Frequent Punctuation Mistakes in College Papers
Tips on Proofreading and Editing Academic Essays
Mar 17, 2009
Correct punctuation in academic papers is very important for a number of reasons. First, punctuation errors decrease the overall quality of your paper. Second, they can significantly alter the meaning of your sentences and confuse the reader. Lastly, mistakes in punctuation distract both writing and reading processes from pace and style the essay follows.
How to Use Commas in Writing
Commas are used in order to signal a pause in writing. They should be situated between the introductory element of a sentence and whatever follows it. Other that, commas should be used before conjunctions, such as for, and, or, but, etc. Examples:
Honestly, I think he should have apologized.
I do like it here, but I’d rather leave for home.
Commas should be used in order to separate several words of the same grammatical category. Example:
I like red, yellow, green, and purple colors.
Commas mustn’t be used with respect to restrictive elements which modify or specify the meaning of neighboring clauses. Using commas in this fashion can considerably change the meaning of a sentence, and make it grammatically incorrect.
How to Use Apostrophes in Writing
Apostrophes are used in writing in order to signalize the possessive case. In singular, nouns and pronouns they are used between the end of a word and an added “s”. In plural, apostrophes are places right behind “s”. Examples:
This is my father’s car.
My friends’ cat is staying with us for the summer.
Additionally, apostrophe followed by “s” can be used in order to signify plural form of some grammatical categories other than nouns and pronouns. Example:
Freelance writers publish many “how-to’s” on the Web.
Please avoid alliteration; there are far too many a’s in your writing.
How to Use Semicolons in Writing
Semicolons are stronger than commas, but weaker than periods. They separate two clauses that could, normally, stand in separation. Moreover, semicolons are used when the first clause in explained or elaborated on by the clause which follows it. Example:
I couldn’t really move; my body was stiff all over.
How to Use a Dash in Writing
Dashes are used in order to summarize any additional information. They shouldn’t be used too frequently, except for dialogues. Dashes used in the place of commas signify strong emphasis on the information carried by the embedded clause. Example:
Lance – my friend – presented me a new book.
Punctuation skills are important particularly because, quite often, they can decide about the meaning of sentence components, the whole sentence structure, or even modify the sense of a whole paragraph. For more information on proper writing, consult the following sources:
Frequent Spelling Mistakes in College Papers
Effective Academic Writing Exercises
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