the’s - OPRs, EPRs, TRs
   • Bs, \(1 \mathrm{~s}\)
   • ain’ts - 1960s
   • bldgs (buildings)
   • ma’ams - the three Rs
   • B-52s
   • mustn’ts
4. Use an apostrophe to mark a quote within a quote.
   
   "Let’s adopt this slogan: ’Quality first.",
5. Use an apostrophe to represent units of measurement in technical writing (or the accent mark if the apostrophe symbol is not available).
   • To specify a length of feet in a measure (The room measures 16’’ by 29’)
   • To specify an angle measured in minutes (60’ \(=1\) degree).
   • To specify geographical latitude and longitude expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. An apostrophe marks the minutes, and seconds are identified with quotation marks. If using the accent mark, a single accent mark identifies the minutes; a double accent mark specifies the seconds.
     Example: The coordinates are \(35^{\circ} 40^{\prime} 30^{\prime \prime} \mathrm{N}\) x \(60^{\circ} 20^{\prime} 30\) " \(\mathrm{W}\).

Format. Be aware that cutting and pasting into word processors from several files or file types can mix two formats for the apostrophe and quotation marks. The normal format is for the apostrophe and quotation marks to be curved; the format in some documents uses "straight quotes." Once the cut-and-paste task is finished, The Tongue and Quill recommends a global find and replace for apostrophes and quotation marks to standardize the format to the normal curved style.

Asterisk *

1. Use the asterisk to refer a reader to footnotes placed at the bottom of a page.
   • One asterisk* identifies the first footnote
   • Two asterisks** identify a second footnote
   • Three asterisks*** identify a third footnote.
   • Number the footnotes if you have more than three. If it is a literary document, number the footnotes if you need more than one footnote.
2. Use asterisks to replace words that are considered unprintable.
   
   It is a good thing that no cameras or recording devices were present when Smith called Schultz a \(* * * * *\) tonight at the party.

Spacing when using an asterisk

• No space before following a word or punctuation mark within sentence or at the end of a sentence-unless replacing unprintable words, then one space before.
• One space after following a word or punctuation mark within a sentence.
• Two spaces after following a punctuation mark at the end of a sentence-unless manuscript format and using right justified, then one space after. (The Tongue and Quill favors two spaces after the end of a sentence. The decision to use one space or two is left up to the individual or organization. Either way is acceptable, but be consistent!)
• No space after an asterisk in a footnote.

Asterisk footnote samples. If the asterisks in the first paragraph of this page were to appear as footnotes, they would appear as follows at the bottom of the footnoted page, separated from the text by a footnote bar (generated automatically in Word) as shown below.

 

________________________
*The asterisk can be used as a mark of punctuation to indicate a footnote.

**Use the asterisk with other punctuation as shown here.

\(* * *\) Number the footnotes if you have more than three-unless a literary document.

Brackets [ ]

1. Use brackets to clarify or correct material written by others.
   • To clarify: He arrived on the 1st [2d] of June.
   • To correct: The statue [sic] was added to the book of statutes.
     When [sic] appears in the text, as in the example above, it tells the reader something is wrong with the word immediately in front of the first bracket but the word is reproduced exactly as it appeared in the original.
2. Use brackets to insert explanatory words, editorial remarks or phrases independent of the sentence or quoted material.
   • Tell them [the students] to report to the auditorium now.
   • The tank-versus-tank battles of Villers-Brettoneux is the last significant event for the tank in World War I. [Other accounts of this battle give different versions.]
3. Use brackets to indicate you’ve added special emphasis (e.g., italics, bold, underline, all capitals) to quoted material when the emphasis was not in the original work. The bracketed material may be placed immediately following the emphasized word(s) or at the end of the quotation.
   • She [emphasis added] seemed willing to compromise, but his strategy prevailed.
   • Tell them to report to the auditorium now. [Emphasis added.]
4. Use brackets to enclose an acronym’s definition (the acronym written out) or a parenthetical phrase that falls within a parenthetical phrase.
   • (All military personnel will wear the UOD [uniform of the day] for the ceremony.)
   • (There are three primary theories [or frameworks] for the study of airpower.)

