<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAn apostrophe and \u2018s\u2019 construct the possessive case of a single or plural word that does not terminate in \u2018s\u2019. The possessive case of a singular or plural word ending in \u2018s\u2019 or with an \u2018s\u2019 sound is generated only by the addition of an apostrophe. Some irregular plurals necessitate the use of both an apostrophe and an \u2018s\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSingular<\/strong><\/td>Plural<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>man\u2019s<\/td> men\u2019s<\/td><\/tr> child\u2019s<\/td> children\u2019s<\/td><\/tr> people\u2019s<\/td> peoples\u2019<\/td><\/tr> Congress\u2019<\/td> Congresses\u2019<\/td><\/tr> Essex\u2019s<\/td> Essexes\u2019<\/td><\/tr> criterion\u2019s<\/td> criteria\u2019s<\/td><\/tr> Jones\u2019<\/td> Joneses\u2019<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Rule 2: Compound Nouns<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to compound nouns, we add the apostrophe \u2018s\u2019 to the nearest element where the object occurs. For example<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\nattorneys general\u2019s appointments<\/li> comptroller general\u2019s decision<\/li> Mr Brown of New York\u2019s motion<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nRule 3: Individual & Joint Possession<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIndividual or alternate possession uses an apostrophe on each member of a series, whereas joint possession uses an apostrophe on the last element of a series. E.g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brown & Nelson\u2019s store<\/li> Clinton\u2019s or Bush\u2019s administration<\/li> editor\u2019s or proof-reader\u2019s opinion<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Rule 4: True Form<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhen using an apostrophe in company names, names of organizations and institutions, book titles, and geographic names, we should use the true form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Court of St. James\u2019s<\/li> Masters, Mates & Pilots\u2019 Association<\/li> St. Peter\u2019s Church<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nIn general, the apostrophe should not be used after names of nations or other organized bodies that end in \u2018s\u2019, or after terms that are more descriptive than possessive (do not indicate personal possession), unless the plural does not finish in \u2018s\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Rule 5: Pronoun<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe should not use Apostrophes with possessive pronouns. However, possessive indefinite or impersonal pronouns need the use of an apostrophe.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPossessive Pronouns\u00b7\u00a0<\/strong>ours\u00b7<\/strong> theirs<\/td>Indefinite Or Impersonal Pronouns \u00b7<\/strong> each other\u2019s phones\u00b7<\/strong> some others\u2019 plans<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRule 6: Acronyms & Abbreviations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWhile an apostrophe indicates possession and contractions, it is not necessarily necessary to use an apostrophe to represent the plural form of most acronyms, initializes, or abbreviations unless clarity and logic dictate it. Consider these examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e\u2019er (ever)<\/li> session of \u201822 (2022)<\/li> are they 1\u2019s or l\u2019s<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>2. The Colon<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe use colon \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before a concluding phrase, that expands or expands on the previous subject. For example \u2013 Railroading is not a type of outdoor activity: it is a service.<\/li> To introduce any information that constitutes a complete statement, query, or quotation. For example \u2013 She said: \u201cI feel the moment is now or never.\u201d<\/li> Following a salutation. For example \u2013 Respectfully, Sir:<\/li> When expressing time on a clock. For example \u2013 at 2:40 p.m.<\/li> In the Bible and other sources. For example \u2013 4:3 Luke<\/li> To distinguish between book titles and subtitles. For example \u2013 College Students: Graduate Financial Aid<\/li> In terms of proportionality. For example \u2013 5:3:1 concrete mix<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/span>3. The Comma<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe use Comma \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To distinguish between two words or figures that would otherwise be misconstrued. For example, Instead of hundreds, thousands of people showed up.<\/li> Before a brief straight, quote of a few sentences after an introductory phrase. E.g., \u201cIt\u2019s now or never,\u201d he remarked.<\/li> To denote the absence of a word or words. E.g., we used to have a lot, now we do not.<\/li> Following each of a set of coordinated qualifying terms. E.g. Short, rapid streams, but not so for tributary streams.<\/li> Between an initial modifying phrase and the changed topic. E.g., Beset by the rival, they retreated. \u00a0<\/li> To distinguish between parenthetic words, phrases, or clauses. E.g., Mr Jefferson, who was Secretary of State at the time, proposed locating the national capital in Washington.<\/li> To separate words or sentences that are in apposition or contrast. E.g., Mr Green, the defence attorney, spoke on their behalf.<\/li> In a compound sentence with more than one separate clause, each of which might have been written as a single sentence, before the conjunction. E.g., the lakes were teeming with fish, molluscs, and crustaceans, while turtles patrolled the shoreline.<\/li> Within the closing quote mark. E.g., He said \u201cfour,\u201d and \u201cfive.\u201d<\/li> Following the year in full dates (month, day, and year) within a phrase. E.g., Dates from September 11, 2022, through January 12, 2022, were incorrect.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\nImportant: <\/strong>We should avoid commas in footnote references, between superior figures or letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>4. The Dash<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe use a dash \u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To indicate a rapid interruption or change in mind. Example: She said\u2014and no one opposed her\u2014\u201cThe combat has beaten.\u201d<\/li> To denote an interruption or an incomplete word or sentence. Example: \u201cSuch a thought is improbable\u2014\u2014\u201d<\/li> Instead of commas or parentheses if the meaning may be explained this way. Example: These are coast deposits \u2013 gravel, sand, and clay \u2013 although marine sediments underlie them.<\/li> Before the last clause, which concludes a sequence of thoughts. Example: Freedom of expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear \u2013 these are the basics of moral world order.<\/li> Following an initial sentence, read the following lines, showing the recurrence of such a phrase. Example: I proposed \u2013 that we submit them for evaluation and revisions; & we published them.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/span>5. Parentheses<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are parentheses used\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To distinguish crucial information that is not meant to be part of the primary assertion and is not a grammatical feature of the sentence. Brackets must be used in colloquy. For example, This case (124 U.S. 329) is irrelevant.<\/li> To encapsulate a parenthetic clause when the disruption is too big to be denoted by commas. Consider the following example: it is not found in either French (at least not in Littr\u00e9) or English dictionaries.