We’ve devoted a number of articles to single punctuation marks like apostrophes, citation marks and semicolons. Complete books might be written on easy methods to use commas. However there are others that, whereas vital, are less complicated.
Let’s take a look at easy methods to use a few of these extra simple punctuation marks in good outdated AP type, the gold customary for comms execs.
Exclamation level
Crucial rule with that is, to cite the AP Stylebook: “Keep away from overuse.” The mark, after all, signifies that one thing has a robust emotion behind it. The e-book counsels to make use of commas after gentle interjections (“Dang, that smarts,”) or to finish mildly emotional sentences with a interval.
If you happen to’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 surrender, by no means give up!” he cried), however to go away it outdoors if it’s not (I like “Physician Who”!)
Query mark
The utilization of the query mark is correct there within the identify: you utilize it to point somebody is asking a query. Typically, its utilization is straight ahead. Use the identical guidelines for citation marks we simply mentioned with the exclamation level. If you happen to’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 in all probability 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 changing into contorted. Attempt to write it one other manner.” 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 info or clarifications in quoted materials. Typically, AP type needs you to keep away from this and paraphrase if doable. Nevertheless, if a quote is “important,” you should use a parenthetical so as to add readability: “He (the pizza man) stated pineapple on pizza is an abomination.”
Parentheses must be used to insert crucial background info right into a sentence that doesn’t match with the general circulate of the road. They are often both a full sentence or a clause. Full sentences must 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 don’t seem to be accepted in AP type.
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 type (see what I did there?). On this case, there isn’t a area on both facet of the slash.
It can be used to interrupt up tune lyrics or the strains of a poem. On this case, put areas on both facet of the slash, as in:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star / How I ponder 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 Each day. Observe her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
