Do We Need the Oxford Comma?
De we need the Oxford or serial comma? Here are two examples of how this comma can make our writing clearer.
Category: Punctuation
A Handy Memory Trick for Quotation Marks
In these excerpts from the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie offers an introduction to quotation marks and a handy trick for remembering which marks go where. She also gives examples of how to use double quotation marks in a sentence.
An Exclamation Mark in the Middle of a Sentence
In this excerpt from The Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie introduces how to use exclamation marks WITHIN a sentence.
How to Use Hyphens with Compound Words
In this excerpt from The Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie offers a punctuation poem and an easy-to-follow introduction to using hyphens to join the parts of compound words.
An Introduction to Commas
In this excerpt from The Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie gives an easy-to-follow introduction to using commas to set off a person’s name.
Is punctuation the same in different languages and countries?
Charlie C. asks, “Is punctuation the same in different languages (like when you’re translating)?” Take a peek!
How to Cultivate a Love of Poetry
Aileen S. asks, “Do you have any advice for cultivating a love of poetry?” Here are some helpful suggestions from Thomas. Take a peek!
If a sentence has 2 parts, can it have more than 2 commas?
During a virtual classroom visit, Thomas answered a question about whether a main subject can have more than one word.
Do we need two spaces after a period?
Amelia M. asks, “Do we use one or two spaces after periods?” As Thomas explains, the answer has changed over time. Here’s why!
How To Punctuate An Interjection
Krista G. asks, “Can an interjection ever end in a period? For example, a person responding yes or no. As in, ‘No.'”
Can you end a sentence with a preposition?
Sometimes people teach that you can’t end a sentence with a preposition in English, but as Thomas explains, this simply isn’t true. Here’s why!
Should commas be used to separate days from dates?
Imran K. from Pakistan asks, “Should commas be used to separate days from dates?” Here’s a quick and easy answer from Thomas.
How to Use a Dash in a Sentence
Here’s how to use a dash in a sentence—and why! Dashes can be one of the most confusing punctuation marks in the English language. Not even the experts agree on how to use them. This, however, is a good thing. It shows how the English language is constantly evolving. And there are some simple ways to use them.
They’re Great! How To Use Apostrophes In Contractions
Let’s explore how to use apostrophes in contractions. Apostrophes are different from other kinds of punctuation marks. Unlike periods, commas, or question marks, for instance, an apostrophe becomes part of a word and can change its meaning dramatically.
How to Use an Ellipsis in a Sentence
Something students often find confusing is how to use an ellipsis in a sentence. We may see it employed all around us . . . and yet be uncertain how to use it ourselves. In the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, Marie explores how to use the ellipsis as one of the four ways a period is used within a sentence.
How to Use a Semicolon in a Compound Sentence
In the Basic Cozy Punctuation Course, one of the topics both Marie and I explore is how to use a semicolon in a compound sentence. Semicolons have a way of confusing young learners (and not-so-young learners) because their appearance can seem a bit confusing, but there’s a simple way to remember what they do.