Spacing when using brackets (Opening bracket)

• One space before when parenthetic matter is within a sentence.
• Two spaces before when parenthetic matter follows a sentence (when parenthetic matter starts with a capital and closes with its own sentence punctuation), unless manuscript format and using right justified text, then one space before.
• No space after.

Spacing when using brackets (Closing bracket)

• No space before.
• One space after when parenthetic matter is within a sentence or when in manuscript format and using right justified; two spaces after when parenthetic matter is itself a complete sentence and another sentence follows.
• No space after if another punctuation mark immediately follows.

Colon :

1. Use a colon to separate an introductory statement from explanatory or summarizing material that follows when there is no coordinating conjunction or transitional expression. (Capitalize the first word of the expression that follows the colon if it is the dominant element and is a complete sentence. For additional details, see the "Capitalization" section.)
   • Living in base housing has many advantages: People can walk to work, shopping is convenient, and there are organized activities for the children.
   • The board consists of three officials: a director, deputy director and recorder.
2. Use a colon when a sentence contains an expression such as following or as follows or is followed by a list. Notice the capitalization and punctuation in the examples.
   • The new directive achieved the following results: better morale and improved relations.
   • Results were as follows: better morale, less work and more pay.
   • Consider these advantages when making your decision:
     • You won’t have to be somewhere at 0800 every day.
     • You can get more involved in community activities.
     • You can pursue hobbies you haven’t had time for in the last year.
3. Use a colon to indicate a full stop before an enumerated or explanatory list.
   There are several possibilities for the analyst position:
   1. it could remain vacant,
   2. it could be converted to a civilian position, or
   3. another military member within the organization could be temporarily detailed to the position.
4. Use a colon with a quotation when the word "say" or a substitute for say has been omitted, when the introductory expression is an independent clause, and when the quotation is typed in indented form on separate lines from the introductory clause.
   • The general turned [and said]: "Who gave that order?"
   • The judge rendered her decision: "Bail is denied."
   • The speaker said:
     "The words you will hear from this stage today are the words and opinions of one man-me. I do not come as a representative of my company. I will not answer any question that is in any way related to the company for which I work."
5. Use a colon to express periods of clock time in figures and to represent the word to in ratios and proportions. Do not use a colon when expressing time on a 24-hour clock.
   • Time: There is an appointment available at 1430 (2:30 p.m.).
   • Ratios: Dilute the concentrate with water using a ratio of 5:1 for a mild cleanser.
6. Use a colon when expressing library references to separate title and subtitle, volume and page number, city of publication and name of publisher in footnotes, and bibliographies.
   • Book title: Mail Fraud: What You Can Do About It
   • Volume reference: 10:31-34 (Volume 10, pages 31 to 34)
   • Publisher reference: New York: MacMillan Company
7. Do NOT use a colon when the enumerated items complete the sentence that introduces them. Notice the punctuation and capitalization in this example.
   
   Liaison officers must [Not "Liaison officers must:"]
   1. become familiar with the situation,
   2. know the mission and
   3. arrange for communications.
8. Do NOT use a colon when an explanatory series follows a preposition or a verb (except as in rule 4 for the "Use a colon..." on the previous page).
   • The editorial assistants are Rebecca, Lisa and Yuna.
   • The editorial assistants are: Rebecca, Lisa and Yuna.
9. Do NOT use a colon to introduce an enumerated list that is a complement or the object of an element in the introductory statement.
   • Our goals are to
     1. learn the basic dance steps,
     2. exercise while having fun, and
     3. meet new people.
   • Our goals are to:
     1. learn the basic ...
10. Do NOT use a colon when the anticipatory expression is followed by another sentence.
    
    The command section will bring the following foods to the party. The buffet line will be opened at noon with the enlisted personnel being served first.
    • Taco Bake
    • tossed salad
    • chips
    • dip

Spacing when using colons

• No space before.
• Two spaces after within a sentence-unless manuscript format and using right justified, then one space after.
• No space before or after in expressions of time (8:20 p.m.) or proportions (2:1).

