We’ve devoted a number of articles to single punctuation marks like apostrophes, citation marks and semicolons. Complete books might be written on how one can use commas. However there are others that, whereas essential, are less complicated.
Let’s take a look at how one can use a few of these extra simple punctuation marks in good previous AP fashion, the gold commonplace for comms execs.
Exclamation level
Crucial rule with that is, to cite the AP Stylebook: “Keep away from overuse.” The mark, in fact, signifies that one thing has a robust emotion behind it. The ebook counsels to make use of commas after delicate interjections (“Dang, that smarts,”) or to finish mildly emotional sentences with a interval.
In the event you’re utilizing the purpose with citation marks, it goes contained in the citation marks if it’s half of the particular quote (“By no means quit, by no means give up!” he cried), however to go away it exterior if it isn’t (I like “Physician Who”!)
Query mark
The utilization of the query mark is correct there within the identify: you employ it to point somebody is asking a query. On the whole, its utilization is straight ahead. Use the identical guidelines for citation marks we simply mentioned with the exclamation level. In the event you’re utilizing a Q&A method format, there’s no want for a query mark on the finish of the query bit.
Parentheses
Once more, you most likely don’t want this punctuation mark practically as usually as you suppose. Because the stylebook places it: “The temptation to make use of parentheses is a clue {that a} sentence is turning into contorted. Attempt to write it one other means.” Commas or dashes can each take the place of parentheses whereas being much less jarring to a reader.
They can be used to incorporate lacking data or clarifications in quoted materials. On the whole, AP fashion desires you to keep away from this and paraphrase if potential. Nevertheless, if a quote is “important,” you should utilize a parenthetical so as to add readability: “He (the pizza man) stated pineapple on pizza is an abomination.”
Parentheses ought to be used to insert crucial background data right into a sentence that doesn’t match with the general move of the road. They are often both a full sentence or a clause. Full sentences ought to be punctuated as such, whereas clauses can get lowercase with no punctuation (like this).
Brackets
Suppose a parenthesis, however sq.: []. After which don’t use them: they aren’t accepted in AP fashion.
Slash
A slash has two key makes use of. First, it may be used to separate two concepts which might be linked however reverse, in an both/or fashion (see what I did there?). On this case, there is no such thing as a house on both aspect of the slash.
It can be used to interrupt up tune lyrics or the traces of a poem. On this case, put areas on both aspect of the slash, as in:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star / How I’m wondering what you’re.
What different punctuation marks would you want assist with? What’s baffling you? Tell us, and we could write about it.
Allison Carter is government editor of PR Every day. Observe her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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