Punctuation Pointers Archives

A white and yellow background separated by a pencil with a semicolon on the left and a colon on the right

Punctuation Pointers

How to Use Semicolons and Colons Properly

We’ve written a lot about semicolons and colons, but since it’s such a demanded topic, we thought we’d revisit it once more. At a very basic level, both colons and semicolons help adjust the rhythm of a sentence. This gives the reader an opportunity… continue reading

graphic showing 2 options for shortening the word "continued:" "cont." and "cont'd"

What’s the Right Way to Abbreviate Continued?

Most abbreviations are easy to figure out. It’s much more common to say “Mr.” instead of “Mister,” and writing “4 km” is a lot easier than “4 kilometers.” For some abbreviations, however, finding the right way to shorten them isn’t so easy. In fact, there… continue reading

Address punctuation: A picture of two envelopes on a wooden table. The text "does punctuation go inside parentheses" is written in the space where the address should be written in order to signify

Address Punctuation: Commas and More

Let’s talk address punctuation. Even though it may be considered a dying skill, correctly addressing an envelope can be very useful. Addresses can be tricky, as each is different and poses new formatting issues. One main example is commas, which often throw people off when… continue reading

Does Punctuation Go Inside Parenthesis?

Updated September 8, 2022 – Does punctuation go inside parentheses? Using parentheses and periods is very common and integral to forming basic English sentences. Generally, periods act to fully end a sentence with a punctual stop, whereas parentheses allows you to add tangents and notes… continue reading

Picture of a hand holding a magnifying glass to a capital C after a semicolon and a colon, with a caption: capitalisation after semicolon & colon

Punctuation Pointers

Capital Letter Following Semicolons & Colons?

If you’re wondering whether or not to put a capital letter after a semicolon or colon, the answer is “it depends”. Usually, the decision requires determining the independent and dependent clauses in the sentence. As a reminder, independent clauses are also known as restrictive clauses,… continue reading

The Proper Use and Punctuation of ‘However’

Can you start your sentence with ‘however?’ How about using ‘however’ in the middle of a sentence? It is certainly a very useful word. However, one must be mindful of the various regulations that dictate whenever and however we use it! To mean ‘but’ One… continue reading

A graphic that shows a rule of hyphenation - when a description precedes the noun, a hyphen is needed. When it is after the noun, no hyphen is needed

Punctuation Pointers

Are Numbers Hyphenated When Written Out? Let’s Find Out.

When big numbers or long, complicated divisions are involved, things can get blurry, especially when one has to write these numbers out. What complicates matters is pesky punctuation. Are numbers hyphenated when written out? What about they they serve as adjectives? Ah yes, punctuation follows… continue reading

Punctuation Pointers

Should You Use A Comma After ‘e.g.’ or Not?

What Does e.g. and i.e. Mean? The common abbreviation e.g. means for example in Latin, translated from the phrase exempli gratia. Similarly, another abbreviation, i.e means, in other words, stemming from the Latin saying id est. A punctuation mark always follows them in their modern-day use, such as a period, colon, or semicolon. For instance,… continue reading

Punctuation Pointers

Should You Capitalize After Using A Colon?

Capitalizing The First Word After A Colon Let’s talk capitalization after a colon. In short, if used in British English, the first letter used after a colon is usually capitalized if it is an acronym or popper noun. In contrast, the first word after a… continue reading

Punctuation Pointers

Three Week’s Time or Three Weeks Time?

Do you know which is correct: I will finish in three weeks’ time or in three weeks time? In one day’s time or in one days time? ANSWER: It is correct to say three weeks’ time and one day’s time. In order to answer this… continue reading