Comma ,

1. Use a comma with the coordinating conjunctions and, but, or, or nor when joining two or more independent clauses.
   • The art of war is constantly developing, but twentieth-century technology has so speeded up the change the military strategist now must run to keep pace.
   • The rapid expansion of the Air Force ensures a continuing need for qualified college graduates to fill existing vacancies, and also ensures ample opportunities for advancement. [This example contains only one independent clause with a compound verb; therefore, no comma is necessary.]
     
     NOTE: No comma is needed if the sentence has one subject with a compound predicate connected with a coordinating conjunction because the second half of the sentence is not an independent clause.
     • Mary Jones received her master’s degree last December and is now considering pursuing a doctorate degree in education.
     • I am not only willing to go but also ready to stay a week.
2. Use a comma to separate three or more parallel words, phrases or clauses in a series.
   • In open punctuation, exclude the comma before the final and, or or nor. "Will you go by car, train or plane?" [open punctuation]
   • In closed punctuation, include the comma before the final and, or, or nor. "You will not talk, nor do homework, nor sleep in my class." [closed punctuation]
   • For longer phrases and clauses in a series, the additional comma specified in closed punctuation may help readability. "Patients are classified as suitable for treatment at the installation, as requiring evacuation to the regional hospital, or as fit for duty."
   • The use of etc. is discouraged in running text, but when used, it must be set off with commas. Do not use etc. when using e.g., for example, or such as. These terms indicate you are only giving some examples; there is no need to imply there could be more. "We will bake cookies, bread, cupcakes, etc., for the party."
3. Use a comma with parallel adjectives that modify the same noun. If the adjectives are independent of each other, if the order can be reversed or if and can stand between the words, the adjectives are parallel and should be separated by a comma. However, if the first adjective modifies the idea expressed by the combination of the second adjective and the noun, do not use a comma.
   • a hard, cold winter; a long, hot summer [the summer was long and hot]
   • a heavy winter overcoat [winter modifies overcoat; heavy modifies winter overcoat]
   • a traditional political institution [political modifies institution; traditional modifies political institution]
4. Use a comma to separate two or more complementary phrases that refer to a single word that follows.
   The coldest, if not the most severe, winter Ohio has had was in \(1996 .\)
5. Use a comma to set off nonessential or interrupting words and phrases.
   1. To set off nonessential words, clauses, or phrases not necessary for the meaning or the structural completeness of the sentence. You can tell whether an expression is nonessential or essential by trying to omit the expression. If you can omit the expression without affecting the meaning or the structural completeness of the sentence, the expression is nonessential and should be set off by commas.
      • They want to hire Leigh Iris, who has 10 years of experience, to run the new center. [The phrase "who has 10 years of experience" is nonessential information.]
      • They want to hire someone who has at least 10 years of experience to run the center. [The phrase "who has at least 10 years of experience" is essential information.]
      • There is, no doubt, a reasonable explanation. [This sentence would be complete without "no doubt."]
      • There is no doubt about her integrity. [This sentence would be incomplete without "no doubt."]
      • This rule includes interrupting words, phrases, or clauses that break the flow of the sentence.
        • The faculty and staff, military, and civilian, are invited.
        • She is a lieutenant colonel, not a major, and will be our new executive officer.
        • The major, a recent promotee, is an experienced pilot.
   2. With transitional words and phrases, such as however, that is (i.e.), namely, therefore, for example (e.g.), moreover, consequently, and on the other hand, when interrupting the flow of the sentence. A comma is normally used after these expressions, but the punctuation preceding is dictated by the magnitude of the break in continuity. However, when these words or phrases are used to emphasize meaning, do not set off with punctuation.
      • It is important, therefore, we leave immediately.
      • It is therefore vitally important we don’t postpone the trip.
      • A. Eaves is highly qualified for the job; i.e., he has 16 years of experience!
      • Rebecca and Julie say they will attend–that is, if Robert and Lisa are attending.
