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.
-
A Complete Guide to Using a Hyphen in Writing
A Complete Guide to Using a Hyphen in Writing
May 27, 2024
Welcome 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
When to Use a Comma with So
Jan 10, 2024
Have you ever been stuck on whether to use a comma with so? If yes, you’re not alone! So is a tiny word that can lead to major comma confusion – but we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when to use a comma with so, including […]
What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
-
Halloween or Hallowe’en?
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)
Sep 17, 2023
Colons 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 include 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
Jul 29, 2023
Do 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
Jul 17, 2023
Why 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?
May 29, 2023
If 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?
Mar 25, 2023
As if the differences between UK and US English spelling weren’t tricky enough, several other variations between the two dialects also exist, such as how quotations are written. In addition, the guidelines that dictate whether the punctuation goes inside or outside of quotation marks depend on the dialect you’re writing or proofreading in. While neither […]
-
How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Mar 20, 2023
Coordinating 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 […]
-
11 Uncommon Punctuation Marks (and How to Use Them)
11 Uncommon Punctuation Marks (and How to Use Them)
Mar 13, 2023
There’s no doubt about it: punctuation is an integral part of writing. We use it to mark pauses, pose questions, emphasize certain ideas, and clarify meaning. You’ll already be familiar with the usual suspects – periods, commas, exclamation points, question marks, and so on – but did you know there are some weird and wonderful […]
