45 min
Punctuation
1 topic
1.
COLONS
Colons are used
1.1
to introduce an explanation or further details:
- We decided not to go on holiday: we had too little money.
- There was a problem with the car: it was losing oil.
1.2
to introduce a list:
- The main points are as follows: (1) get up, (2) survive the day, (3) go to bed.
- We need three kinds of support: economic, moral and political.
1.3
Americans usually put a colon after the opening salutation (Dear …) in a business letter.
NB! British usage prefers a comma or no punctuation mark at all in this case.
- Dear Mr. Jackass:
NB! British usage prefers a comma or no punctuation mark at all in this case.
1.4
Normally, direct speech is introduced by a comma:
However, a longer passage of direct speech may be introduced by a colon.
- Stewart opened his eyes and said, 'Who's your beautiful friend?'
However, a longer passage of direct speech may be introduced by a colon.
- Presenting his report for the year, the Chairman said: 'A number of factors have contributed to the firm's very gratifying results. First of all, ... '
1.5
A colon is also used when direct speech is introduced by a name or short phrase (as in the text of a play, or when famous sayings are quoted).
- POLONIUS: What do you read, my lord?
- HAMLET: Words, words, words.
- In the words of Murphy's Law: 'Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.'
2.
Semi-colons
Semi-colons are sometimes used instead of full stops to connect grammatically independent sentences with closely connected meaning.
Semi-colons can also be used to separate items in a list, particularly when these are grammatically complex.
- Some people work best in the mornings; others do better in the evenings.
- It is a fine idea; let us hope that it is going to work.
Semi-colons can also be used to separate items in a list, particularly when these are grammatically complex.
- You may use the sports facilities on condition that your subscription is paid regularly; that you arrange for all necessary cleaning to be carried out; that you undertake to make good any damage;...
3.
DASHES
Dashes are especially common in informal writing. They can be used in the same way as colons, semi-colons or brackets.
Dashes, like commas, are used to add extra comments to the middle or end of a sentence.
A dash can introduce an afterthought, or something unexpected and surprising.
- There are three things I can never remember — names, faces, and I’ve forgotten the other.
- We had a great time in Greece — the kids really loved it.
Dashes, like commas, are used to add extra comments to the middle or end of a sentence.
- My mother — who rarely gets angry — really lost her temper.
- We’ll be arriving on Monday morning — at least, I think so.
A dash can introduce an afterthought, or something unexpected and surprising.
- And then we met Bob — with Lisa, believe it or not!
4.
HYPHENS
Hyphens often — but not always — join two words to make a compound word.
There seem to be no rules to govern which compound words have a hyphen and which don’t. This means that two educated native speakers could spell the same word differently, e.g. cut-throat and cutthroat.
Note that hyphens are commonly used to make collocations or even sentences into words:
There seem to be no rules to govern which compound words have a hyphen and which don’t. This means that two educated native speakers could spell the same word differently, e.g. cut-throat and cutthroat.
Note that hyphens are commonly used to make collocations or even sentences into words:
- Don’t give me any more of your I-am-tired-can-we-please-go-home bullshit.
5.
QUOTATION MARKS
Quotation marks can be single ('…') or double ("…"). They are also called 'inverted commas' in British English.
Direct Speech
Quotation marks (single or double) are used when we quote direct speech. For quotations inside quotations, we use double quotation marks inside single (or single inside double).
- 'His last words,' said Albert, 'were "Close that bloody window".'
Special use of words
We often put quotation marks (usually single ones) on either side of words to which we give special meanings.
NB! Quotation marks of this kind: "" are NOT used in English.
- People disagree about how to use the word 'disinterested'.
- A textbook can be a 'wall' between the teacher and the class.
NB! Quotation marks of this kind: "" are NOT used in English.
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