Punctuation

Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are placed after the period, or other punctuation in a sentence.
e.g.: I asked, "Where are you going?" She said, "I'll return once I've had lunch."

Hyphens
Hyphens are used when a prefix is followed by a proper name.
e.g.: mid-Atlantic

Hyphens are also used when the compound forms the adjective followed by a noun.
e.g.: a fast-moving train

Compounds formed from a phrase are hyphenated.
e.g.: Jack-of-all-trades, one-at-a-time, or mother-in-law

Question Marks
Use question marks for direct questions only. Use a period for questions that are being reported.
e.g.: Did you have lunch yet? (a direct question)  I wonder if she is done. (a question that is stated)

Spaces Between Sentences
Always use one space between sentences. Two spaces were used for text typed with a typewriter to make documents easier to read. Because word processors generally kern letter spacing, the two-space rule is no longer necessary.
Incorrect:  Read the word carefully and attempt to spell it from memory.   Then, confirm the spelling is correct by checking the dictionary.
Correct:  Read the word carefully and attempt to spell it from memory. Then, confirm the spelling is correct by checking the dictionary.

Ellipsis (…)
Use ellipsis to indicate the omission of one or two words in a sentence or passage.
e.g.: You know the saying, "It's always darkest…"

Long Dashes (or the em-dash)
Use em-dashes when inserting an afterthought or an explanatory sentence.
e.g.: All food—whether wrapped, or unopened—must be placed into a bear-proof container.
A single em-dash is used when changing a thought in a sentence.
e.g.: I wasn't able to make it to the party after all—but that's another story.