Top Punctuation Howlers Guide

Top
Punctuation
Howlers
Copyright 2014 EzineArticles.com All Rights Reserved Worldwide
May Not Be Duplicated or Reprinted Without Written Permission

A Letter From the Editor ................................................................................ 3
The Period ........................................................................................................ 4
The Exclamation Point .................................................................................. 6
The Comma ..................................................................................................... 8
The Colon ....................................................................................................... 11
The Semicolon .............................................................................................. 14
The Dash ........................................................................................................ 16
The Parentheses ........................................................................................... 18
The Apostrophe ............................................................................................ 20
The Quotation Mark ..................................................................................... 23
The Hyphen ................................................................................................... 26
Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 29
Table of Contents

A Letter From the Editor
Next to obvious grammatical errors, like spelling mistakes and misused words,
punctuation is often overlooked. Without punctuation, communication would be
a long string of incoherent thoughts and ideas.
What’s a howler? It’s an obvious or glaring mistake that can often lead
to the amusement of others.
For example, consider the following punctuation howlers:
Come on in! Were serving burger’s, frie’s, and salad’s
Martha finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.
The Comma Splice was last seen fleeing the crime scene, Super Semicolon was hot in pursuit.
Today’s special: “Chicken”
Want to know the correct version? Don’t despair! We’ve provided the correct examples in
this guide to help you navigate the punctuation waters of English grammar.
Use these punctuation tips to strengthen your writing skills, as well as maintain your
credibility as an Expert Author.
To Your Article Writing Success & Passion!
Penny, Managing Editor
http://Blog.EzineArticles.com/
http://EzineArticles.com/
3Copyright 2014 EzineArticles.com All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Period
This Just In: Thieves Steal Critical Punctuation
There’s a burglar on the loose. You turn on your television just as
the newscaster is finishing the news alert:

It has been reported the burglar is carrying a deadly
firearm. Police caution all residents to stay indoors and lock
all exterior doors. And now for your weather forecast –
The bulletin behind the newscaster should’ve filled you in on the
critical details (i.e., the burglar’s relative vicinity to you).
The period is used at the end of sentences that are declarative (statements) and somewhat imperative
(mild commands). It’s also used at the end of a sentence without a verb that’s neither a question
nor an exclamation.
Exclamatory: What a smart gorilla!
Declarative: The gorilla is smart.
Imperative: Sit!
Mild Imperative: Have a seat.
With Verb: Turn right at the corner to get to the store.
Without Verb: This way to the store.
Reports of a burglar in
the ... neighhorhood.
Period.
This is hardly informative and it’s undoubtedly nerve-wracking – where’s the burglar?!
Create a good user experience as well as maintain your credibility and your message with proper
usage of the period and its close relative the ellipsis.
However, the bulletin simply reads: “Reports of a burglar in the ... neighborhood.”

Ellipsis …
And Other Period Tips
“
”
An informal ellipsis ( … ) is commonly used to indicate trailing-off, hesitation, to be continued, or the
passage of time.
In formal writing, the traditional 3 dot ellipsis is often used to indicate words omitted within or at the
beginning of a sentence. Use 4 dots (a period followed by 3 dots) when omitting the final words of the
quoted sentence or a complete paragraph or more.
Let’s use Rosalynn Smith Carter’s inspiring quote:

“A great leader takes people where they … ought to be.”
“… where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.”
“A leader takes people…. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want
to go but ought to be.”
• Quotation Marks: “Periods always belong inside quotation marks.”

• Single Spacing: For articles and other forms of online writing, it’s acceptable to use one
space between a period and the next sentence. Also, always leave one regular space on both
sides of an ellipsis, unless the ellipsis is accompanied by a period.

• Abbreviations and Acronyms: Abbreviations that stand for a single word are typically
followed by a period (e.g., Mr. and Mrs. or Ph.D.). It’s becoming more acceptable to not
use periods for abbreviations, including measurements (lb), organizations (NATO),
computers/technology (CD), titles (CEO), and many others.
Periods always belong
inside quotation marks.
A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes
people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.

