My last article on common punctuation errors was so popular (click here if you missed it) that I decided to make this topic into a series. Of course, if you need some professional help making your writing flow smoothly and correctly, give me a call. I’m not just a writer, I’m also an editor…and I’m here for you! |
COMMON PUNCTUATION ERRORS II
Use Apostrophes to Make Contractions – When making a contraction, use an apostrophe to replace the letters that are being removed.
Use Commas after Introductions – Introductory clauses, phrases, and words provide background information or “set the stage” for the main part of the sentence. In most cases a comma should be placed after these types of introductions.
Avoid Comma Splices – When two independent clauses (i.e. two sets of words that can each stand on their own as a separate sentence) are separated only by a comma, it’s called a comma splice. Comma splices are always incorrect. Independent clauses should be made into separate sentences, joined by a semicolon or joined by a comma plus an appropriate conjunction.
|