Punctuation Pointers Archives

Find the Errors and Win the Prize

Warm up by finding one concisely spelled error in this sign. When you find it, go on to the next challenge. This dumpster sign has three punctuation errors, along with some funny commentary. Don’t quit until you find everything. Thank you to Eric W.,… continue reading

Can You Fix This Error-Filled Email?

Below is a screenshot of the first half of an email invitation I received for a bill-signing event in Seattle. I understood the content and appreciated the invitation, but I couldn’t help spotting all the errors. How many do you recognize? Feel free to edit… continue reading

Error or No Error?

I saw this great card designed by Jessica Hogarth at my local supermarket. It’s a thank-you card for a teacher. Does it contain an error? If so, where? If not, why not? Do you worry about whether errors are getting by you? Or that you… continue reading

If You Are a Writer or an Editor, You Need This Book

In an earlier post, I promised to review Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style “in a few days.” That was more than three weeks ago. I’ve been savoring the book, making notes on every chapter. I am now ready to tell… continue reading

Does Humming Attract Birds? A Punctuation Problem

My friend Eric W., a great sign spotter, sent me this photo for your enjoyment. He asks, “What does it hum?” I ask you, “What is the problem with the heading below?” It’s an easy problem for a snowy Monday in Seattle–and an opportunity… continue reading

Incarcerated but Not Hyphenated

I received an invitation to a professional meeting focused on hiring “formerly-incarcerated talent (FIT).” FIT–that’s a catchy acronym. But what caught my attention more was the unnecessary use of the hyphen. Did you notice it? These are formerly incarcerated (not hyphenated) individuals. Here’s the rule:… continue reading

Three Quests for Errors

Are you feeling smart and alert today? Test yourself in the three short passages below. Each “Error Quest” has just one error. Find and correct it. Error Quest 1: Since you asked, this is RoAnn’s and my suggestion: We believe that we should use the word programs rather… continue reading

An Unimpressive Message From My Dentist

I want the best in dentistry–not business writing–from my dentist. But I'm still disappointed when I receive a pointless, error-filled email like the one below. In it, I have changed the name of the dental practice to "Your Favorite Dentist." Otherwise, it's identical to the email… continue reading

Apostrophe Doubts? Review and Test Yourself.

A dear friend just told me about an embarrassing apostrophe situation she experienced at work. She had just put up a sign with the heading October Birthday’s, which listed employee and member birthdays, when someone stopped and stared grimly at it. The individual said, “I’m a… continue reading

Test Your Proofreading Skills

Get your proofreading game on! Three challenges await you. A hint about the number of errors, followed by the solutions, appears at the end of the tests. Test 1: The Note of Thanks Dear Krista; Thank you very much for your work on the auction.… continue reading