Punctuation is the system of using designated characters, or punctuation marks, within writing to provide clarity to the reader. Punctuation marks can create this clarity by separating elements of a sentence (such as phrases and clauses) thus creating pauses in reading, signifying possession, and ending a sentence.
Apostrophe [ ‘ ]: An apostrophe is most commonly used to indicate possession or denote a contraction. It can also be used to create plural forms in some situations (such as “He received straight A’s.”); however, APA Style prefers that apostrophes not be used to create plural forms (instead use “He received straight As.”).
- John’s book. (Possessive)
- Students’ performance. (Possessive, in plural form)
- I’m studying. (Contraction of “I am”)
- They’d figure it out. (Contraction of “they had”)
Colon [ : ]: A colon is most commonly used to introduce a list or explanation.
- For the test you will need three items: a pencil, an eraser, and a calculator.
- In order to become a better writer, there is one thing to do: write!
A colon is also used in APA Style to introduce a long quotation.
- Johnson (2013) stated:
APA style is one of the most common obstacles for returning students. Often, students will need to rely on the use of an APA style guide, formatting software, or writing tutors to assist with learning the use of this style. (p. 12)
Comma [ , ] : A comma has multiple functions, and it is perhaps one of the more difficult punctuation marks to fully understand. Generally speaking, a comma indicates a brief pause in the flow of a sentence. Below are several common ways to use a comma.
- To separate two independent clauses with [comma + conjunction]:
- I studied hard, but I still struggled with the writing section.
- Separate words in a series:
- I need a computer, my textbook, some coffee, and time.
- To separate speaker indicators or citation information when using quotes:
- “Please, hand me my belonging,” he said.
- “There has never been a higher need for academic awareness,” (Johnson, 2013).
- To set apart introductory elements:
- First, we must find a time to meet. (Introductory word/phrase)
- Before we being, we must find a time to meet. (Subordinate clause)
- To set apart parenthetical elements (or added information):
- Mr. Thomas, my biology teacher, was out sick today. (Appositive)
- I told you, sir, I am trying to study here. (Interjection)
- Class now over, the students excitedly ran out the door. (Absolute)
- The paper, tinged by sitting in the summer sun, had grown yellow. (Participial)
Dash[ — ]: A dash is used to set apart or emphasize a part of a sentence. A pair of sentences can do this within the sentence, while a lone dash can set apart or emphasize content at the end of a sentence.
- My friends–ones I met while studying–are meeting me at the library.
- I have a problem with dashes–whether you like it or not.
A dash should not be confused with a hyphen. A dash is created by two hyphens (although word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, may automatically update a hyphen to a dash).
A dashes place less emphasis on its enclosed content than commas, but more than parentheses.
Ellipsis [ … ]: An ellipsis (created by three consecutive periods) is used to omit a set of words that are not needed, especially when quoting a source. APA Style prefers that an ellipsis not be used to start or end a quotation.
- According to Johnson (2013), “There has never been a higher need for academic awareness … or institutional intervention.”
In this example, there was more written between “awareness” and “or” in the used quote.
An ellipsis can also be used to suggest a pause, though this is often used in this fashion in creative writing.
Exclamation Mark [ ! ]: An exclamation mark (point) is used to end an imperative sentence, which signifies emotion.
- Stop doing that!
- No!
Hyphen [ – ]: A hyphen is used to join two words together as a compound word – typically adjectives that come before a noun. They are also commonly used to join compound numbers.
- twenty-three; one-hundred-ten (compound number)
- well-known; twentieth-century (compound word)
Note: When uncertain, a good rule to follow is to locate where the adjective is in terms of the noun. If the modifying words come before the noun, hyphenate them: twentieth-century writer. If the modifying words come after the noun, do not hyphenate: writing in the twentieth century.
Parentheses [ ( ) ]: Parentheses act as a side-note for the information within, or de-emphasize this information.
- All assignments must be submitted by the end of the academic week (Monday mornings at 5:59 AM MT) in order to receive full credit.
Parentheses are also used in APA Style to list appropriate in-text citation information.
- According to a recent study, “it is imperative to exercise proper punctuation in citation for reader understanding” (Johnson, 2014, p. 15).
Period [ . ]: A period is most commonly used to end a declarative or imperative sentence.
- I enjoy studying at the library.
- Meet me at the library.
A period can also be used in abbreviations, such as “Dr.” or “M.D.” When a sentence ends with a word, do not include a second period.
- The schedule includes history, math, etc. I think I will manage.
Question Mark [ ? ]: A question mark is used to end an interrogative sentence.
- Where would you like to go today?
Quotation Mark [ “ ” ]: Quotation marks set apart direct words used by an outside source. They can also be used to set apart titles of shorter written works.
- “Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine,” (Byron, 1849).
Semicolon [ ; ]: A semicolon can be used to separate independent clauses that are closely related.
- My afternoon class is calculus; I will need my calculator.
A semicolon can also be used to separate a complex list in order to create better clarity for the reader.
- I have recently visited Denver, CO; Last Vegas, NV; and Chicago, IL.
- The committee consists of Dr. Livingston, Pharmacology; Dr. Lewis, Oncology; Dr. Thomas, Radiology; and Dr. Edwards, Internal medicine.
Slashes [ / ]: A slash typically means “or,” and give an option to use one of the words it separates.
- Writers should use his/her best judgment.