With the advent of the Internet, the rise of Internet jargon, and an increasing number of SMS, many of us are forgetting the fundamentals of English punctuation rules. Do you need to write in English for one of your classes or do you need to present an impeccably written proposal to your boss? In these cases it will be very important to know the proper use of punctuation. Take this article as a crash course in punctuation in English and start reading it now.
Steps
Part 1 of 8: Capitalizing Correctly
Step 1. Always start a sentence with a capital letter
Unless you are an avant-garde poet, you should capitalize the first letter of each sentence without exception. Typically, a letter's uppercase is just a larger version of it, although there are exceptions (such as "q" and "Q").
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The example below shows the correct capitalization at the beginning of the sentence:
She invited her friend over after school.
Step 2. Capitalize at the beginning of nouns and titles
In addition to using it at the beginning of sentences, it should also be at the beginning of proper names and titles. Proper names are the official names of specific people, places, and things. Titles, which are a type of proper name, refer to the official names of works of art such as books, movies, plays, institutions, geographic areas, and so on. The titles are also honorary (Her Majesty, Mr. President, etc.).
- All the words in the titles and proper names that are composed of more than one word must be capitalized, with the exception of short words and articles such as “the”, “an”, “and”, etc. The first word of a title must be capitalized regardless of its nature.
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The examples below show capitalization in proper nouns and titles:
Genghis Khan quickly became the most powerful man in TOsia, if not the world.
In her opinion, Queen Roberta's favorite museum in the world is the Smithsonian, which she visited during her trip to Washington, D. C., last year.
Step 3. Capitalize acronyms
The acronym is a word formed by the first letter of each word of the proper name or title itself. Acronyms are generally abbreviated into long proper names, since it would not be practical to have to rewrite them each time they are mentioned. Sometimes the letters of an acronym are separated by periods, although this is not always the case.
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The example below shows some capitalized acronyms:
The INCand the NSAare just two of the USES's many intelligence agencies.
Part 2 of 8: Using punctuation marks at the end of sentences
Step 1. Use the period to end sentences and declarative sentences
Each sentence contains at least one punctuation mark: the one at the end. The most common is the period ("."), Which is used to mark the end of a declarative sentence, that is, any sentence that states a fact, explains an idea or describes it.
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The example below shows the correct use of the period at the end of a sentence:
The accessibility of the computer has increased tremendously over the past several years.
Step 2. Use the question mark at the end of sentences
The question mark ("?"), Which is placed at the end of a sentence, shows that it is an interrogative sentence, in other words, a question. Put this sign at the end of all questions and doubts.
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The example below shows the correct use of the question mark at the end of a sentence:
What has humanity done about the growing concern of global warming?
Step 3. Use the exclamation point to end exclamatory sentences
This sign ("!"), Also called "exclamation mark" implies that there is emotion or a very strong emphasis in the sentence. The exclamation point is also used, correctly, at the end of exclamations, that is, short expressions of intense emotion that very often consist of just one word.
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The two examples below show the correct use of the exclamation point at the end of a sentence:
I can't believe how difficult the exam was!
Eek! You scared me!
Part 3 of 8: Using the Comma
Step 1. Use the comma to indicate a pause within the sentence
The comma (",") is a very versatile punctuation mark, as it has many uses that you could use in your writing. Perhaps its most frequent use is to show an appositive, that is, a pause within the sentence that complements or adds information about the subject.
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The example below shows the use of the comma to create a pause in sentence:
Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, is the developer of the operating system known as Windows.
Step 2. Use the comma to list units in series
Another very common use is to separate numbered units in a sequence. Typically, commas are written between each of the units and between the penultimate unit and the conjunction.
- However, many writers omit the comma before the conjunction (called an enumeration comma or "Oxford comma") since conjunctions like "and" usually make the meaning of the list clearer with or without the comma. preceding.
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The two examples below show the use of the comma in a unit enumeration, one with the Oxford comma and the other without it.
The fruit basket contained apples, bananas, and oranges.
The computer store was filled with video games, computer hardware and other electronic paraphernalia.
Step 3. Use the comma to separate two or more adjectives that describe a noun
Sometimes several adjectives are used together to describe a single subject with many qualities. This use of the comma is similar to its use to separate units in an enum, but it has one exception: it is incorrect put a comma after the final adjective.
