Writing with Proper Punctuation

Good punctuation creates signposts in your sentences, telling your readers when to pause, what to expect next, and more. Learn how to use punctuation with confidence.

Introduction

• Punctuation helps your readers

1. Apostrophes

• How to use apostrophes for possessives
• How to use apostrophes for contractions
• When to use apostrophes for plurals

2. Commas

• How to use commas after an introductory element
• How to use commas between main clauses
• When to use the Oxford or serial comma
• When to use commas with dependent clauses
• How to use commas with nonrestrictive clauses
• How to use commas with names

3. Hyphens

• How to use hyphens in compound modifiers
• When to use hyphens with prefixes
• When to use suspensive hyphens

4. Question Marks

• How to use question marks in wondering sentences
• How to use questions marks with rhetorical questions

5. Quotation Marks

• How to combine quotation marks with periods and commas
• How to mix quotation marks with question marks
• How to mix quotation marks with other punctuation
• How to use ellipses in quotations

6. Semicolons

• How to use semicolons to join main clauses
• How to use semicolons in complicated lists

7. Other

• How to use parentheses
• How to use periods with abbreviations
• How to use asterisks
• How to use colons
• How to use dashes

Conclusion

• Next steps