      • Planes from several bases (e.g., Dover, Lackland and Tyndall) will be in the airshow.
   3. To set off a phrase introduced by accompanied by, along with, and not, as well as, besides, except, in addition to, including, plus, not even, rather than, such as, together with, or a similar expression when it falls between the subject and the verb.
      • The faculty and staff, as well as the students, should be prepared for the inspection.
      • The fifth and sixth graders, plus their parents, will be transported by bus.
      • When the phrase occurs elsewhere in the sentence, commas may be omitted if the phrase is clearly related to the preceding words.
        "We agree, Miss Johnson, our policy was badly processed as well as lost in the mail."
   4. With the adverb too (meaning also) when it falls between the subject and verb. Omit the comma before too if it occurs at the end of a sentence or clause.
      • You, too, can save money by shopping selectively.
      • You should try to improve your typing too.
      • If you want to bring the children too, we’ll have room.
   5. To set off nonessential appositives. An appositive is a word or phrase appearing next to a noun that identifies it and is equivalent ot it. If the appositive is nonessential, set it off by commans. If essential or restrictive in nature, do not set it off by commans.
      •  ​​​​​​​Our cost analyst, Mrs. Sherri Thomas, will handle the details. [In this hypothetical example, we have only one cost analyst, so Mrs. Thomas is "nonessential." If we eliminate her name, the meaning of the sentence would not change.
      • The battleship Pennsylvania was taken out of mothballs today. [Pennsylvania is "essential" to the sentence because there is more than one battleship in mothballs.]
      • Their daughter Julie won the contest. The other daughters were really annoyed. [Since they have more than one daughter her name is essential to the sentence.]
      • Edward shares a house with his wife Esther in Prattville, Alabama. [Strictly speaking, Esther should be set off by commas because he can have only one wife and giving her name is nonessential information; however, because the words wife and Esther are so closely related and usually spoken as a unit, commas may be omitted.]
   6. To set off the title, position, or organization after a person’s name or name equivalent. (Some cases under this rule are appositives; other cases are not.)
      • John Kerry, Secretary of State, will speak at the graduation ceremony.
      • The commander, 42d Air Base Wing, is responsible for...
   7. To set off long phrases denote a residence or business connection immediately following a name.
      • Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Ordoñez, of the Peruvian air force in Lima, Peru, will be here tomorrow.
      • Lt Col Orlando of Lima, Peru, will be here tomorrow. [The comma is omitted between "Orlando" and "of" to avoid too many breaks in a short phrase.]
6. Use a comma to set off introductory elements.
   1. With introductory elements that begin a sentence and come before the subject and verb of the main clause. The comma may be omitted if the introductory phrase is five words or less except when numbers occur together. If you choose to use a comma following a short introductory phrase, do so consistently throughout the document.
      • In 1923, 834 cases of measles were reported in that city.
      • In 1913 the concept of total war was unknown.
      • Of all the desserts I love, my favorite is the fruit trifle.
      • Since the school year had already begun, we delayed the curriculum change.
   2. After introductory words such as yes, no or oh.
      • Yes, I’ll do it.
      • Oh, I see your point.
7. Use a comma to set off explanatory dates, addresses, and place names.
   • The change of command, 1 October 2014, was the turning point.
   • The British prime minister lives at 10 Downing Street, London, England.
   • Use two commas to set off the name of a state, county, or country when it directly follows the name of a city without the ZIP code. "The Wright brothers opened a flying school in Montgomery, Alabama, where Maxwell Air Force Base is now located.”
   • When the ZIP code follows the name of the state, drop the comma between the two, but use one after the ZIP code number if there is additional text. "We shipped the package to 325 Chennault Circle, Montgomery AL 36112-6427, but it hasn’t been received yet."
8. Use a comma to set off statements such as he said, she replied, they answered and she announced.
   • She said, "Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce. May I help you?"
   • She replied, "I have an appointment with Lt Col Rick Jenkins at 10 a.m.”
     NOTE: If a quotation functions as an integral part of a sentence, commas are unnecessary.
     