The Exclamation Point
EXIT15
White Horse Rd!
Travelers Rest!
NEXT RIGHT!!!
The excitable and occasionally overbearing exclamation point
(also known as the exclamation mark) is one of the most abused
items of punctuation. Many will use the exclamation point
excessively and overdramatically. In these cases, readers may
question whether they can actually trust the author’s claims.
In the example above, the only proper use of the exclamation point was after the word
“voila.” Why? The exclamation point should be reserved for exclamations, commands, and
the occasional sound effect. The exclamation point should not be used for statements.
Let’s break this down further.
When done effectively, prewriting makes writing so easy!! All
you have to do is add a little polish here and a transition there
and voila! Your article is ready for submission!!!!
Exclamations!
Take the Exclamation Exit!!!!
Commands!
For loud remarks (with strong feeling), such as a complaint, protest, or outcry of surprise or
pain, use an exclamation point.
Statement: The party was amazing.
Exclamation: What an amazing party!
Statement: I was surprised.
Exclamation: Oh my!
Statement: It’s your birthday.
Exclamation: Happy Birthday!
For commands, an order that’s given or to direct with authority, use an exclamation point.
Statement: You should go.
Command: Go!
Statement: Please, don’t do that.
Command: Stop it!
Statement: Have a seat.
Command: Sit!
6

Sound Effects!
And Other Exclamation Point Tips
To convey sudden actions or loud
noises, use an exclamation point.
Bam! Pow! Thwack!
Aarrgh!
Achoo!
• Informal Writing: An exclamation point can add emphasis and/or add
excitement to your writing; however, using exclamations in formal writing is
generally abhorred. For example, the good people of Wisconsin may be excited
about their state, but exclaiming it looks a little silly: “Wisconsin became a state in 1848!”
• 1 Will Do the Trick: One exclamation point will suffice. “I love you!” has just as much
emphasis as “I love you!!!!”
• “Inside!” When an exclamation point belongs to a quoted phrase or parenthetical
sentence, it belongs inside the quotation, parentheses, or bracket. For example: “Get
thee to a nunnery!” Hamlet exclaimed.
• Active Language: If you find yourself trying to spice up your writing or want to add
emphasis, try adding descriptive or active language.
When the situation calls for an exclamation point: Enjoy!
7

The Comma
What’s so great about the comma? It clears away ambiguity,
confusion, and steers us away from cannibalism from time to time.
For example:
Martha finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.
Martha finds inspiration in cooking, her family, and her dog.
There are many, many rules for comma usage … So many in
fact that we’re going to break it down to the most common
grammatical errors involving the comma. Prevent confusion and
uphold your credibility by using these comma tips!
8
To Use or Not to Use
the Oxford Comma
Commas Help Commas Help Separate You from the Cannibals
Commas are used to separate elements in a series. Some authors choose to use the serial
comma or Oxford Comma and some don’t. The argument for not using the Oxford Comma
generally involves printed publications (e.g., newspapers) to save on space.
While considered perfectly acceptable in either case, the Oxford Comma is used before a
concluding conjunction in a simple series and offers that extra edge of clarity for complex
sentences with internal conjunctions. The previous example (i.e., “… cooking, her family,
and her dog”) uses an Oxford Comma. The following is an example of a series without an
Oxford Comma:
Today’s menu includes eggs and toast,
peanut butter and jelly and fish.
In this example, the reader may be confused. Does the series include eggs and toast,
[peanut butter and jelly] and [fish]? Or is it [peanut butter] and [jelly and fish]? The Oxford
Comma clears up any confusion.
Today’s menu includes eggs and toast,
peanut butter and jelly, and fish.