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The examples below show the correct and incorrect use of the comma to separate adjectives:
CORRECT: The powerful, resonating sound caught our attention.
INCORRECT: The powerful, resonating, sound caught our attention.
Step 4. Use the comma to separate a geographic area from another that is located within it
Typically, specific places or geographic areas are listed starting with the most precise place name and then with the most general. For example, you will have to refer to a specific city by first mentioning the city itself, then the province it belongs to, then the country it belongs to, and so on. Each geographic description is followed by a comma. Keep in mind that if the sentence continues, the comma will also be used after the final geographic area.
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The two examples below show the use of the comma to refer to geographic areas:
I am originally from Hola, Tana River County, Kenya.
Los Angeles, CA, is one of the largest cities in the United States.
Step 5. Use the comma to separate the introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence
The introductory phrase (which is usually made up of one or more prepositional phrases) briefly introduces the sentence and provides context, but is not part of the subject or predicate of the sentence. Therefore, it should be kept separate from the main clause with a comma.
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The two examples below show the use of the comma that separates the introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence:
After the show, John and I went out to dinner.
On the back of my couch, my cat's claws have slowly been carving a large hole.
Step 6. Use the comma to separate two independent clauses
Having two independent clauses in a sentence simply means that you can split the sentence in two without affecting the original meaning. If the sentence contains two independent clauses separated by a conjunction (such as and, as, but, for, nor, so, or yet), place a comma before the conjunction
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The two examples below show sentences with independent clauses:
Ryan went to the beach yesterday, but he forgot his sunscreen.
Water bills usually rise during the summer, as people are thirstier during hot and humid days.
Step 7. Use the comma to address someone directly
When you want to get someone's attention by calling them by name at the beginning of the sentence, separate the person's name from the rest of the sentence with a comma. Keep in mind that it is rare to find this use of the comma in written texts because it is usually something that is done orally. In written texts, it will be more common for the writer to indicate who is speaking to whom using other methods.
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The example below shows a direct call:
Amber, could you come here for a moment?
Step 8. Use the comma to separate direct quotes from the sentence that introduces them
The comma should appear after the last word before the quote that is presented by the context or description provided by the rest of the sentence. Secondly, no It will be necessary to use the comma for an indirect quote, in other words, when you are going to paraphrase the meaning of a quote without repeating the exact words. Also, the comma will usually not be necessary if you are not citing a whole sentence, just a few words from it.
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The example below shows a direct quote that needs a comma:
While I was at his house, John asked, "Do you want anything to eat?"
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The example below shows an indirect quote that does not need a comma:
While I was at his house, John asked me if I wanted anything to eat.
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The example below shows a partial direct quote, which due to its brevity and its use within the sentence does not need a comma:
According to the client, the lawyer was "lazy and incompetent."
Part 4 of 8: Using Colons and Semicolons
Step 1. Use the semicolon to separate two independent but related clauses
The correct use of the semicolon is similar, although not identical, to that of the period. The semicolon marks the end of an independent clause and the beginning of another within the same sentence. Keep in mind that if two clauses have many words or are complex it will be better to use the point.
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The example below shows the correct use of the semicolon:
People continue to worry about the future; our failure to conserve resources has put the world at risk.
Step 2. Use the semicolon to separate complex series of units
Normally, the units of a written enumeration are separated by commas, but for those enumerations whose units require a comment or explanation, you can use the semicolon together with the comma so that the reader is not confused. Use the semicolon to separate the units of your explanations within the enumeration; To separate an article from its own explanation and vice versa, use the comma.
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The example below shows the correct use of the semicolon in an otherwise ambiguous enum:
I went to the show with Jake, my close friend; his friend, Jane; and her best friend, Jenna.
Step 3. Use a colon to present a list
However, be careful not to use them to state an idea that requires mention of a Serie Of units. The two are similar but different. Typically, the words that follow or "are below" suggest the use of a colon. Use them only after a complete sentence ending in a noun.
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The example below shows the correct use of the colon in that form:
The professor has given me three options: to retake the exam, to accept the extra credit assignment, or to fail the class.
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On the other hand, the example below is incorrect:
The Easter basket contained: Easter eggs, chocolate rabbits, and other candy.
Step 4. Use the colon to introduce a new concept or example
A colon may also be used after a descriptive phrase or explanation to imply that subsequent information will be what is described or explained. It will be useful to take it as if it were to present a list of a single unit.