     They even considered "No guts, no glory!" as their slogan.
9. Use a comma to set off names and titles used in direct address.
   • No, sir, I didn’t see her.
   • Linda McBeth, you’re not changing jobs, are you?
10. Use a comma with afterthoughts (words, phrases, or clauses added to the end of a sentence). NOTE: The word "too" at the end of a sentence does not require a comma-see Rule \(5d\)
    • It isn’t too late to get tickets, is it?
    • Send them home as soon as possible, please.
11. Use a comma in the following miscellaneous constructions:
    1. To indicate omission of words in repeating a construction.
       We had a tactical reserve; now, nothing. [The comma replaces "we have."]
    2. Before for used as a conjunction.
       She didn’t go to the party, for she cannot stand smoke-filled rooms.
    3. To separate repeated words.
       • That was a long, long time ago.
       • Well, well, look who’s here.
    4. With titles following personal names. \(\mathrm{Jr}\). and Sr. are set off by commas; 2d, 3d, II, and III are not. In text, "Lee B. Walker, Sr." becomes "Lee B. Walker, Sr., is ..." When you must show possession, drop the comma following Jr. and Sr. "Lee Walker, Sr.’s car ..."
       • Henry Ford II
       • Lee B. Walker, Sr.
       • James Stokes 3d [or “III"]
    5. When names are reversed.
       • Middleton, Mary
       • Baldwin, Sherwood, Jr.
       • Adams, Angie
       • Parks, James, III
       • Brown, Carolyn
       • Price, William, Esq.
       • Ford, Henry, II
       • Walker, Lee B., Sr.
       • First M. Last, IV
    6. With academic degrees.
       • James Parks III, MBA
       • Scott H. Brown, PhD
       • In narrative text: "Scott H. Brown, PhD, will ..."
    7. To prevent confusion or misreading.
       • To John, Smith was an honorable man.
       • For each group of 20, 10 were rejected.
       • Soon after, the meeting was interrupted abruptly.

Spacing when using commas

• -No space before.
• One space after, unless a closing quotation mark immediately follows the comma.
• No space after within a number.

Dashes \(-\) and -

The em dash (-) (typically three hyphens linked as a single character)

1. Use an em dash to indicate a sudden break or abrupt change in thought.
   • He is going-no, he’s turning back.
   • Our new building should be-will be-completed by June \(2004 .\)
2. Use an em dash to give special emphasis to the second independent clause in a compound sentence.
   • Our new, but used, pickup truck is great-it’s economical too!
   • You’ll double your money with this plan-and I’ll prove it!
3. Use an em dash to emphasize single words.
   • Girls-that’s all he ever thinks about!
   • They’re interested in one thing only-profit-nothing else matters.

4. Use an em dash to emphasize or restate a previous thought.
   
   One day last week-Monday, I think-Congress finally voted on the amendment.

5. Use an em dash before summarizing words such as these, they and all when those words summarize a series of ideas or list of details.
   • A tennis racket, swimsuit and shorts-these are all you’ll need for the weekend.
   • Faculty, staff and students-all are invited.
6. Use an em dash in place of commas to set off a nonessential element requiring special emphasis.
   • There’s an error in one paragraph-the second one.
   • Ensure all students—as well as faculty members-are informed of the briefing.
7. Use an em dash to set off a nonessential element when the nonessential element contains internal commas
   Certain subjects-American government, calculus and chemistry-are required courses.

8. Use an em dash instead of parentheses when a nonessential item requires strong emphasis (dashes emphasize; parentheses de-emphasize).
   Call Lieutenant Colonels Sims and Forbes-the real experts-and get their opinion.

9. Use an em dash in place of a colon for a strong, but less formal, break in introducing explanatory words, phrases or clauses
   Our arrangement with the publisher is simple-we provide the camera-ready copy, and they handle the printing and distribution).

10. Use an em dash with quotation marks. Place the dash outside the closing quotation mark when the sentence breaks off after the quotation and inside the closing quotation mark to indicate the speaker’s words have broken off abruptly.

    • If I hear one more person say, "See what I’m saying!?"-

    • Thomas Hardy said, "When I get to 25 Barberry Street, I’ll-”"

11. Use an em dash with a question mark or an exclamation mark:

    1. When a sentence contains a question or exclamation that is set off by dashes, put the appropriate punctuation mark before the closing dash.

