How to Use Correct Punctuation in English Writing (A Guide)

"Punctuation in skilled hands is a remarkably subtle system of signals, signs, symbols and winks that keep readers on the smoothest road".

Writing without proper punctuation is like water without a cup—it would spill all over and be a complete mess. Though you'd be demonstrably wrong, some consider punctuation as pointless, no pun intended.

Learning correct punctuation is necessary to be a strong writer and communicator in the written word. There are "no ifs, ands, or buts," about it. So, learn how to use punctuation, or don't ...it's your choice.

What does the word punctuation mean?

The word punctuation has roots in Latin, punctus, its literal translation being 'point' or 'mark'.

The essential punctuation marks in writing

The main points of punctuation in English writing are the following:

1. Periods or full stop .
2. Question marks ?
3. Exclamation marks !
4. Commas ,
5. Colons :
6. Semicolon ;
7. Apostrophes ' ... '
8. Quotations " ... "
9. Ellipses ...
10. Hyphens -
11. Dashes —
12. Parentheses ( ... )
13. Brackets [ ... ]

Let's review each, in turn.

An overview: Punctuation marks & how to use them

Punctuation is the use of symbols like periods, commas, and question marks to separate sentences and clauses, clarify meaning, and guide the reader.

Punctuation to end a sentence

There are only 3 ways to end a sentence:

• A period, "My name is Sam."
• A question mark, "What is your name?"
• An exclamation mark, "I just told you my name—it's Sam!"

The period is the most common way to end a sentence (that's not a question or an emotionally-charged interjection). We use periods to complete declarative sentences and softer imperative one's.

• Please hold on for a second.
• I would prefer the simple answer.

All direct question statements should end in a question mark ?

• What time is it?
• Can you come for dinner on Saturday evening?
• What did they say?

"The exclamation mark is the literary equivalent of a man holding up a card reading LAUGHTER to a studio audience."—Miles Kington.

As you'd expect, all exclamatory sentences end in an exclamation mark or point ( ! ) While declarative and imperative sentences can also end in an exclamation, the exclamation is purely arranged for the purpose of expressing strong feeling or emotion in the place of a full stop.

• Ouch!
• Nicely done!
• There's a bug on my arm!

Quotations look like updside-down, inverted commas, " ". We use them to enclose a word, phrase, or several complete sentences from a source that is not one's own. The job of quotiations is to make it clear when writing is not the author's own, which is why it's crucial to use them in cases where you want to borrow text (otherwise plagiarism occurs).

• "The garden is beautiful," Penelope responded.

Though the precise rules vary by style guide, several suggest block quotes only for direct quotations that are longer than 4 lines or 40 words.

It would be pleasant to be able to say of my travels with Charley, "I went out to find the truth about my country and I found it." And then it would be such a simple matter to set down my findings and lean back comfortably with a fine sense of having discovered truths and taught them to my readers.

Parentheses are how writers can provide additional or supplementary information in sentences.

• She is coming to our house after work (around six o'clock).
• Your use of citations in the last paper (which was beautifully written, by the way) offered a good example of how to avoid plagiarism.

A colon : is a punctution mark that can introduce a list, explain or add emphasis on the prior clause:

• To make a cake you need the following ingredients: sugar, eggs, milk, flour, baking soda, and salt.
• I want an assistant who can do the following: input data, take notes, answer the phones, and handle my schedule.

Semicolons connect closely related independent clauses, and they are used to clearly separate items in a list or series with commas.

• Present at the film's premiere were Jane Anthony, the director; Sam Divine, the executive producer; and Allan Hamm, the lead actor.
• I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.

Worksheet: Punctuation

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