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The example below shows the correct use of the colon in that form:
There's only one person old enough to remember that wedding: grandma.
Step 5. Use the colon to separate the parts of the title
Some works of art, especially books and movies, have long, subdivided titles. In these cases, each title after the first is called a subtitle. Put a colon at the end of each “part” of the title to separate the subtitle from the rest of the title.
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The example below shows the use of a colon to subdivide two long titles:
Fred's favorite movie was The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, though Stacy preferred its sequel, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
Part 5 of 8: Using the Dash and Dash
Step 1. Use the hyphen to add a prefix to certain words
The goal of the script is to make the word easier to read. For example, if the hyphen were not included in a word as re-examine, it would be re-examine, which would confuse readers. However, some words do not need to be hyphenated to separate the prefix from the word, such as restate, pretest, and undo. To know when to use the hyphen after a prefix, go through a dictionary.
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The example below shows the correct use of the script:
Cara is his ex-girlfriend.
Step 2. Use the script to form compound words with several shorter words
If you've ever described something as "gold-plated," "radar-equipped," or "one-size-fits-all," then you've used the script in the right way. To form a long descriptive word with two or more words, use the hyphen to separate its “pieces” from each other.
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The example below shows the use of the hyphen to form a compound word:
The up-to-date newspaper reporters were quick to jump on the latest scandal.
Step 3. Use the script to write numbers into words
Separate the two words of any number less than one hundred with a hyphen. Be careful when writing numbers greater than one hundred, because if the number is used as an adjective, it will have to have hyphens, since all compound adjectives are hyphenated (This is the one-hundredth episode.). Otherwise, you should only put a hyphen if the number less than 100 appears within a greater number, for example: He lived to be one hundred twenty-one.
- Do not put "and" when you have to write a number, for example: "The amount is one hundred and eighty". This error is very common in countries like the US and Canada, where "and" is often omitted. However, in other English-speaking countries, “and” is included.
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The two examples below show the use of the dash for numbers less than and greater than one hundred, respectively:
There are fifty-two playing cards in a deck.
The packaging advertised one thousand two hundred twenty-four firecrackers, but it only contained one thousand.
Step 4. Use the dash to create a short break within a sentence
The dash (“- -” or “-”) is slightly longer than the hyphen and is used to express a sudden change of thought, an additional comment, or a dramatic qualification within the sentence. It can also be used to add a parenthetical sentence or phrase, for additional clarification, but it should still be relevant to the sentence. Otherwise, use parentheses. Remember that the rest of the sentence should continue to flow naturally.
- To find out if the use of the dash is appropriate, try removing the statement within the dash from the sentence. If it looks dislocated or doesn't make sense, then it may be necessary to check it instead of using the scratch.
- In British English, you will need to leave space before and after the dash.
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The two examples below show the correct use of the stripe:
An introductory clause is a brief phrase that comes - yes, you guessed it - at the beginning of a sentence.
This is the end of our sentence - or so we thought.
Step 5. Use the hyphen to divide a word between two lines
Although this usage is no longer very common today, the hyphen ("-") was a very common punctuation mark on typewriters and was used to divide a long word between two lines. This system is still seen in some books, but word processing software has made this use less frequent.
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The example below shows the use of the hyphen to split a word that has been split into two between two lines:
No matter what else he tried, he just couldn't get the novel's elect- -rifying surprise ending out of his head.
Part 6 of 8: Using the apostrophe
Step 1. Use the apostrophe together with the letter “s” to indicate possession
The apostrophe (“ ' ”) Is used in multiple ways to express the concept of possession. Keep in mind the difference between using an apostrophe with singular nouns and with plurals. In the case of a singular noun, you will have to put the apostrophe before the “s” ('s), while in its plural version you will have to put the apostrophe after the "s" (s'). This use has several conditions:
- Keep in mind those nouns that are always considered plural such as children and people, in which case you should use 's even if they are plural.
- Also remember that some pronouns are already possessive and do not need an apostrophe, such as hers and its (it's is used only for the contractions of it is and it has). Their is a possessive without an apostrophe or s, except in the case that it is a predicative adjective, in which case it will become theirs.
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The example below shows the use of the apostrophe denoting possession with a singular noun:
The hamster 's water tube needs to be refilled.
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The example below shows the use of the apostrophe denoting possession with a plural noun:
In the pet store, the hamsters 'bedding needed to be changed.
