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Questions and Answers
What is the name of the punctuation error where two independent clauses are combined with just a comma, without a coordinating conjunction?
What is the name of the punctuation error where two independent clauses are combined with just a comma, without a coordinating conjunction?
Which of the following is the CORRECT way to write a list with a coordinating conjunction?
Which of the following is the CORRECT way to write a list with a coordinating conjunction?
Which type of punctuation mark indicates possession or contraction?
Which type of punctuation mark indicates possession or contraction?
How should the following sentence be corrected? 'I studied hard for my exam.Aced it!'
How should the following sentence be corrected? 'I studied hard for my exam.Aced it!'
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Which of the following is NOT considered a common punctuation error?
Which of the following is NOT considered a common punctuation error?
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What is the purpose of using proper punctuation in written communication?
What is the purpose of using proper punctuation in written communication?
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Which punctuation mark is used to indicate the end of a declarative sentence?
Which punctuation mark is used to indicate the end of a declarative sentence?
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What is the difference between an en dash and an em dash?
What is the difference between an en dash and an em dash?
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Which punctuation mark is used to indicate an omission of words in a sentence?
Which punctuation mark is used to indicate an omission of words in a sentence?
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How is a hyphen used in writing?
How is a hyphen used in writing?
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Which punctuation mark is used to indicate a break within a sentence?
Which punctuation mark is used to indicate a break within a sentence?
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What is the primary purpose of using an ellipsis in writing?
What is the primary purpose of using an ellipsis in writing?
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Study Notes
Application of Punctuation
Punctuation Rules
To communicate effectively through written communication, understanding and applying appropriate punctuation marks is crucial. Proper punctuation helps convey the intended message clearly and prevents confusion.
Common Punctuation Mistakes
-
Comma splice: Combine two independent clauses with a comma without a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, so, for, etc.). Instead, use a semicolon, coordinate conjunction, or rewrite the sentence to prevent the error.
Incorrect: I went to the store. I bought bread.
Correct: I went to the store; I bought bread.
OR
Incorrect: I studied hard for my exam. I aced it!
Correct: I studied hard for my exam, and I aced it!
OR
Incorrect: I studied hard for my exam. Aced it!
Correct: I studied hard for my exam. I aced it!
-
Serial (Oxford) comma: When listing items with a coordinating conjunction, use a comma before the conjunction and after the last item. This is known as the serial comma or the Oxford comma.
Incorrect: Apples, bananas, grapes.
Correct: Apples, bananas, and grapes.
Types of Punctuation Marks
Apostrophe
The apostrophe indicates possession or contraction. For singular nouns, use the apostrophe + s; for plural nouns ending in s, use apostrophe alone; for plurals not ending in s, add s + apostrophe.
Example:
- Singular noun: John's book
- Plural noun ending in s: The dogs' toys
- Plural noun not ending in s: The children's laughter
Ellipsis
Used to indicate an omission of words in a sentence or to show trailing off at the end of a sentence.
Example:
- Omission: He said, "Hello," ... and waved goodbye.
- Trailing off: She forgot her keys ... again.
Period
Indicates the end of a declarative sentence.
Example:
- Declarative sentence: The cat is sleeping.
Dash
Two types of dashes: en dash and em dash. En dashes are equal in width to the letter n, while em dashes are equivalent to the letter m. Both dashes can be used to indicate a break within a sentence or to separate elements.
Example:
- En dash: The bookstore was opened in 1980 – 2008.
- Em dash: My dad is finally retiring — but he'll be a tough act to follow.
Hyphen
Connects compound words or two-word adjectives.
Example:
- Compound word: Mother-in-law
- Two-word adjective: Long-term memory
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Description
Test your knowledge on proper punctuation usage with a focus on common mistakes, such as comma splices and serial commas. Explore the correct application of apostrophes, ellipses, periods, dashes (en dash and em dash), and hyphens.