<\/li> Enclosing an explanatory term that is not part of a written or printed statement. For example, the Winchester (VA) Star; yet, the Winchester, VA Star<\/li> Take note of the period\u2019s location concerning the closing parenthesis: The vending machine sells a range of products (sandwiches, beverages, cakes, etc.)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/span>6. A Question mark<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe question mark is applicable \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To express a direct inquiry, even if it is not in the form of a question. Example: Who inquired, \u201cWhat is a punctuation mark? Or \u201chow to use punctuation?\u201d<\/li> To include more than one enquiry in a single phrase. Example: Can he pull it off? Or perhaps you? Or anybody else?<\/li> To exhibit scepticism. Example: The statue (?) was enshrined in law.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/span>7. Quotation Marks<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nQuestion marks are applicable \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To include direct quotations. For example, \u201cNo,\u201d is the answer.<\/li> To enclose any matter following the terms entitled, the word, the term, marked, designated, classified, named, endorsed, cited as, referred to as, or signed. However, quotation marks are not used to enclose expressions following the terms known as, called, so-called, and so on, unless such expressions are slang words. For instance, the act was named \u201cAn act * * *\u201d and was enacted by Congress.<\/li> To include addresses, articles, awards, books, captions, editorials, essays, headers, subheadings, headlines, hearings, motion pictures and plays (including television and radio programmes), operas, papers, short poems, reports, songs, studies, subjects, and themes. All keywords must be capitalised. A talk about \u201cUranium-235 in the Atomic Age\u201d<\/li> At the start of each paragraph of a quotation, but only at the end of the last paragraph.<\/li> To include a letter or correspondence with both a date and a signature.<\/li> Misnomers, slang phrases, sobriquets, invented terms, or regular words are used arbitrarily. E.g., his report was deemed \u201cbunk.\u201d<\/li> To close up characters except when they precede or follow a fraction or an apostrophe, or when they precede or follow a superior figure or letter, in which case a thin space is used. To distinguish between double and single quote marks, a thin spacing is employed.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\nImportant:<\/strong> In poetry, do not use quotation marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>8. Semicolon<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe semicolon separates clauses containing commas. For example \u2013 Yes, Sir; he did see it.<\/li> It can also separate too close statements. Example \u2013 Yes; that is right.<\/li> It can set explanatory abbreviations as well. Example: The sector belongs to finished goods; such as machinery.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\nImportant: Do not use a semicolon where a comma mostly suffice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>9. Ellipses<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs seen in the image to the right, an ellipsis (plural ellipses) is a series of three periods. As with other punctuation marks, there is considerable debate regarding how to use them. The major topic of debate is whether there should be a gap between the periods (\u2026 The most prevalent style guides for students, MLA, APA, and Chicago, all recommend having spaces between the periods. Others, such as those you may face in journalism, may not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent years\u2026 [research has revealed] that in many regions, two or more species coexisted side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>10. Exclamation point<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe exclamation point indicates a surprise, disbelief, adoration, appeal, or any other strong emotion that may be stated in a declarative or interrogative statement. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll aboard!\u201d somebody yelled?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In exclamations, we do not have a direct address or appeal. The letter \u2018oh\u2019 replaces the letter O, and the exclamation point is removed. Such as,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oh dear; the time is so short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>11. Hyphen<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe most common usage of hyphens is to join two complex words. Throwaway, fast-paced pursuit, merry-go-round, and user-friendly area are a few examples of Hyphen (-).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>How to Use Punctuation \u2013 An Example<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPunctuation, Dear John<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dear John punctuation example is a well-known anecdote about a person who got a lovely letter from a loved one. His girlfriend said unequivocally in the letter how much she loved and admired John, and it was evident to anybody reading her words that she could not live without him, couldn\u2019t she?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat happens if there are certain punctuation errors and the letter has different punctuation?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhich letter do you believe John would prefer? Think about it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Is it necessary to include proper punctuation in bullet points?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAvoid overthinking your bullet points. Your audience understands how to read and will understand what you are trying to convey without correct punctuation or capital letters, so do not bother with them unless they are important absolutely for comprehension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Are punctuation and grammar synonymous?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany individuals confuse punctuation with grammar, but some understand that they are not the same thing. Punctuation marks direct the reader\u2019s attention by clarifying meaning, challenging or conveying thoughts about the substance of a phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although they serve as a guide for readers, their location about one another can also determine which words inside a phrase receive more importance than others\u2014 it is an essential consideration when contemplating how you want your audience to perceive your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grammar, on the other hand, is concerned with structure; it consists of word order and choices made while composing sentences so that everything flows together smoothly and without confusion between concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Which is the best use of punctuation?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nProper punctuation adds a quiet accent to our work. We employ a comma, a period, an exclamation point, or a question mark to halt, stop, emphasise, or query. Correct punctuation improves the clarity and precision of writing by allowing the writer to halt, pause, or emphasise certain areas of the text.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cPunctuation marks are symbols that are used to aid the clarity and comprehension of written language.\u201d \u2013 RUKAYYA JUNAID We often think punctuation is not that crucial. However, the truth is, our sentences cannot survive without punctuation marks. Punctuation makes the meaning of written pieces clearer. A well-planned word sequence necessitates the use of as little punctuation as possible. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":169,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-165","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=165"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftivecontent.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}