       • I’ll attend Friday’s meeting-is it being held at the same place?-but I’ll have to leave early for another appointment.

       • He’s busy now, sir-wait, don’t go in there!-I’ll call you when he’s free.

    2. When a sentence abruptly breaks off before the end of a question or exclamation, put the end punctuation mark immediately following the dash.

       • Shall I do it or-?

       • Look out for the-!

The en dash (-) (typically two hyphens linked as a single character)

12. Before the source of a quotation credit line in printed or typed material.
    
    The ornaments of a home are the friends who frequent it.
    -Anonymous

13. To indicate inclusive numbers (dates, page numbers, time) when not introduced by the word from or between.

    • The instructions are on pages 15-30 of the text and from pages 3 to 10 in the handout.

    • My appointment is 0800–0900. I will be there between 0745 and 0800 .

    • She worked there from 1979 to 1996 and she said the 1990-1996 period went by quickly.

14. In a compound adjective when one element has two words or a hyphenated word.

    • New York-London flight

    • Air Force-wide changes

    • quasi-public-quasi-judicial body

Spacing when using dashes

• No space before or after an em dash (-) or en dash (-) within a sentence.
• Two spaces after the em dash at the end of a sentence that breaks off abruptly (rule 10)unless manuscript format and using right justified, then one space after.
• When using a typewriter. No space before, between or after the em dash or en dash; the em dash is made using three hyphens (–); the en dash is made using two hyphens (–).

Display Dots/Bullets \(\cdot\)

1. Use display dots/bullets* to emphasize specific items in either complete or incomplete sentences that are parallel in grammatical structure.
2. Use display dots/bullets when one item is not more important than the others and the items do not show a sequence. (If the items show a sequence, use a numbered list.)
3. Capitalize the first word of each item in the display dot/bullet list when a complete sentence introduces them. (The complete sentence may end with either a period or a colon.)
   • The prospect for growing drug abuse worldwide can be correlated with the prevalence of the following ingredients:
     • An awareness of drugs
     • Access to them
     • The motivation to use them
   • The Coast Guard is a multi-mission agency in the maritime arena.
     • Safety
     • Environmental protection
     • Law enforcement
     • Political-military
4. Use a period (or other appropriate end punctuation) after each item in a display dot/bullet vertical list when at least one of the items is a complete sentence.
   • After listening intently to the defense attorney’s closing remarks, the jury was convinced of three things:
     • Witnesses lied.
     • False evidence had been presented.
     • The defendant deserved a new trial.
   • Two questions continually present themselves to commanders:
     • What is actually happening?
     • What (if anything) can I or should I do about it?

5. When the list completes a sentence begun in the introductory element, omit the final period unless the items are separated by other punctuation.

   There is a tendency to speak of the commander, but there are, in fact, many interrelated commanders, and each commander uses a separate command and control process to

   • make information decisions about the situation,

   • make operational decisions about actions to be taken, and

   • cause them to be executed within a structure established by prior decisions.

6. A colon can be used to indicate a full stop before a list. A colon is often used with expressions such as the following items or as follows.
   Consider the following advantages when making your decision:
   • You won’t have to be somewhere at 0800 every day.
   • You can get more involved in community activities.
   • You can pursue hobbies you haven’t had time for in the last year.

7. Do not use a colon when the listed items complete the sentence that introduces them.

   • Liaison officers must
     [Not "Liaison officers must:"]

     • become familiar with the situation,

     • know the mission, and

     • arrange for communications.

   • The editorial assistants in Production are
     [Not "The editorial assistants in Production are:"]

     • Rebecca Bryant,

     • Cheryl Cooper,

     • Darlene Barnes, and

     • Vanessa Clemons.

Spacing when using display dots and bullets

• No space before
• Two spaces after in most cases
• One space after if in manuscript format and using right justified
• Hang indent all remaining lines

*A "bullet" is a generic term for any graphical symbol used to emphasize different items in a list. Display dots, squares, dashes and arrows are the most common symbols used for this purpose, but today’s software makes any number of designs possible. Regardless of your choice of bullet graphic, the above guidelines will help readability

Ellipsis ...