9
Commas in a Series
of Equal Adjectives
Commas in Nonrestrictive Clauses
Equal adjectives or coordinate adjectives occur when
two or more adjectives of a similar nature modify
or describe a noun. Commas are used to separate a
series of equal adjectives. If the adjectives could be
separated by ‘and’ without changing the meaning, the
adjectives are considered equal.
Both restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses give additional information about a word or phrase in a
sentence. What’s the difference? A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of a sentence and
its intention is straightforward. A nonrestrictive clause can be eliminated from a sentence without
changing the sentence’s basic meaning. It all depends on your intention.
The bus driver who was in the accident usually drives my bus. (restrictive)
The bus, which normally arrives on time, is behind schedule. (nonrestrictive)
Avoid walking down a dark and dangerous street alone.
Avoid walking down a dark, dangerous street alone.
A comma is not necessary if the last adjective alters the meaning of the noun (i.e., a cumulative adjective)
to create a noun phrase (e.g., denim pants, red eye, and metal chair).
The cheap wooden chair exploded when my Great Aunt Sue sat in it.

10
Don’t Force the Comma
Where it Doesn’t Belong
5 More Comma Quick Tips
We’ve heard this farce time and time again:
A good rule of thumb is to use a comma when you feel the sentence needs a pause.
This is far from the truth. One common error is joining two complete sentences with a comma simply
because they are related. This is known as a comma splice.
Here’s an example of a comma splice:
I went to the store with Frank, I bought milk.
Ugly, isn’t it? The following are a few fixes for this situation:
• Period: I went to the store with Frank. I bought milk.
• Semicolon: I went to the store with Frank; I bought milk.
• Conjunction: I went to the store with Frank, and I bought milk.
• Name and Hometown: John Smith, Santa Barbara, and Hillary Baker, Ithaca, were called to
the podium.
• Name and Age: John Smith, 42, and Hillary Baker, 38, were called to the podium.
• Name and Age and Hometown: John Smith, 42, Santa Barbara, was called to the podium.
• Yes and No: Yes, I can come to the party. No, I will not.
• Address: Happy Birthday, Rufus! Let’s eat, Susan. Frank, could you take a look at this?

11
The Colon
As one Expert Author said,
“
”
How can anyone learn English when colon
means a punctuation mark and the lower
part of the digestive tract?
The colon is more commonly used to introduce a list or a quotation. It is also used to explain the
preceding part of the sentence as well as used in declarations, proclamations, formal salutations, and
more. It can be a fun little piece of punctuation, but most authors tend to steer clear of its formality
and confusing usage by exchanging it for the period or the more excitable hyphen.
Discover how this stout punctuation mark can add clarity and amplify your message when properly
used!
List or Series and Expressions
A colon is often used to introduce a list or series.
Doris is afraid of three types of furniture: chaise lounges, stools,
and ottomans.
Traditionally, a colon will not accompany a list or series after expressions
such as namely, for instance, for example, or that is. However, when
the colon is used in a series consisting of one or more grammatically
complete clauses, then it’s acceptable.
Doris is afraid of three types of furniture, namely, chaise
lounges, stools, and ottomans. (No Colon)
For example: the devious chaise lounge is half sofa and half
bed; the stool will totter without its back or arms; and the
ottoman, with its hidden compartments, threatens to swallow
Doris whole. (Colon)
A colon will follow the expressions as follows and the following.
According to celebrity bears, Winnie the Pooh, Smokey the Bear, and Yogi Bear, the
way to a bear’s heart is as follows: honey, fire prevention, and pic-a-nic baskets.
Lists, Independent Clauses,
Expressions, Quotations, and More

12
Proclamations and Explanations
Amplifying an Independent Sentence
Colons are also used for announcements, clarification, and elaboration.
Hedge Trimming for Hedgehogs: A How-to Guide
My teenage son has one hobby: sleeping.
Listen up, Toots: while you were shopping, I earned a doctorate, won
the Nobel Peace prize, and studied krill off the coast of Antarctica.
A colon can be used to join two independent (complete) sentences when the second
sentence amplifies the first sentence.
Several of the world’s greatest unsung leaders have stories to be told: many were led
through trials and tribulations before reaching success in their later years.
”
Long Quotations
Colons are used to introduce lengthy quotations.
On November 19, 1863, a monumental speech was delivered to the world:
“… The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,
but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather,
to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought
here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here
dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these
honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they
gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve
that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under
God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the
people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
- Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

