Have You Checked Your Punctuation?

Punctuation marks are important symbols that can add depth, clarity and structure to a written work. Correct punctuation marks are also essential in reading- particularly when it comes to pausing and intonation.

Try to read a paragraph that has not a single punctuation on it and you'll realize the difference. Some authors use punctuation to define their personal writing styles but unless you are a pro, it's best to stick with the rules of proper punctuation.

The three most common punctuation marks that are used to end a sentence are period (.), question mark (?) and exclamation point (!). Here are the basic rules:

• Make sure that all your statements end with a period.
• Make sure that all your questions have a question mark at the end.
• If a sentence suggests strong feelings or emphasis, use an exclamation point.

Use a double quotation ( " ) for direct quotes, dialogues, speeches or citations.
Example:
“I’ve always wanted to be a writer,” Helen said.
According to Wikipedia, “Certain aspects of punctuation are stylistic and are thus the author's (or editor's) choice.”

Use a single quotation (‘) if there is another quote within the quotation.
Example:
Haley said, “My mother said, ‘You can’t go out today!’ in a very stern voice.”
“I heard Mr. Riley said, ‘I don’t know that boy!’ right in front of everyone in the room,” said Jean.

Use an apostrophe (‘) to show possession or to combine two words and form a contraction.
Example:
All these cute flowers are Amy’s. All the cards have her name on them.
You’re not the only one who is interested about the proper use of punctuation marks.

The comma (,) has many uses and therefore, can be quite confusing. Generally, a comma is used to:

• denote a series

Example: I went shopping and bought a new bag, a new pair of shoes, and a watch to go with my outfit. (the comma before AND can be omitted)

• separate adjectives in a row

Example: She is such a brilliant, talented, charming young woman that no one can resist.

• denote an appositive or a phrase that supplements information to the subject

Example: Antoine de Saint Exupery, a French writer and aviator, wrote The Little Prince.

• separate an introductory phrase

Example: Although not autobiographical, The Little Prince was inspired by the author’s experiences as a pilot.

• separate 2 independent clauses

Example: Everybody was curious about the new girl, but nobody knew where she lives or what thing she do.

• call someone’s attention

Example: Jess, don’t forget to call me when you get home.

• separate a city from its State

Example: Los Angeles, California

• separate direct quotations

Example: John asked, “Where you the one who took the picture?”

A Semi-colon (;) can be used to separate 2 related but independent clauses. It is also used to separate a more complex series.
Example:
There hasn’t been any rainfall this month; everyone expected the rain to fall anytime but it didn’t.
I was having a hard time deciding whether to wear my brown, leather jacket; my black, formal blazer; or my green, cashmere sweater for my job interview.

A Colon (: ) can be used to introduce a list.
Example: I brought along three friends with me: John, my high-school classmate; Jerry, my neighbour; and Dianne, my officemate.

A Hyphen (-) is used with:

• Prefixes (for easier reading)

Example: re-invent, ex-husband

• Compound words

Example: out-of-place

• Numbers written as words

Example: twenty-two, thirty-three

A Dash( – ) is used when an idea is added in the middle of the sentence. This is done to add clarification, information or a dramatic emphasis to the subject.
Example: Punctuation marks – like period and exclamation point – add depth to a sentence.

The slash (/) is used when suggesting two possible options or terms in a sentence.
Example: You will need a company ID and/or driver’s license to get through.
A customer must exercise caution when he/she is shopping online.

Parentheses ( ( ) ) are used to add information or a thought or to show an example without interrupting the sentence.
Example: The use of punctuation marks (period, comma, exclamation point, etc.) need not be complicated.

Brackets ( [ ] ) is often used when adding a comment or note from the editor of the piece.
Braces ( { } ) are used to denote a numeric set.