AVOIDING MISTAKES IN PUNCTUATION
Punctuation marks do the same job in written English that gestures, expressions, and changes of tone do in spoken English: they help to guide the reader to the meaning and avoid possible sources of confusion.
If you know about the variety of punctuation available, it is easier to ex-press exactly what you mean. However, punctuation used incorrectly can sometimes cause confusion Look at the difference between these sentences:
After eating, my brother John had a cup of tea. After eating my brother, John had a cup of tea.
The incorrect position of the comma in the second sentence makes it seem that John is a cannibal. To avoid such errors, you should be aware of the correct uses of the different punctuation marks.
Full stop (.)
? The full stop is used to mark the end of any sentence which is not a question or exclamation.
The cheque has arrived.
? It is also used after a shortened form or initial. Hon. Sec. ie. J.R. Hartley
? Use a full stop after an expression that stands by itself but is not a complete sentence. Good morning. Question mark (?)
? The question mark is used to mark the end of a question Has the cheque arrived?
? However after an indirect question or a polite request, a full stop is used rather than a question mark. Cathy asked whether the cheque had arrived. Will you please send me an application form.
Exclamation mark (!)
? The exclamation mark is used after emphatic expressions and exclamations. I can’t believe it!
? The exclamation mark may lose its effect if it is used too much. After a sentence expressing mild excitement or humor, it is
better to use a full stop. It is a beautiful day. Comma (,)
? The comma indicates a short pause between different parts of a sentence.
My mouth opened, but no words came out.
? A comma may also separate an introductory phrase from the main part of a sentence.
After six months in London, I changed jobs and moved to York. ? However, a short introductory phrase does not need to be followed by a comma.
After lunch the presentations were equally compelling. ? A comma can also indicate that one bit is not part of the main flow of thought in a sentence and is not essential to the meaning.
The company, which was formed in 1981, makes office furniture.
? However, where a phrase is an essential part of the main sentence, it is not marked off by commas.
Women who smoke are more likely to suffer a heart attack ? When words such as ‘therefore’, ‘however’, and ‘moreover’ are inserted into a sentence they should be marked off by commas. We are confident however, that the case will be successful. ? The comma is also used to separate items in a list or series. I would make his soup with carrots, leeks, and potatoes. ? Commas are used to separate the name of a person or people being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your cooperation. ? The comma is also used to separate words in quotation marks from the rest of the sentence. “I’m reporting you to the manager,” she cried.
? You can also use a comma to indicate a break in sense between two words when there might otherwise be a doubt about the meaning.
Inside, the house was a complete mess. Colon (:)
? The colon is used to introduce a list.
There are three kinds of lie: lies, damned lies, and statistics.
? The colon is also used to introduce a quotation
As Voltaire said: “The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease. “
? The colon can also be used to introduce an explanation of a statement.
Your editorial pinpoints the reason for the plight of the arts: failure to increase seat prices.
Semicolon (;)
? The semicolon is stronger than a comma, but weaker than a full stop. It is used to mark the break between two main clauses, especially where there is balance or contrast between them. I am not particularly interested in jazz; I prefer classical music. ? The semicolon is also used instead of a comma to separate clauses or items in a long list when there are commas within the clauses or listed items.
He was back in hospital twice: firstly, with bruises on his forearms after being beaten up; secondly, to have five stitches put in a gash on his hand.
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