My last article
on common punctuation errors was so popular
(click
here if you missed it) that I decided
to make this topic into a series.
Of course, if you
need some professional help making your
writing flow smoothly and correctly, give
me a call. I'm not just a writer, I'm
also an editor…and I'm here for you!
Linda Coss
949-699-2749
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Common Punctuation Errors II
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Use
Apostrophes to Indicate Possession -
Use an apostrophe when a word is possessive.
When the word ends in an s (such as a plural),
put the apostrophe after the s.
-
This
is the Scout's campsite. [One Scout
has this campsite.]
-
This
is the Scouts' campsite. [More than
one Scout has this campsite.]
-
This
is Russ' campsite. [Russ has this
campsite, and his name ends in the letter
s.]
Use Apostrophes
to Make Contractions - When making a
contraction, use an apostrophe to replace
the letters that are being removed.
-
Wrong:
Using "would'nt" for "would
not," as no letters were removed
between the d and the n.
-
Right:
Using "wouldn't" for "would
not," as the letter removed was between
the n and the t.
Use Commas
after Introductions - Introductory clauses,
phrases, and words provide background information
or "set the stage" for the main
part of the sentence. In most cases a comma
should be placed after these types of introductions.
-
If
she wants to get straight A's, Becky
must study every day.
-
A
popular athlete, Tom was the top choice
for Prom King.
-
Meanwhile,
the basement filled with water.
Avoid
Comma Splices - When two independent
clauses (i.e. two sets of words that can
each stand on their own as a separate sentence)
are separated only by a comma, it's called
a comma splice. Comma splices are always
incorrect. Independent clauses should be
made into separate sentences, joined by
a semicolon or joined by a comma plus an
appropriate conjunction.
-
Wrong:
It was a five-hour drive to Grandma's
house, Jenna got very bored.
-
Right:
It was a five-hour drive to Grandma's
house. Jenna got very bored.
-
Right:
It was a five-hour drive to Grandma's
house; Jenna got very bored.
-
Right:
It was a five-hour drive to Grandma's
house, and Jenna got very bored.
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| ©
2009 Linda Marienhoff Coss |
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