PUNCTUATION-AT-A-GLANCE: © Susanna Rich The Flexible Writer (Allyn & Bacon, 2003)
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Name
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Mark
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Origin
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Meaning
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Gesture
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Use
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Example
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apostrophe
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’
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“step up”
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contract
possess
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flick away
beckon
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contraction
possession
quote inside quote
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it’s
John’s
“He’s‘good’”
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comma
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,
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“cut”
“separate”
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introduce
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mark off
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introduction
list
modifier
transition
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At
first,
a,b,c,d
Bo,
the son,
however,
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colon
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:
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“limb”
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point
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index fin-gers point
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list
emphasis
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these:
a,b,c
She
knew it: this was it.
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dash
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—
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“rush”
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emphasize
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rush
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emphasis
interruption
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Jane—my
love—
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ellipsis
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…
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“fall short”
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omit
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cut
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omission
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And
then…
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exclamation
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!
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“shout out”
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emphasize
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jab
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emphasis
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Help!
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hyphen
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-
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“under one”
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treat as one
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connect
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link
line ending
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high-priced
end-
ing
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parentheses
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(
)
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“put aside”
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set aside
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hide
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insertions
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Jane
(whom I adore)
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period
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.
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“cycle”
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end
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finish
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sentence
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Walk.
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question mark
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?
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“ask”
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inquire
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invite
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questions
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Why?
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quotation
marks
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“
”
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“exactly”
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highlight
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highlight
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direct quote
irony
titles
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“Why?”
It’s
“cool.”
“Noel”
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semicolon
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;
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“half limb”
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half stop
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balance
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sentences
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Run; stop.
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underlining & italics
(only one)
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_________
italics
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“emphasize”
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draw attention
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draw attention
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emphasis
mention
titles
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She knew.
I
is
a letter.
Moby
Dick
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capitalization
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Capitalization
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“head”
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show importance
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lift
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beginnings
proper nouns
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I
am I.
Mississippi
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Punctuation is a fundamental tool
for transcribing human voice, gestures, and body language onto the page. If you were Jane, how would you prefer your
beloved to refer to you?
Jane (whom I adore) *implies secrecy or something to be taken
for granted
Jane—whom I adore *implies exuberant display
Jane: whom I adore! *emphasizes
Jane, whom I adore? *is an aside, a by-the-way
Jane, whom “I adore” *implies irony, an inside joke
Jane, whom I Adore *implies big love
Jane, whom I ADORE *is a billboard, flashing lights
As you write, imagine what hand gestures would accompany your words if you were speaking them in person, and how you would like others to perceive your message.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeletePrevious to reading this blog post I never thought about how punctuation can transcribe human gestures and body language. When using punctuation, I tend to think about how it would sound and not look, but I now think it's important to consider both in order to engage the reader and write more effectively. I have some Italian in me which means I typically speak with my hands, so the next time I'm writing I will try to think about how the way I punctuate can affect the way my work is perceived. This makes punctuation seem more like a helper rather than a scary foe.
Sincerely,
Larissa Carvalho
Hi Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteThis punctuation post was something I will keep as a reference as I finish up my manuscript, and just for life. When it comes to punctuation and gestures I never realized how crucial punctuation is is to the way we analyze what is being said. I use a lot of exclamation points in my daily writing, when I'm texting and writing emails I tend to end a sentence with at least one. After reading your punctuation chart I believe ending a few statements with ! is okay! I find that punctuation is not always properly used which can cause some confusion in the context of what is being said. This was a really great tool to keep with me for future writing.
-Jessica Jardonoff
Dr Rich ,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I appreciate the chart, it's very well organized. This chart will help me not only in this course but in all my other classes. Punctuation is important, words can be the same but a comma, colon or exclamation point, etc. can make a difference in what we are trying to say. For example: Your book, Tina. and Your book, Tina? Two different meaning literally. The same goes for gestures, tone and body language. We are able to perceive how a person is feeling by their body language as they speak. This information was very helpful. Thank you once again, Dr. Rich.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI've always made an effort to use punctuation correctly, and I know all of the meanings of different punctuation marks, but this chart made me think differently about their meanings. The chart emphasized the importance of punctuation and made me understand, in a different way, why I use them the way I do. The chart also helped me understand how punctuation can make a sentence sound different just by the way the punctuation is placed.
