The comma (,)
- perhaps the most misused punctuation mark in the English language
- used to separate a dependent and independent clauses or sets off non-essential elements 
The semi-comma (;)
- connects two independent clauses
- essentially acts like a period
The colon (:)
- used to set off a list or extra information
- everything that comes for the colon must be a complete sentence
The period (.)
- marks the end of a sentence
The em-dash (​—)
- acts exactly like a comma but less formal
The hyphen (-)
- connects two or more words that have a combined meaning
The quotation (")
- sets off dialogue
- can sometimes be used to distinguish a word within a sentence
The parenthesis ("(" or ")")
- performs the same task as a comma
The question mark (?)
- indicates a questions
The exclamation mark (!)
- can indicate anything but a neutral tone 

A simple sentence
- a single independent clause
A compound sentence
- the combining or multiple independent clauses through a coordinating conjunction
A complex sentence
- a combination of a independent and dependent clause
A compound-complex sentence​
- a combination of a compound and a complex sentence

Coordinating conjunctions
- syntax: <complete sentence>, <conjunction> <complete sentence>
- for, and, nor, but, or, yet

Conjunctive adverbs
- syntax: <complete sentence>; <conjunction>, <complete sentence>
- however, accordingly, also, anyways, consequently, furthermore, moreover, nevertheless

Subordinating conjunction
- syntax: <dependent clause>, <independent clause>
- while, although, because, even though, since, after