5 Common Mistakes with English Punctuation
Punctuation is an essential part of writing, but it can also be tricky to master. Many writers make common mistakes with punctuation that can affect the clarity and accuracy of their message.
Here are five common mistakes with English punctuation and how to avoid them.
1) Misusing commas
Commas are used to separate items in a list, clauses in a sentence, or phrases that provide additional information. However, commas should not be used to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, etc.). This is called a comma splice and it creates a run-on sentence. For example:
Incorrect: I love reading books, they are very entertaining.
Correct: I love reading books. They are very entertaining.
Correct: I love reading books because they are very entertaining.
Correct: I love reading books, and they are very entertaining.
Another common mistake with commas is omitting them when they are needed. This can cause confusion or change the meaning of a sentence. For example:
Incorrect: Let’s eat Grandma.
Correct: Let’s eat, Grandma.
2) Use of Semicolons and Colons Interchangeably
Semicolons and colons are two punctuation marks that are often confused or misused by writers. Here are some examples:
- Using semicolons instead of colons to introduce a list, a quotation, or an explanation, e.g., There are three reasons why I love this book; the plot, the characters, and the style. This can weaken the impact or clarity of the sentence. A colon should be used to introduce something that follows or expands on the previous statement, e.g., There are three reasons why I love this book: the plot, the characters, and the style.
- Using colons instead of semicolons to join independent clauses that are closely related, e.g., She loves reading: he loves writing. This can create a disjointed or abrupt sentence. A semicolon should be used to join independent clauses that are closely related without using a conjunction, e.g., She loves reading; he loves writing.
To avoid these errors, remember these rules:
- Use semicolons to join independent clauses that are closely related without using a conjunction.
- Use colons to introduce a list, a quotation, or an explanation that follows or expands on the previous statement.
3) Incorrect apostrophe usage
Apostrophes are used to show possession or to create contractions. However, many writers confuse the rules for apostrophes and use them incorrectly. For example:
Incorrect: Its a beautiful day.
Correct: It’s a beautiful day.
Incorrect: The dog wagged it’s tail.
Correct: The dog wagged its tail.
Incorrect: The Smith’s live next door.
Correct: The Smiths live next door.
Incorrect: The Smiths’ car is red.
Correct: The Smiths’ car is red.
A good way to remember the rules for apostrophes is to ask yourself if you can replace the apostrophe with “is” or “has”. If you can, then you need an apostrophe. For example:
It’s = It is
He’s = He is or He has
They’re = They are
If you can’t replace the apostrophe with “is” or “has”, then you don’t need an apostrophe. For example:
Its = Belonging to it
Hers = Belonging to her
Theirs = Belonging to them
4) Neglecting quotation marks
Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech or dialogue, or to show that a word or phrase is borrowed from another source. However, many writers forget to use quotation marks when they should, or use them incorrectly. For example:
Incorrect: She said that she was tired and wanted to go home.
Correct: She said, “I’m tired and I want to go home.”
Incorrect: He asked me if I liked “pizza”.
Correct: He asked me if I liked pizza.
Incorrect: The word ‘literally’ means exactly what it says.
Correct: The word “literally” means exactly what it says.
In British English, single quotation marks (‘ ‘) are used for direct speech or dialogue, while double quotation marks (” “) are used for quotations within quotations. For example:
Correct: ‘I heard him say “I love you” to her,’ she whispered.
5) Misuse of Exclamation Marks
Exclamation marks are punctuation marks that are used to express strong emotions, such as surprise, excitement, anger, or disbelief. However, some writers misuse exclamation marks in the following ways:
- Using exclamation marks too frequently or unnecessarily, e.g., I can’t believe it! This is amazing! You are awesome! This can make the writing seem childish, unprofessional, or insincere. Exclamation marks should be used sparingly and only when appropriate to the tone and context of the writing.
- Using exclamation marks with questions, e.g., What are you doing?! This can create confusion or annoyance for the reader. Exclamation marks should not be used with questions unless the question is rhetorical or expresses a strong emotion, e.g., How could you do this to me?!
To avoid these errors, remember these rules:
- Use exclamation marks sparingly and only when appropriate to express strong emotions.
- Do not use exclamation marks with questions unless the question is rhetorical or expresses a strong emotion.
These are some of the most common mistakes with English punctuation and how to avoid them. By following these rules, you can improve your writing and make it more clear and accurate for your readers.
© Colin Lawson Books