Dr. Rich
ReplyDeleteThe punctuation chart is very helpful, and is a good reference on how and when to use punctuation. I never thought about punctuation in relation to hand gestures before, but it's something that I will keep in mind for not only the final project, but also future stories and scripts that I write. Punctuation is important, as it can completely change the meaning or structure of a sentence. Having a guide like this, particularly for ellipsis and semicolons, is extremely helpful. There are so many grammatical tools that writers have at their disposal, but sometimes are unsure of how to use them. I'm definitely going to keep this chart in mind moving forward.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteIf I were Jane, I would want my loved one to refer to me as, Nancy, whom I Adore *implies big love. This is showing that he loves me very much and talks about me with respect and love. It's very important to use punctuation in this day and age, especially while emailing and/or texting. Punctuation can go a long way. I try to use correct punctuation as often as possible, especially while I'm writing an email or text to someone. A lot of people can take something you say the wrong way if you don't use punctuation correctly.
This punctuation chart is extremely useful. A lot of people take different punctuation into different meanings, whereas they don't know the proper definition. It's important to know these definitions while using the different type of punctuation. Even though one might think they know the right definition, they might get a different feel after looking at this chart and analyzing it. Thanks for sharing it! *emphasizes.
Dr. Rich
ReplyDeleteThe punctuation chart is a great tool. When I read this blog post, I was like this is exactly what I need. This is because I know I have trouble sometimes with my punctuation which at time will make some of my sentences confusing to understand. And also when reading others writing I could catch punctuation errors easier then my own. The guidance of this chart is going to help me for this final paper and I'm also going to keep it as tool for now on. This is exactly what I've needed for the longest time and it can help everyone.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeletePunctuation helps change the meaning of a sentence, it’s amazing what exclamation mark or dash can do. In my spare time I write plays and short stories, and the way a punctuation is placed can shift the storytelling. The phrase “I love you”, can be changed in so many ways. For instance, “I love you!”, “I love you?”, “I love you”, “I love YOU”, you can particularly hear the difference and picture each meaning. Language and interpretation can vary just by how an exclamation mark is place or by which word is italicized.
Hi Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteIf working in the Writing Center on campus has taught me anything, it's that punctuation is an underappreciated art form. More, though, I think it's an "unsung" art form. Few know how to use it to their advantage as few know how to us it at all. Just the other day, I was working with a student who was using semi-colons as interchangeable with commas. It was... mind-boggling, to say the least.
Anyway, I think it's a known fact to you--by now--that I enjoy pushing the limits of my punctuation in my poetry. (How many clauses can I fit into one sentence with just a handful of commas??? Lol) That said, while it can be fun and experimental, exhilarating, even, to push the boundaries of both language and punctuation, it's also important to "know the rules BEFORE you break them". For too many students, I think, that basic foundation is non-existent and, unfortunately, that can have a major impact on their ability to express themselves in their writing. More, without that knowledge of punctuation's rich meaning, it can make students believe writing is inherently bland and incapable of being "rich" in the first place--which, couldn't be any farther from the truth.
Best,
Kelli
(Btw, if I had to pick a way to be referred to, I'd like to combine the dash with some capitalization. "Kelli--whom I ADORE", thank you very much ^.^ It's a perfect blend of that #dramatic and diva I so crave~)
Hi Dr. Rich:
ReplyDeleteI just want to say the list is really the thing that I was looking for when I was writing the analysis of E.E.Cumming's Poetry. Although they are different gendres but I initially wanted to interpret the meanings hidden behind punctuations, and I surely gained lots of fun. The whole section of parathesis is just inspiring, reminding me of the different connotations of brackets in a script. I believe each punctuation in the script was carefully placed by the playwrighter due to certain purposes, and interpreting those meanings makes me feel like deciphering codes. I couldnt wait to apply the chart to the recent play we are reading:)!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this chart. It’s going to help me with the commitment I made to experiment with punctuation in my previous post. All the meanings that come with each mark are interesting and have me viewing these symbols in a way I never had before, they’re almost like their own language.
eni
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteThis blog post is not only helpful, but it is necessary. It is necessary for us as writers to be able to use punctuation and to use it correctly. In my past experience, I have noticed that many writers do not use punctuation when it is needed. For example, I have observed that some writers tend to write run-on sentences, completely ignoring all rules of punctuation. Or other times, I have noticed that writers will separate independent clauses by inserting a comma, thus resulting in a comma splice. Many writers also have difficulty differentiating between a colon and a semicolon. Generally, the rules of punctuation seem to be ignored or used incorrectly by writers. This is problematic because punctuation conveys as much meaning as the words on the page. Convention is just as important (if not more important than) content.
Even though I have made enough mistakes in my own writing that have taught me to use proper punctuation, I think I could always benefit from a review. That is why I really appreciate the chart above; it is a clear and informative tool. What I appreciate the most about this chart is that it includes the origins of the various punctuation marks, which is something I was unfamiliar with. What I also thought was unique was that you included the physical gestures that correlate with each punctuation mark. As a writer, I have never imagined punctuation as being a gestural thing, but now that I think about it, I believe writing actually has a lot to do with gestures. Gestures help me to think about the physical effect that is being accompanied by the punctuation mark being used.