13
Colon Don’ts and Other Notes
Don’t use a colon to separate a verb from its complement or separate a
preposition from its object.
A dedicated brewer requires: a brew pot, a brew spoon, a grain bag,
etc. (Incorrect)

A dedicated brewer requires a brew pot, a brew spoon, a grain bag,
etc. (Correct)

A dedicated brewer requires many supplies: a brew pot, a brew spoon, a
grain bag, etc. (Correct)
Proper punctuation protects us from: appearing spammy, losing
credibility, and confusion. (Incorrect)

Proper punctuation protects us from appearing spammy, losing
credibility, and confusion. (Correct)

Proper punctuation protects us from the following: appearing spammy,
losing credibility, and confusion. (Correct)
Don’t forget to add a single space after a colon (unless indicating time,
chapters, or legal citations).
It isn’t a fixed rule whether you must capitalize the word after a colon, unless
it’s a proper noun of course.
Please allow me to introduce you to my friends: Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi.

14
The Semicolon
Is it a Colon? Is it a Comma?
No, it’s a Semicolon!
The Villainous Comma Splice
Do you feel inclined to join two independent clauses with – GASP – a comma?
Stop the presses! This isn’t a job for a comma; this is a job for the semicolon.
In case you missed the comma splice discussed in the comma section, here’s the lowdown on this
common error. A comma splice occurs when two complete sentences are joined
by a comma. For example:
The Comma Splice was last seen fleeing the crime scene, Super Semicolon
was hot in pursuit. (Wrong)
A semicolon can be deployed to save the sentence:
The Comma Splice was last seen fleeing the crime scene; Super Semicolon
was hot in pursuit. (Correct)
You may be thinking: “Why not just use a period?” When periods and commas can usually handle
the job, the semicolon is overlooked. However, the semicolon can add a little style and clarity as
well as offer a greater advantage when conveying balance or contrast. Discover how you can use
the semicolon with these tips!
,
Protecting independent clauses from
the tyranny of comma splices everywhere.

15
Separate Independent Clauses
Conjunctive Adverbs
Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses when a period is too strong.
Sit down. I’ll make the coffee.
This command appears very serious and implies conflict.
Sit down; I’ll make the coffee.
Here, the command is softened and implies generosity, i.e., “Don’t trouble yourself; I’ve got this.”
Semicolons can spice up conjunctive adverbs (e.g., accordingly, consequently, and however)
when used transitionally between clauses of a compound sentence.
We all agree the Comma Splice should be banned; however, we don’t have the funds to
eradicate it.
Quotation Marks
Complicated Series
Semicolons should occur outside quotation marks and parentheses.
She sardonically called him “The Graceful Trapeze Artist”; he never could stay on his feet.
Semicolons can also step in to clarify a series when it’s too intense for commas. More
specifically, semicolons separate elements of a series when the items of the series are longer
or set off by commas. Semicolons shouldn’t be used in the presence of a coordinating
conjunction (e.g., and, but, and for.) unless there’s extensive punctuation required in one or
more individual clauses.
Attending the Tattoo Convention were ten tenacious bikers from South Dakota; eight
pretentious hipsters from Seattle; three barbershop quartet singers singing “I get a kick
from champagne”; six males and four females going through a mid-life-crisis; and seven
blond bombshells with tattoos on their lower backs.
The contestants of the sauerkraut-eating championship came from Munich, Germany;
Germantown, Wisconsin; Warsaw, Poland; Cairo, Egypt; and Tijuana, Mexico.

