How to use Punctuation

In order to write a first-rate report for school, or have to create a flawless business document, you are going to need a proper grasp of punctuation. Here are several English punctuation marks and some tips on how to use them.

The Period, Exclamation Mark, and Question Mark

A period indicates the end of a statement, it is one of the most common punctuation marks. Question marks and exclamation points are also used at the end of a statement, and imply an interrogatory sentence and emphasizes a statement, respectively.

The Comma, Colon, and Semicolon

A comma denotes a break or pause in a statement, with appositives which add data for the subject, for denoting a series of items, and for separating introductory phrases, adjectives, and independent clauses. It is also added to make a direct address, utilized after a name, and separate direct quotes.

Semicolons detach two related but independent clauses. If two phrases are too wordy or complex it is best to use a period rather than a semicolon. A semicolon can also be employed to split up a series of items if these are complex, including clauses that have commas. Colons have countless uses, such as introducing a list of items. The use of colons should be avoided before items in a regular series.

Hyphen vs. Dash

Hyphens were regularly used in the era of typewriters, when a long word reached the margin near the edge of a page. Today hyphens are still used to prefix words, however, not all words with prefixes call for this punctuation mark. Compound words made from two separate ones require a hyphen, and so do numbers that are written as words. Hyphens should be used if the number is below one hundred. For numbers greater than one hundred, use a hyphen between all words in the number if they are used as adjectives.

The dash is utilized when a short interruption exists in a sentence, for an abrupt change in idea, additional comments, or an emphatic qualification. Dashes should also be used to add further clarification, such as with a statement inside parenthesis. Remember that the sentence should still have a natural flow, and a disjointed statement probably needs revision in regards to its use of punctuation.

Double and Single Quotation Marks

Double quotes comprise a direct quote from another person. The apostrophe or single quote can be used before the letter S to show possession. With a singular noun, and after the letter for a plural noun. A contraction of two words can also be created through the use of an apostrophe. A single quote can be used within double quotes to denote a quotation by another or a quote inside a quote.

The appropriate use of punctuation marks should help avoid miscommunication, and let you clearly and precisely convey your ideas by way of the written word.

Julie Thomas is from EnglishGrammarSoft.com, an online English grammar resource specialising in English writing software.