Want to know how to use punctuation marks correctly? Read on!
Punctuation marks can be confusing.
There are so many and some marks have multiple uses. It can be become difficult to remember all of the rules.
I remember in college, I took an English literature class and had to write a mid-term essay. A couple of weeks before the essay was due, the professor had taught us about comma splices.
I had never learned about this error before.
So, as I was writing my essay, I kept second-guessing myself. I didn’t know if the comma I was placing was actually going to turn out to be a comma splice or not.
And what made matters worse was that I was only allowed to make like, 5 grammar mistakes in my essay before I got an automatic F.
It was intense.
But had I known my punctuation rules better, I wouldn’t have felt that anxiety.
I’m sure many of you aren’t feeling as much pressure as I did to get a hold on how to use punctuation marks.
But you are reading this article for a reason. And I’m pretty sure it’s because you want to get a better understanding of them and how to use them correctly.
So, here’s a guide on how to use punctuation marks:
How to Use Punctuation Marks
How to Use Commas
Commas (,) are used to:
- Break up list items (ex. I have paper, pencils, and erasers.)
- For separating appositives (ex. Ted, the manager, is gone for the day.)
- For separating interrupting expression (ex. Sara, in fact, has a new laptop.)
- After an introductory phrase (ex. When I arrive, I will give you a call.)
- After introductory words (ex. Hi, I’m here to help you.)
- Before or after a quote (ex. Tracy said, “I have to go.” / “But I don’t want to go,” Arnold said.
How to Use Apostrophes
Apostrophes (‘) are used to show possession or used to write contractions.
Here are some examples:
- It’s
- The lawyer’s briefcase.
How to Use Semi-Colon
Semi-colons (;) are used to connect clauses or to separate long list items.
Here’s an example of how it’s used to connect clauses:
- I went to the store the other day; I couldn’t find my favourite BBQ sauce.
Semi-colons can also be used to fix run-on sentences.
How to Use Hyphens
Hyphens (–) are longer dashes. They are used to:
- Indicate a word spelled out letter by letter (ex. N-O)
- Connect multiple words to create a compound adjective (ex. Super-duper-great player)
- Avoid connecting awkward vowels (ex. Semi-Finals)
- Join certain prefixes (ex. un-Canadian)
- Connect compound numbers (ex. twenty-four)
How to Use Dashes and Brackets
Dashes (-) and brackets [()] are most often used when other punctuation marks may make the sentence awkward.
Here’s an example of how (and when) to use dashes and brackets.
That’s your example.
You can also swap out the brackets for dashes. I’m not one hundred percent sure, but I think dashes come off as more formal whereas brackets don’t.
However, again, I’m not sure.
Additionally, dashes are also used to amplify a statement.
Example:
He was known for things that he regrets -being selfish and being greedy.
P.S. that dash can also be switched with a colon, which I will talk about next.
How to Use Colons
Colons (:) are used to:
- To join sentences (ex. I never wanted to break my principles: lying to get what I want and pitting people against one another.)
- To introduce a list (ex. I need you to get: pencils, erasers, and rulers.)
Final Thoughts
Punctuation marks are important because it’s used to clarify your message.
It’s also a big part of writing, regardless of the writing’s purpose.
So, learn how to use punctuation marks and become good at it.