16
The Dash
The Dash – The Ultimate Tool for
Informal Authors
Appositives (em dash)
Interjections, Parentheticals,
and Asides (em dash)
The dashing and dynamic dash is used when other forms of punctuation just don’t have the
oomph or muscle needed to convey an idea or interject a thought. However, overuse of the dash
can make your writing appear overdramatic and never ending without the finality of other end
punctuation marks.
Similar to the days of old typewriters, in the plain text world of online publication, creating a
true dash (– or —) isn’t always possible. To appease dash purists — if it’s not possible to create
a long dash — two hyphens side-by-side (--) will suffice. However, it’s becoming more widely
acceptable to use one dash (-) with a space on either side.
If you have the ability to create an en dash (– length of an “N”) or an em dash (— length of an
“M”), the usage is indicated below (“em dash” or “en dash”).
Use a dash if a sentence contains an appositive (noun or noun phrase next to another noun or
noun phrase).
My brother — a nurse by training — is incredible at CPR.
Use a dash if a sentence has a smaller sentence within it that’s an abrupt interjection, similar to
a parenthetical thought or interjection.
No one would ever suspect Clark Kent — a bespectacled, serious reporter — of being
Superman.
Use a dash for asides, explanations, or parenthetical statements.

The villain was last seen fleeing the crime scene — police were hot in pursuit.

17
Emphasis, Series, and Attribution (em dash)
Places and Amounts (en dash)
Final Dashing Tips
Use a dash in the place of a colon for more emphatic effect.
Listen up —while you were out, I earned a doctorate, and won a Nobel Peace prize.
Use a dash for a series within a phrase.
He listed the qualities — organized, team player, and punctual — that we’re looking
for in a dog sitter.
Use a dash for attribution.
“What would men be without women? Scarce, sir … mighty scarce.” — Mark Twain
Use a dash to indicate a journey from one place to another.
The New York – Paris flight was over 16 hours.
Use a dash to indicate a continuation of an amount (e.g., pages and years).
On pages 432 – 460, Vlad the Impaler was described to have lived 1431 – 1476.
• 2 or Less: Never use more than two dashes in a sentence — don’t create a run-on
sentence with dashes.

• Solo Punctuation: Dashes are traditionally not accompanied by other forms of
punctuation — except when a question mark or an exclamation mark is needed to
help convey the parenthetical phrase.
Paris
New
York

18
The Parentheses
Most Experts Agree: Use Parentheses with Caution
In Brief: Use Parentheses Sparingly!
Asides, Interjections, and
Introductory Phrases
Great for first-person fiction, autobiographical writing, or stream-of-conscious writing,
parentheses are adaptable to most informal situations and can make the reader feel like they’re
part of your club. It conveys natural interjections that may occur in day-to-day conversations
with those you trust, but there is also a dark side to parentheses.
Parentheses can often be jarring, lead to confusion or misinterpretation, contort the meaning
of a sentence, and dangerously approach run-on sentence status. If you’re aiming for a formal
tone, it’s best to simplify the sentence and avoid parentheses altogether.
Many English language experts will warn writers that parentheses often convey a snarky,
sophomoric tone to your writing with its abrupt asides and gossip-like tone. It’s recommended
to try writing a sentence in another way or to use commas for nonrestrictive clauses.
If you won’t let that little warning dissuade you from using parentheses (as so many authors do),
bear these guidelines in mind to keep your credibility and intent intact.
Use parentheses for asides or interruptions in statements stronger than a comma, but not as
intense as a dash. This can be done in an independent sentence or statement dependent on
another sentence.
The dog thinks the cat forgave him. (He is sorely mistaken.)
The dog thinks the cat forgave him (fat chance).
“
”
[The] parenthesis is as disconcerting as a
pebble that jars one’s teeth in a mouthful of
plum pudding.
―H.W. Fowler
A Dictionary of Modern English Usage

