punctuation
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A Complete Guide to Using a Hyphen in Writing
A Complete Guide to Using a Hyphen in Writing
Last Updated 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 […]
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What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
Last Updated Nov 30, 2023
Do 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?
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How to Use Colons and Semicolons (with Examples)
Last Updated 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 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 […]
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How and When to Use an Ampersand
Last Updated 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 […]
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When to Use Parentheses vs Brackets
Last Updated 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 […]
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Backslash vs. Forward Slash: What’s the Difference?
Last Updated 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 […]
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What Is the Difference Between E.g. and I.e.?
Last Updated Apr 24, 2023
If you’ve spotted the abbreviations e.g. and i.e. in a piece of writing, you may have wondered what they mean. And you may have wondered if you’re using them correctly! These two Latin terms often cause confusion, even for experienced writers and editors. But knowing the difference is essential if you want to write clearly […]
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Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?
Last Updated Mar 25, 2023
Quotation 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. […]
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How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Last Updated 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 […]
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11 Uncommon Punctuation Marks (and How to Use Them)
11 Uncommon Punctuation Marks (and How to Use Them)
Last Updated 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 […]
