Punctuation

Read articles on punctuation marks, including commas, semicolons, dashes, elipses and more.

• Mastering the Art of Comma Usage

  Master the use of commas by learning the proper situations that require them, and add a new level of grammar expertise to your writing arsenal.

• Parentheses: More Than Just an Afterthought

  Learn about using parentheses to provide supplemental information that is punctuated correctly, and create more flavorful content that is engaging.

• Colons: More than Just Two Dots

  Learn everything you need to know about colons, including how to format around them and use them in lists, salutations and more.

• Defining Semicolons

  Learn about how to use semicolons and examine some examples of correct and incorrect uses of semicolons in compound sentences.

• Use of Hyphens

  Find out some of the common uses for every day, garden-variety hyphens, and how to use them with self-confidence and look like a know-it-all.

• Common Uses of Apostrophes

  Learn how to use apostrophes to show possession for nouns and pronouns to ensure your punctuation is always done correctly.

• Independent and Dependent Clauses

  Learn all about independent and dependent clauses, from what defines each clause to how to correctly use and combine them.

• Run-on Sentences

  Learn about the most common types of run-on sentence errors, how to spot them and the easiest way to correct them.

• Commas Versus Semicolons

  Use a semicolon to add some variety to the structure of a sentence; it replaces a comma in a compound sentence that has no conjunction.

• Punctuating Lists, Dates and Addresses

  Learn why consistency is important in punctuating lists, and learn the correct way to punctuate dates and addresses within sentences.

• Ellipses

  Learn about using ellipses to edit material for conciseness, show pause or indicate hesitation and how they are used in various writing formats.

• Direct Versus Indirect Quotations

  Learn about direct and indirect quotations, how to choose which is more appropriate for your content and how to properly format direct quotes.

• Quotation Marks

  Learn when to use single or double quotation marks and the punctuation rules that apply in various situations that use them.

• The Use of the Dash

  Learn how to use the dash correctly in various situations and locations within sentences, and understand how to avoid overuse.