Punctuation
Become a pro at punctuation! Enhance the clarity and flow of your writing by mastering the use of commas, semicolons, hyphens, parenthesis, ellipsis, quotation marks...and various other types of punctuation.
-
UK English vs. US English Punctuation: Key Differences
UK English vs. US English Punctuation: Key Differences
Published Jun 25, 2025
If you’re working as a freelance proofreader, you’ll likely encounter documents written in both UK and US English. And while these dialects share many similarities, there are some crucial differences that can affect your work. Most people know about spelling and vocabulary differences (like organise vs. organize or trousers vs. pants). But when it comes […]
-
A Complete Guide to Using a Hyphen in Writing
A Complete Guide to Using a Hyphen in Writing
Published May 27, 2024
Last Updated Nov 18, 2024Welcome to our comprehensive guide on using a hyphen in writing. While they may seem small, mastering the correct use of hyphens can significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Many writers confuse hyphens with dashes, often using dashes when they should use hyphens, and vice versa. As proofreaders, ensuring the correct use […]
When to Use a Comma with So
-
What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
Published Nov 30, 2023
Last Updated May 27, 2025Do you know the difference between an acronym and an initialism? They are both types of abbreviations, and both terms refer to shortened forms made up of a set of capitalized letters (rather than a shortened word, such as Dr.). However, they have different meanings and work in different ways. To help you nail down […]
-
Halloween or Hallowe’en?
Published Oct 31, 2023
Boo! Grab your masks, pumpkins, and bowls of candy. It’s that time of the year again! Halloween is celebrated on October 31 in the US and other parts of the world. Though you’re probably familiar with the spelling Halloween, you might have come across an alternative spelling: Hallowe’en. In this post, we’ll talk about where […]
-
How to Use Colons and Semicolons (with Examples)
Published Sep 17, 2023
Last Updated Jul 14, 2025Colons and semicolons are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually two distinct punctuation marks with very different purposes. In this post, we’ll review how to use colons and semicolons and share examples. We’ll cover: Keep reading for more on colons and semicolons! What’s the Difference Between a Colon and a Semicolon? A colon (:) is […]
-
How and When to Use an Ampersand
Published Jul 29, 2023
Last Updated Jun 30, 2024Do you know how and when to use an ampersand (&)? Whether you’re a language lover, a typography enthusiast, or just curious about this quirky little symbol, you’re certain to learn something new from our blog post! We’ll go over everything you need to know, including: What Is an Ampersand? An ampersand is a typographical symbol […]
-
When to Use Parentheses vs Brackets
Published Jul 17, 2023
Last Updated Nov 21, 2024Why are there different kinds of brackets, and how do you know which one to use? Each type of bracket serves a purpose. In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between parentheses and brackets, explain when to use them, and provide some examples. What Are Parentheses? Parentheses (also known as round or curved brackets) are […]
-
Backslash vs. Forward Slash: What’s the Difference?
Published May 29, 2023
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024If you look down at your keyboard, you’ll notice that there are two types of slashes: the backslash (\) and the forward slash (/). But do you know the difference between them, and when to use each one? If not, don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll explain: What is a Backslash? The backslash is […]
-
Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?
Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?
Published Mar 25, 2023
Last Updated May 27, 2025Quotation marks might seem like a minor detail, but they play a major role in helping readers understand what’s being said, cited, or shouted in a sentence. Whether you’re presenting character dialogue in a novel or referencing expert insights in an essay, quotation marks and the surrounding punctuation guide the reader through who said what. […]
-
How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Published Mar 20, 2023
Last Updated Nov 28, 2024Coordinating conjunctions can be confusing for new proofreaders, especially when commas are involved. We’re here to make things clear for you with our guide to using commas with coordinating conjunctions. What Are Coordinating Conjunctions? Coordinating conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses together. We have seven coordinating conjunctions in English, which can be […]