The ellipsis in Air Force work is written as three points without a space between them. Most word processors automatically create a single-glyph character for the ellipsis if three periods are typed followed by a stroke on the space bar.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

1. Use an ellipsis to indicate a pause or faltering speech within a quoted sentence or at the end of a sentence that is deliberately incomplete.
   • "I ... I don’t know ... I mean, I don’t know if I can go.”"
   • What would you do ...?
2. Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission of a portion of quoted material.
   "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth ... a new nation ... dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
3. Use a period followed by an ellipsis to indicate the omission of the end of a sentence.
   Work must be measured... Without such metrics, how can production be assessed?
4. Use an ellipsis without a period if the statement is intended to trail off.
   He could have easily saved the situation by ... But why talk about it?
5. Use an ellipsis before the ending punctuation to indicate an omission from the end of a question or an exclamation.
   What rubric was used to grade the assignment ...? Rubrics are essential for consistency.
6. Use an ellipsis immediately after the terminal punctuation of a sentence to indicate that one or more following sentences or paragraphs have been omitted.
   In the last few years, we have witnessed a big change in the age groups of America’s violence.... How far and wide these changes extend, we are afraid to say.
7. Do NOT use an ellipsis to signify the omission of words before or after the fragment when a fragment of a sentence is quoted within another sentence or to show the omission of text before or after a quotation, such as an in an epigraph.
   ​​​​​​​Technicians tell us it "requires a steady stream of accurate and reliable reports" to keep the system operating at peak performance.

Spacing with the ellipsis

• No space between the three periods within the ellipsis itself.
• One space before and after the ellipsis within a sentence.
• No space before the ellipsis when an opening quotation mark precedes it, and no space after the ellipsis when a closing quotation mark follows it.
• No space between the ellipsis and a closing question mark or exclamation point.
• Two spaces after ellipsis when it follows a period, question mark or exclamation point unless following manuscript format and using right justified, then one space after.

Exclamation Mark !

1. Use an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence or elliptical expression (condensed sentence, key words left out) to express strong emotion (surprise, disbelief, irony, dissent, urgency, amusement, enthusiasm).
   • Congratulations on your new son!
   • I suppose you consider that another "first"!
   • Fantastic show!
2. Use an exclamation mark in parentheses within a sentence to emphasize a particular word.
   • He lost 67(!) pounds in 6 months.
   • She said what(!)?
3. Use an exclamation mark along with dashes: when an exclamation is set off by dashes within a sentence, use an exclamation mark before the closing dash. Most users of The Tongue and Quill regularly encounter exclamation points in evaluation reports. When used on evaluation reports, exclamation points should be used sparingly, such as in the following example, to maintain the impact of the exclamation point and not overwhelm the reader:
   Our women’s club—number 1 in the area!-will host a party for underprivileged children.
4. Use an exclamation mark inside a closing parenthesis of a parenthetical phrase when the phrase requires an exclamation mark and the sentence does not end with an exclamation mark.
   • Jerry’s new car (a 2004 Nissan Maxima!) was easily financed.
   • The football game (Alabama versus Auburn) is always a super game!
5. Use an exclamation mark inside a closing quotation mark only when it applies to the quoted material.
   • Lt Col Smith said, “Those rumors that I’m going to retire early simply must stop!”
   • You’re quite mistaken–Jane Palmisano clearly said, "Peachtree Grill at 1215”!
   • Mark and Todd have both told him, "You had no right to say, ’Kimberly will be glad to teach Acquisition’ without checking with her first!"

Spacing when using the exclamation mark with other punctuation marks

• Two spaces after the end of a sentence-unless manuscript format and using right justified, then one space after.
• No space after when another punctuation mark immediately follows (closing quotation mark, closing parenthesis, closing dash).
• The Tongue and Quill favors two spaces after the end of a sentence. Rather to use one space or two is left up to the individual or organization. Either way is acceptable.