How to use Punctuation

To write a first-rate report for school, or have to make an outstanding business document, you are going to need a proper understanding of punctuation. below are several English punctuation marks and tips on how they should be used.

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 indicate an interrogatory sentence and emphasizes a statement, respectively.

The Comma, Colon, and Semicolon

A comma shows a pause or break in a statement, with appositives which add data for the subject, for signifying a series of items, and for separating introductory phrases, adjectives, and independent clauses. They are also employed to make a direct address, utilized after a name, and separate direct quotes.

The semicolon detaches two related but independent clauses. It is best to use a period instead of a semicolon if two phrases are too complex or wordy. You can also employ a semicolon to split up a series of items if these are complex, including clauses that have commas. A colon has many uses, such as introducing a list of items. Avoid using a colon 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 of the page. Today hyphens are still employed to append prefixes to words, however, not all words with prefixes call for this punctuation mark. Compound words made from two separate words require a hyphen, as do numbers that are represented in word form. Use hyphens if the number is below one hundred. For numbers bigger than one hundred, use a hyphen between all words in the number when they are used as adjectives.

The dash is employed when a short interruption materializes in a sentence, for an sudden change in idea, additional comments, or an emphatic qualification. Dashes should also be employed to add extra clarification, such as with a statement within parenthesis. Remember that the sentence needs to still have a natural flow, a disjointed statement likely needs revision of its use of punctuation.

Double and Single Quotation Marks

The double quote comprises a direct quote from other literature or people. The apostrophe or single quote can be employed before the letter S to show possession. With a singular noun, and following the letter for a plural noun. One can also combine two words to become a contraction with the apostrophe. A single quote can be used inside double quotes to show a quotation stated by another or a quote inside a quote.

The proper use of punctuation marks should help avoid miscommunication, and allow you to clearly and precisely express your ideas through the written word.