In schools, grammar is no longer taught and punctuation is not emphasized. As a future educator, this does not sit well with me, because I believe that good writing needs proper punctuation. I feel like I will be the type of teacher to teach grammar mini-lessons. In my classroom, I will likely have a chart like the one posted above, because it would be a good tool for my students to reference as they apply punctuation in their own writing.
Nada Amer
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteThis blog highlighted just how much punctuation helps convey various meanings just by where and how they are placed. Punctuation however is a topic that I believe is not emphasized as much as it should be. It is also under appreciated and unfortunately not taught as often as it should be. This chart truly helped me further understand what each punctuation mark means and how it can further be used alongside words. It has inspired me to pay closer attention to my punctuation usage as I continue to write papers. It has also reminded me to deliver that same energy when looking over the work of my peers as we engage in peer editing. I can only imagine how it must have felt back then living in an era where punctuation had not even been a thought. How frustrated individuals in society must have been trying to decipher the different meanings trying to be conveyed. Punctuation can also appear to be a tricky monster that confuses you as you write your papers and so this chart will serve as useful tool for me. It has taught me the origins of punctuation which is something that I had never known before.
Dr. Rich
ReplyDeleteSince I've been in college, I learned how to properly use punctuations like semicolons and quotations. This blog post is useful as a go-back reference to understand which punctuations fit better than others. In my opinion, including the chart was a good visual that I would love to print out for me future classes.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I really liked how you gave an example of how just one sentence can mean so many different things. I have always known how important punctuation is, but this chart helped to emphasize and highlight how significant punctuation is. I've always paid close attention to punctuation. It drives me crazy when I read something that doesn't have correct punctuation. I've noticed from observing my younger brothers work that schools are drifting away from teaching grammar to children. It is a great tool that I feel everyone should learn how to use.
Dr.Rich,
ReplyDeleteThis post is definitely useful. The chart was really helpful to me as far as how to properly use punctuation and the meaning behind them. I believe this is one easy way of knowing how to build my writing based on this chart and I would definitely go back to this post for help while writing my paper.I would also recommend this to my friends so they can also improve on their use of punctuation because I feel this is more reliable to learn from honestly.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI love how you explained under the chart about the implication of punctuation marks and their places. When reading it is important to use proper punctuation to convey certain messages because if they are used correctly it will feel like the words are actually being put into action; otherwise the words will be read like blah blah blah blah. The chart you posted will also be very useful especially because it will be something that I share with my middle school students in my after school program.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteThe post is very helpful and useful that I will use as I finish up my manuscript and will continue to use later on in life. When looking at punctuation this way it is actually more effective and easier to remember. In elementary school I hardly remember talking about punctuation. I would maybe learn about correct punctuation once or twice in elementary school so I had to teach myself. In high school, junior year specifically, my ENGLISH teacher said we do not need to learn about punctuation and grammar because we should know it already. She also said she got bored when teaching it and even made a point to say that it was "not important".
Not important? Without punctuation there would be no emotion, gestures, or body language on a written page just like you say! When I use punctuation in my writing I actually do think about how a person would say it. Like with commas there is a pause, if someone were saying something and takes a breath to me that is a pause thus I place a comma there and then they continue their sentence.
To answer your question if you I Jane, I would prefer my beloved to refer to me as- "Jane, whom I Adore" because it implies big love which I feel everyday from my boyfriend. Also I also feel that everyone should feel big love from someone no matter who it is.
Kristen Calderoni
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI really love the chart you put together and it is honestly a great reference to keep! If you don't mind I would love to print it out and keep it for when I become a teacher and can use it to teach my students about punctuation. I always knew punctuation was important, but seeing it right in front of me on my computer screen opened my eyes even more. I really liked reading through the origins of each punctuation mark because they were interesting and made sense.
If I were Jane, I would want my beloved to refer to me as, "Jane, whom I Adore" because it is implying a big love and that is what I would want my beloved to say about me when I am not present.
Often times I find myself trying to figure out what exactly in the form of puctuation to use when I am writing.Most time I opt for what I am most comfortable with using a comma and full stop.So I use them to avoid run on sentences and from haveing fragments.I never focused on how I really want to sound when I am making a statement.
ReplyDeleteYet,I am sure I want to sound bold and I want others to read what I write so I really need to focus and think about what I need to say and how do I need to say it.