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The example below shows the use of the apostrophe denoting possession with a plural noun that does not end with "s":
These children 's test scores are the highest in the nation.
Step 2. Use the apostrophe to combine two words to form a contraction
Contractions are short combinations of two words. For example: cannot become can't, it is becomes it's, you are becomes you're and they have becomes they've. In every contraction, the apostrophe replaces the missing letters of one or both words.
- Make sure to use the possessive pronoun your and the contraction you're correctly, because they have separate and distinct uses. In fact, confusing them is one of the most common grammar mistakes!
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The example below shows the use of the apostrophe in the contraction of it is and a singular noun denoting possession, whose apostrophe has to be omitted because it is a possessive pronoun (hers, theirs, its):
Friends of hers explained that it'sher idea, not theirs, to refill the hamster 's water tube and change its bedding.
Step 3. Use single quotes within a regular quote to indicate that there is one quote within another
Single quotes, which look almost identical to apostrophes, serve to separate quotes from other quotes around them. Use them with caution and always make sure that each quotation mark you put at the beginning of a quote in a sentence has its corresponding pair at the end of the quote.
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The example below shows one appointment within another:
Ali said, "Anna told me, 'I wasn't sure if you wanted to come! '"
Step 4. Do not use apostrophes with “s” to form a plural noun from a singular one
This mistake is very common and you should not make it. Remember that apostrophes are used to denote possession, not to indicate that there is more than one object.
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The examples below show the correct and incorrect use of the apostrophe:
RIGHT:
apple → apples
INCORRECT:
apple → apple's
Part 7 of 8: Using the bar
Step 1. Use the bar to separate and and or, when necessary
The slash (“/”) in phrases like and / or indicates that the options described are not mutually exclusive.
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The example below shows the correct use of and / or:
To register, you will need your driver's license and / or your birth certificate.
Step 2. Use the bar to quote song lyrics and poetry verses to indicate a line break
Bars are very useful when it is not practical to recreate the original format of a poem or song. When using the bar in this way, be sure to leave space between the bars.
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The example below shows the use of the bar to mark line breaks in a song:
Row, row, row your boat / Gently down the stream. /Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, /Life is but a dream.
Step 3. Also use the bar to replace the word and to join two nouns
By replacing and with a slash, you mean that both of the above options are of equal importance. However, use this replacement sparingly to indicate a greater emphasis in the event that and is not enough to do so and to prevent the reader from being confused. You can also do the same with or, as in the case of his / her. Nevertheless, no you must use the slash to separate independent clauses.
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The examples below show the correct and incorrect use of the bar in that way:
RIGHT:
"The student and part-time employee has very little free time." →
"The student /part-time employee has very little free time."
INCORRECT:
"Do you want to go to the grocery store, or would you prefer to go to the mall?" →
"Do you want to go to the grocery store / would you prefer to go to the mall?"
Part 8 of 8: Using other punctuation marks
Step 1. Use double quotation marks (“”) to surround a direct quote, either spoken by a person or taken from a written source
In general terms, the quotation marks are used to denote that the information is a quote. In other words, whether you are going to recreate someone else's verbal speech or are simply going to rewrite something they have written in another source, you will need to use quotation marks.
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The two examples below show the use of quotation marks:
"I can't wait to see him perform! "John exclaimed.
According to the article, the value of the dollar in developing nations is "strongly influenced by its aesthetic value, rather than its face value. "
Step 2. Use parentheses for clarification
The parentheses are used to explain something that cannot be deduced from the rest of the sentence. When using parentheses ("()"), be sure to include the period of the sentence after closing parentheses, except when a complete sentence is inside the parentheses. Keep in mind that sometimes the parentheses and the comma can be used interchangeably.
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The example below shows the use of parentheses for clarification:
Steve Case (AOL's former CEO) resigned from the Time-Warner board of directors in 2005.
Step 3. Use parentheses to denote an additional thought
The parenthesis also serves to contain supplementary information about the sentence to which it belongs. In this case, the boundary between using parentheses and when to start a new sentence might not be very clear. As a general rule, use parentheses for additions and short sentences, not for adding complex ideas.
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The example below shows the use of parentheses to add an additional idea. Notice that the period appears after the last parentheses, not after the first. Also note that replacing the parentheses with a comma might not be very suitable in this case, whereas a semicolon or a semicolon might be:
You will need a flashlight for the camping trip (don't forget the batteries!).