19
Series in Running Text
Numbers in Legal Documents
Parentheses Punctuation and
Capitalization Quick Tips
Use parentheses around numbers or letters listing items in a series that are part of running text.
The cat began to feel remorseful of the poor dog’s demise and decided to (1) go to
Antarctica, (2) find the dog, (3) apologize to the dog, and (4) return home with the dog.
Use parentheses to interject exclamations or questions.
The dog stole the cat’s latest quantum physics theorem. (Believe me, it was a stretch,
because that dog doesn’t even own a library card!)
The cat shipped the dog off to Egypt (or was it Antarctica?) while their masters were away.
Use parentheses for comments introduced by namely, e.g., i.e., viz, that is, see, and see also.
While the dog was in Antarctica, he attempted to communicate with the natives and
failed (that is, the penguins couldn’t speak “woof”).
In legalese, numbers are first spelled out and then numerically provided within parentheses.
Meanwhile, the dog decided to settle in Antarctica after meeting a colony of fur seals and
decided to purchase a bit of ice to call his own:
“I, Dog, hereby purchase ice for fifty thousand (50,000) krill.”
• The parenthesis should never appear alone — it should always appear with its mate to
form parentheses: ( ).*
• Punctuation never precedes an opening parenthesis if the parenthetical statement
occurs within a sentence.
• The period occurs outside a closing parenthesis if the parenthetical statement occurs
within a sentence.
• The period occurs before a closing parenthesis if the parenthetical statement is a
complete sentence and it’s independent from the previous statement.
*Exception: emoticons

20
The Apostrophe
Possession, Contraction, Omission,
and Other Apostrophe Tips
Similar to the many accents and dialects of the English language, there are many punctuation
rules that vary from region to region. Many Expert Authors will follow a style guide (such as APA,
Chicago, MLA, and The Associated Press) to ensure their writing is consistent and to uphold their
credibility. You may choose a particular style based on your audience, your niche, etc.
Whatever style you use, make sure you are consistent throughout your articles. This brings us to
one of the most inconsistently used punctuation marks: the apostrophe.
Have you ever walked past an eatery and cringed when you saw the daily menu …
Did it make you think: “Why would you tell me what you were serving? Or is a werewolf
taking lunch orders? And what’s with the burger, the fry, and the salad? Are they fighting over
possessing some mysterious object?” You might think it’s probably best not to go into that
eatery for lunch.
If only the owners of the eatery had followed these basic apostrophe tips! Prevent confusion and
uphold your credibility by using these apostrophe tips.

21
Possession
Additional Possession and Plural Tips
The apostrophe is used when indicating ownership. For example:
• Singular Nouns: Fred’s house is around the corner.
• Indefinite Pronouns: That’s someone else’s gum.
• Compound Nouns: The Duchess of Cambridge’s hats are made by a milliner.
• Hyphenated Nouns: Her mother-in-law’s car was due for maintenance.
• Two or More Nouns (Share Possession): Lenny and George’s store is closed.
• Two or More Nouns (Don’t Share Possession): They washed Bob’s and Sue’s pants.
• Plural Nouns (End in S): The gorillas’ habitat has a lot of vegetation.
• Plural Nouns: The children’s toys were all over the floor.
Don’t use an apostrophe with pronominal possessives (e.g., yours and ours).
“Are these cupcakes yours, hers, theirs, ours, or its?” she asked as she pointed to the dog.
Don’t use an apostrophe to show the plural of proper nouns.
The Smiths are coming over for dinner.
Idiomatic or special expressions, e.g., “my heart’s desire,” “a year’s wages,” etc., are often
written with an apostrophe s.

22
Contractions
Omitted Numbers and Letters
In contractions, an apostrophe is used when omitting a letter (or letters). For example:
It’s a lovely day. vs. It is a lovely day.
Don’t touch the hot stove. vs. Do not touch the hot stove.
You’re the wizard? vs. You are the wizard?
I should’ve gone to sleep. vs. I should have gone to sleep.
If you choose to use contractions in your articles, don’t mix and match. For example:
I could have used contractions in my article, but could’ve, should have, would’ve. (mismatch)
I could’ve used contractions in my article, but could’ve, should’ve, would’ve. (match)
When omitting a number from a year, use an apostrophe.
Party like it’s ’99.
An apostrophe is also used when dropping off a letter in a few colloquial dialects as well as in some
forms of poetic prose.
We’re goin’ (going) ridin’ (riding) and we’ll listen to our good ol’ (old) country ‘n’
(and) western music.
No child o’ (of) mine would steal.
Lest ye be judg’d (judged).

