Lesson 1: Other Punctuation Marks

Definition

Use hyphens to divide a word at the end of a line.

Explanation

When a word won't fit at the end of a line, you can break it with a hyphen. The key is to split it correctly. Always divide words between syllables. You can also split between a prefix or suffix and the base word. If a word is already hyphenated, like self-control, only break it at the existing hyphen. Never leave a single letter by itself at the beginning or end of a line.

Examples

• ac-cepted
• pre-view [between prefix and base]
• hope-ful [between base and suffix]
• high-school [already hyphenated]

Definition

Use hyphens with the following: compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine; fractions used as modifiers; the prefixes ex–, self–, all–, and great–; the suffixes –elect and –free; prefixes before proper nouns or adjectives; and with compound adjectives that precede the nouns they modify.

Explanation

Hyphens act like glue, joining words that work together as a single idea or description. This is especially important for compound adjectives that come before a noun, like “a well-written story.” Using a hyphen makes your meaning crystal clear. It helps readers understand that the words form a single thought.

Examples

• My nephew is celebrating his twenty-first birthday today.
• The instructions call for a one-third cup of flour.
• Her all-star performance earned a standing ovation.
• This national park is a litter-free zone, so please pack out your trash.
• My great-grandmother was a fascinating woman.

Definition

Use ellipsis points (. . .) to mark omissions from quoted materials.

Explanation

Ellipsis points are your tool for shortening a direct quote. The three dots (. . .) show your reader that you have deliberately left out some words. When you omit words from the very end of a sentence, be sure to include the sentence's original punctuation (like a period) before adding the three ellipsis points.

Examples

• Original: The house stood on a hill, overlooking the ocean and the city below.

Quoted: The narrator explains, “The house stood on a hill . . . overlooking the city below.”

• Original: The most complex machine ever designed is the human brain, which continues to puzzle scientists.

Quoted: The book claims, “The most complex machine ever designed is the human brain. . . .”

Definition

Use parentheses to enclose material that is added to a sentence but is not considered to be of major importance.

Explanation

Think of parentheses as a way to whisper extra information to your reader. This information is helpful but not essential to the main point of the sentence. If you can remove the text inside the parentheses and the sentence still makes complete sense, you've used them correctly! It's a great way to add dates, translations, or asides.

Examples

• Marie Curie (1867–1934) was a pioneering physicist and chemist.
• The platypus (a semi-aquatic mammal) is native to eastern Australia.
• The final document (all 150 pages of it) was finally ready for the presentation.

Definition

Use a dash to indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech or an unfinished statement or question.

Use a dash to indicate namely, that is, or in other words or to otherwise introduce an explanation.

Explanation

Dashes are powerful tools for creating emphasis. Use a dash to show a sudden change of direction in a sentence or when a thought is cut off. You can also use dashes to set off an explanation or a list that clarifies what came before it. Dashes create a more dramatic pause than commas or parentheses.

Examples

• Abrupt Break: “I can’t believe you’re going to—” she began, but stopped when she saw his expression.
• Explanation: All the things I needed for the trip—a passport, a ticket, and a suitcase—were packed and ready by the door.
• Explanation: My cousin—the one who lives in Chicago—is a talented musician.

Definition

Use brackets to enclose an explanation within quoted or parenthetical material.

Explanation

Brackets are for adding your own words into someone else’s text. Use them to clarify a pronoun or add a brief explanation inside a direct quote. This shows your reader that the added words are yours, not the original author's. They are essential for maintaining the integrity of the original quotation while ensuring it makes sense in your own writing.

Examples

• The witness testified, “He [the defendant] never left the building that night.”
• The memo stated: “The meeting will be moved to the following week [September 15] due to the holiday.”
• Please refer to the latest report (see Appendix C [page 54]) for the complete data.