Step 4. Use parentheses to add personal comments
The parenthesis can also be used to hold direct comments from the writer to the reader. Generally, the comments in the parentheses refer to the preceding sentence. As we have already mentioned, the shorter and simpler, the better. If you have to make a lot of points or refer to several disconnected parts of your writing, it is usually best to start a new sentence.
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The example below shows the use of parentheses for personal comments:
Most grammarians believe that parentheses and commas are always interchangeable (I disagree).
Step 5. Use the brackets to indicate that the editor has added a note to the written work
You can also use square brackets ("") to clarify or revise a direct quote so that it is relevant to your own work. In general, the brackets are used to hold the word "sic" (which in Latin means like that), implying that the word or phrase that appears above has been written "as is", which is intended to show the error.
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The example below shows the use of square brackets to clarify a direct quote. Note that in this case: "It was absolutely devastating!", for example it could be the quote itself:
"[The blast] was absolutely devastating," said Susan Smith, a local bystander at the scene of the incident.
Step 6. Use the braces to display a number series in math
While generally uncommon, curly braces ("{}") can also be used in regular scripts to display a series of independent and equal options.
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The two examples below show the use of braces. Note that the second use is extremely rare:
The set of numbers in this problem are: {1, 2, 5, 10, 20}
Choose your favorite utensil {fork, knife, spoon} and bring it to me.
Advice
- Some of the simplest things you can do is imagine that you are writing down what someone says, for example: “I want to do something let's go right now”. In this case you would place an exclamation point at the end of the sentence because you will be showing enthusiasm, you would also put a comma (,) at the end of “something” and before “Let's go”. Thus, the sentence would be: "I want to do something, let's go!" See how easy?
- There are exceptions to the dash and dash rule. When making compound words, when one of the words consists of two words, the dash (-) is used instead of the hyphen, for example: "He took the Paris – New York route." Dashes are also used between numbers, page numbers, or years, to denote a range: "A discussion on personal finance is found in pages 45–62."
- Many grammar experts consider that parentheses and commas can be used interchangeably when presenting information. Although it is sometimes true, there are cases where the parenthesis will be better, for example, in the case that a personal opinion is indicated.
- The dash is generally considered part of informal writing. You can replace it with parentheses or even commas. Also, reduce the frequency of the dash in your writing: it should appear only to emphasize a couple of important points.
- If you decide not to use an enumeration comma in your work, make sure that the meaning of the sentence is the same without placing it. Think of a sentence where the comma is necessary: "My heroes are my parents, Mother Teresa and the Pope." and then decide.
- In formal writing, avoid the excessive use of question marks and exclamation marks. Most sentences should be declarative.
- If you are writing in a professional context, be sure to follow the style guides provided by your employer. In some cases, those rules may be different than what you read in this article or in any other guide, in which case the style guide will prevail. For example, commas in enums, instead of being “a, b, and c” will have to be “a, b and c”.
- While the dash and parentheses are used similarly, remember that the parentheses will indicate more alienation to the sentence than the dash.
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The use of punctuation marks before or after closing quotes will vary:
- In American English, a semicolon is always placed inside the quotation: “like so.”. In British English, the semicolon generally comes after the quotation marks: “like so”.
- The semicolon and the colon always go outside the question marks ("like so";).
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Question marks and exclamation marks vary by context: if the entire sentence is a question and the quote is a word or phrase at the end of the sentence, the question mark will be outside the quotation marks. If the entire sentence is a statement and the quote is a question, the question mark will go inside.
- Do you like to watch “The Office”?
- He shouted, "Where do you think you're going?"
- Never fear that your sentences are too short, rather break long sentences that contain many points. Whoever reads your writing will appreciate that the information is clear, concise, with shorter sentences and not a paragraph the size of a page with twenty words in each sentence.
Warnings
- Don't use punctuation marks simply because you think they will make what you write seem more sophisticated.
- While using the various punctuation marks correctly will help your writing be more fluent, since it will generally make the presentation of the text look more appropriate, do not abuse. It is better to have missing punctuation marks than to find superfluous commas and apostrophes within sentences.
- Try to distinguish between the punctuation rules of different languages so that you don't use the different signs incorrectly. Keep in mind that the punctuation must respond to the meaning of the sentences.