23
The Quotation Mark
You’ll Love the “Chicken” at
Toucan’s Bayou Kitchen!
Dialogue
Skepticism
Besides quoting another person or organization, quotation marks can imply more than meets
the eye.
Notice the difference between the following two menu items:
Today’s special: Chicken
Today’s special: “Chicken”
The former implies what we all know as chicken; however, the latter implies it could be
anything. Perhaps the “chicken” is really skunk that’s been stewing in chicken stock. Or perhaps
the “chicken” is so good it’s hard to believe it’s actually chicken.
Don’t leave your audience guessing! Always deliver a clear message to your readers. Try out
these quotation mark tips to maintain your credibility.
Use quotation marks for direct quotations and dialogue.
“Today’s special is chicken,” said Toucan. “Get it while it’s fresh!”
“You fail only if you stop writing.” — Ray Bradbury.
Thomas Jefferson said, “Be polite to all, but intimate with few.”
Quotation marks can be used to indicate irony or skepticism, but should not be overused.
“It’s okay, you can ‘attack’ me,” said Lynn. “What’s with the quotation fingers?” Bob Wilton
asked. “It’s like saying I’m only capable of ironic attacking or something.” — The Men Who
Stare at Goats, 2009
Quotation marks are not needed after the words or phrases so-called, known as, and called.
This so-called chicken … Is it really a chicken or is it a skunk in disguise?

24
Quotations and Citations
When quoting lines of text that are indented (generally used when quotations are 100 words or
more), then quotation marks are not needed.
In his commencement address to the MIT class of ’97, Kurt Vonnegut offered this advice:
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t.
Maybe you’ll divorce at 40; maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th
wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much, or
berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So is everybody else’s.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or of what other
people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own… .
For non-indented quotations that run over multiple paragraphs (and it’s not dialogue), don’t
add a quotation mark at the end of the paragraph unless it’s the last sentence of the quotation.
“Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You’ll miss them when they’re gone.
“Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t.
Maybe you’ll divorce at 40; maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding
anniversary. Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself
either. Your choices are half chance. So is everybody else’s.
“Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or of what other people
think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.…”
When a quote is introduced indirectly, then quotation marks are not needed.
Oscar Wilde declared that a gentleman is one who never hurts anyone’s feelings
unintentionally.
Use quotation marks on titles of short stories, poems, essays, articles, television shows, radio
programs, and songs.
After reading Kate Chopin’s “The Awakening,” I began “The Storm.”

25
Colloquial Phrases
With Other Punctuation Marks
When familiar phrases of literary origin, colloquial phrases, proverbs, etc., are used, then there is
no need for quotation marks.
Growing up in the heart of New York City had its highs and lows. It was the best of times; it
was the worst of times.
Slow down, Jerry! Haste makes waste.
The question mark (?), the exclamation mark (!), and the dash (—) go inside the quotation
mark when they belong to the quotation. Otherwise they occur outside the quote.
Didn’t Marie Antoinette say, “Let them eat cake”?
Many historians assert that Marie Antoinette never exclaimed, “Let
them eat cake!”
It may not seem correct at times, but the comma always belongs inside quotations marks.
Who doesn’t love Shel Silverstein’s poems “Danny O’Dare,” “Bear in
There,” and “Where the Sidewalk Ends”?

26
The Hyphen
Is your mother in law (e.g., a lawyer or a
judge)? Or is it your mother-in-law?
Do Use the Hyphen in These Scenarios
Perhaps it’s lost in the shadow of more grandiose punctuation marks, such as the apostrophe,
comma, or semicolon, but the hyphen is a fantastic tool.
Not to be confused with the dash (which is deployed to separate ideas or sections in a
sentence), the hyphen is used to join words together to make new ones. It also links syllables
when a word breaks off at the end of a line and continues on the next. More importantly, the
hyphen brushes away ambiguity. For instance, when you tell your boss you want to re-sign your
contract, he won’t think you wanted to resign instead.
Try out these tips to maintain your credibility and provide your readers with a little clarity!
Use a hyphen for compound modifiers (2 or more words used to modify a noun) or compound
adjectives that occur before the noun.*
John, pass me the ibuprofen. His out-of-tune bagpipes are giving me a headache.
His bagpipes are horrendously out of tune. John, pass me the ibuprofen.
*Exception: Use a hyphen if the compound modifier or compound adjective follows any form of
the verb to be (e.g., is and are).
He is well-known.

