Comma, Colon, Semicolon, Dash

Which Punctuation Mark Should I Use?

Do you get confused as to which punctuation to use? I think we all do at times. As a writer's coach, I find punctuation challenges many writers, both new and experienced.

But following punctuation rules helps our readers understand our writing better. Improper punctuation might confuse your reader. Some readers muddle through. Others might choose to leave for a site with better grammar and punctuation.

I think we have all seen the following humorous example of why proper punctuation is essential.

  • Let’s eat, Grandma.
  • Let’s eat Grandma.

In the first sentence, the writer is telling Grandma it is time to eat.

But, omitting the comma in the second sentence changes the meaning drastically. Here, the writer is suggesting they should eat Grandma.

I’m sure Grandmother much prefers the comma version.


Grammar Apps and Tools

Using a tool such as Grammarly helps immensely. Even the free version offers insight into proper sentence structure. For most people, the free version offers enough help.

But you will save a great deal of editing time and frustration if you learn proper punctuation rules and apply them as you write. And, although Grammarly is usually correct, it is not perfect. Any of the writing apps can fail.

So let’s get started with these 4 types of punctuation and their usage.



Join the Discussion
Write something…
Recent messages
YvonneBray Premium
Great tutorial on punctuation. I really need to know about colons, I think I might use them too much. Thank you for sharing.
Reply
DianeK59 Premium Plus
Thank you, Yvonne. I'm glad it was useful to you.
I find most people fail to use colons at all. However, those who do, often overuse them. It can be difficult to strike a balance.
All the best-
Diane
Reply
YvonneBray Premium
Thanks Diane.
Reply
edhozubin Premium
Excellent Post & Share Diane & very helpful. I can't believe what I had forgotten in the last 50 years since school. Thank you!

Edward
Reply
DianeK59 Premium Plus
Yes, Edward, I think we all forget quite a bit if we don't continue to use what we have learned. That may be one of the biggest challenges with writing.
Reply
muslimah Premium
Thank you for the enlightening post.
I didn't get the difference between the sentences below (sorry, I had to copy and paste it, I couldn't do a screenshot).
Thank you.

Do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun, is part of a quote, or is the first in a series of sentences:

Incorrect: I have three plans for today: to eat, sleep, and write.

Correct: I have three plans for today: to eat, sleep, and write.
Reply
DianeK59 Premium Plus
Oops! You found a mistake in my writing!
It should be:
Incorrect: I have three plans for today: To eat, sleep, and write.
Correct: I have three plans for today: to eat, sleep, and write.

Thanks for letting me know!
Reply
muslimah Premium
Thank you. Diane.
Reply
1Rudy1 Premium
Very helpful, Diane, thanks for sharing!

Rudy
Reply
DianeK59 Premium Plus
Thank you, Rudy. And I corrected my mistake!
Reply
1Rudy1 Premium
Re colon use and capitalizing the first word after.

These two are identical:

Incorrect: I have three plans for today: to eat, sleep, and write.

Correct: I have three plans for today: to eat, sleep, and write.

Rudy
Reply
DianeK59 Premium Plus
Yes, you caught a mistake I made, Rudy. It should be:
Incorrect: I have three plans for today: To eat, sleep, and write.
Correct: I have three plans for today: to eat, sleep, and write.

Sorry about the confusion and thank you for letting me know!
Reply
1Rudy1 Premium
You're welcome!
Reply
Top