27
Use a hyphen if the phrase doubles vowels or triples consonants.
Normville’s ultra-average citizens hold the record for maintaining the national
average.
The shell-like exterior of the dung beetle protects it from being easy prey.
Use a hyphen with fractions (unless it’s already hyphenated; e.g., forty-four hundredths)
and numbers ending in y.
I swear that dog is two-thirds canine, one-third demon.
You won sixty-three coconuts, and twenty-four umbrellas!
Use a hyphen when using a number (not spelled out) and a unit of measurement to form
an adjective or with spelled out money figures.
We unearthed a dozen thirty-five-year-old zombie films and then had a 24-hour
marathon.
His haunted eyes above his four-o’clock shadow were telling of his stressful day.
Use a hyphen with dual-heritage adjectives.
The archaeologist found artifacts from the Greco-Roman period.
My father is Austro-Hungarian and my mother is Italian-American.
Use a hyphen if the word like is the latter half of the compound.
The doll’s life-like eyes were disturbing; I locked it in the cupboard.
Hyphen Blunders and Howlers
Don’t use a hyphen if the compound occurs after the noun (unless it occurs after the verb to be).
The salesman sold his door-to-door wares.
The salesman sold his wares by walking door to door.
Don’t use a hyphen if both words of the compound phrase make sense separately (even before
a noun).
Janet’s naughty old cat got into the bakery again.

May Not Be Duplicated or Reprinted Without Written Permission 28
Don’t use a hyphen if the compound phrase includes the word very.
“What a very chic scarf!” Harriet exclaimed to Susan. “A very expensive scarf it was …”
Susan’s husband muttered under his breath.
Don’t use a hyphen if the compound begins with an adverb ending in -ly.
Bob’s mother had freakishly coiffed hair that stood so high, it brushed the ceiling.
Use a hyphen with the following family names: in-law, ex, and great. Don’t use a hyphen with the
following family names: step, half, and grand.
My mother-in-law claimed her half sister had a great-aunt whose grandmother’s
ex-husband met President Lincoln.
Accident-Prone Prefixes
Prefixes are a little tricky and it’s often best to just look it up, but we won’t leave you without a
few clues:
Use a hyphen to change or preserve the meaning of the root word (often used in prefixes pre,
pro, and re).
I’m going to re-sign.
I’m going to resign.
Self and quasi are always accompanied by a hyphen.
Peter Parker’s self-effacing behavior is to make people pay no attention to him.
Unless in the presence of a capitalized word (e.g., anti-Antarctica) or if you are preserving the
meaning of the word, don’t use a hyphen with the following prefixes:
Anti, bi, co, extra, inter, micro, mini, multi, mid, non, over, post, pre, pro, re, semi, sub, super,
trans, ultra, un, and under.
There are TONS of exceptions and most style guides recommend using the hyphen sparingly.
If you only use the hyphen when the context is ambiguous, you should be safe. Don’t forget to
watch out for those spellcheck programs; they are not infallible!
X

29
Say Goodbye to Punctuation Howlers
Poor grammar can be mortifying! Not only will it hold you back from succeeding as an Expert
Author, it will damage your credibility tenfold. If your article has grammatical errors, such as
poor punctuation, it doesn’t matter if the content is original and valuable. Should your readers
find an error, they will automatically focus on the mistake and your credibility will slip away.
Proofreading is an incredible step to preserving your credibility and it keeps your readers’
attention positively focused on you, your original content, and your quality message. If writing
the English language isn’t your strong suit, consider asking a friend or peer to proofread or hire a
copyeditor.
Practice good punctuation to strengthen your writing skills and to communicate clearly. Try out
any or all of these methods today and discover how they will actually help you improve your
authority and maintain your credibility.
P.S. The Top Punctuation Howlers series originally debuted on the EzineArticles Blog! Receive
daily updates, article writing tips, and exclusive EzineArticles insights by subscribing:
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