Maudry
I knew that each punctuation aided the words it surrounds in some way, but I just didn't know that it can create an emphasis or a 'treat as one' helper. In school I was mainly taught how to use commas and semicolons. In High school, I was taught that these two punctuation alone, not counting periods and exclamation marks of course, are the own two that you need in order to write a decent paper. It was when I started using Microsoft word more often when I saw other symbols being suggested to me. But in fear of using them wrong, I would go and use another word that I felt I 'knew how to use correctly'. This chart is very helpful to be so I can use this not only in my manuscripts but in the future papers I know I will have to write. I read that their use to be grammar classes in elementary, middle and high school. More than ever our future students need this class instead of having these different marks fall into their laps when they happen to see it in a book or in College like myself. Confidence is in education and educating them early will build confidence in their work.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this post SO MUCH, and I definitely plan on keeping this chart in my back pocket from here on out. I especially appreciate the note on underlining and italicizing, as I often use these techniques in order to emphasize or draw attention to a word or phrase, but then I end up taking it away, because I thought that it wasn't proper to use in that way. Now that I see it on this chart it kind of validates the use for me, and if anyone tries to fight it, I can now refer them to your blog. Ha ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI'm also very excited to pass this along to my grandmother, although I don't know if she has any interest in correcting her use of punctuation. Immediately after she made her own Facebook account, I realized that there really is this gap between those who grew up in the digital age and those who did not. In her case, this is especially noticeable in the way that she uses punctuation as she types. At first, I was so confused as to what meaning I should take away from her posts or messages to me, until I finally caught on to her special typing language. When she uses quotation marks, it isn't to mark dialogue, or to give a word or phrase an ironic tone, but instead is intended to exaggerate something that she normally says in a different tone. For example: "FYI"; "OMG"; How about you "don't" do that.
When she adds in a nice, long, ".......," it isn't intended to mark a silence or pause, but rather to draw out the length of a read or spoken word. For example: Hey........; I love..... you; Miss you more.....
One thing that she does do that I think resonates with everyone, is putting words in all caps when she intends for it to be perceived as shouting. BYE! GOOD LUCK!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!
I once had someone tell me that this generation never takes a breath, that every sentence, line and moment in life gets clumped together and that the idea of using a comma (where the reader would take a breath) is lost. To me, comma placement shows the reader which words go together by clumping them together. They create flow.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this punctuation chart. I will be printing this out for reference as I write for your class and others. The real meanings of all these punctuation marks get lost over time... or worse- we never actually learned them.
If I were Jane, I would want a dash with the “whom I adore”. I would not want someone’s love for me to be hidden (in parenthesis)… I would want that adoration emphasized.
As someone who fancies themself a great fan of the em dash — I prefer its streamlined look to that of (parenthesis) or, for example, the dips of a comma — I find myself leaning towards them more often than not.
ReplyDeleteHowever, aside from writing in a formal setting (which most social media consumers don't use as often as, say, short-hand texts or posts), it's incredibly critical to note that there's a wholly different lexicon in regards to grammar on the internet.
A simple "." at the end of a sentence has a large tendency to cause a sentence to come off as curt, whereas a "," to end a sentence (while grammatically incorrect in a formal / academic / etc. setting, is rather common in some social / media circles) would suggest tentativeness, or a soft ending to a thought. I do my best to keep my writing forms separate — use the correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, etc. in formal writing, but as a creative writer, I find the freedom in playing with "proper" punctuation to be 'super Interesting'.
That noted, although in speech, I'm much more likely to be the person saying 'Jane, whom "I Adore"', and my personal bias to the em dash aside, I'm rather fond of "Jane — whom I adore." The exuberance and energy of the statement is the most welcoming.
Dear Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy how each of these blog posts has something new for me to learn. Whereas some concepts I’ve heard of but never thought too much into, others may be totally new ideas which I happily enjoy to learn. The use of punctuation and how it can change a message is an interesting concept I never thought too much into. I find it interesting how a single little character can make such a big difference when it comes to writing a message. Something meant to be sweet and caring could be seen as something rude or uncalled for. It reminds me in a way of texts and how messages can be taken out of context because of spelling or emoticons. An example being that when I was younger I would text words in caps if I was happy or excited. FOR SOME PEOPLE HOWEVER THIS COULD BE TAKEN AS ME YELLING IN ANGER, which is not what I wanted. With emoticons, it made the process easier so that my message wouldn’t be taken out of context. I enjoyed learning about the different meanings behind these punctuation marks and how they served to express different feelings.
Stephen Corrales
I can really value this post because when I began to be taught about punctuation it was on a very basic sugar coated level. The only two punctuation marks I was really taught about are period and commas. I was taught that a period should be used when you feel a breath should be taken between thoughts. A comma should be used when separating two ideas in one overall general thought to prevent a run on sentence. This chart is really helpful and I especially like the word origin column because that really helps me to better understand when and how punctuation should be used.
ReplyDeleteThank You,
Tori White
Although it was a bit boring and sometimes annoying, the origins and ethics class that I took last semester at Kean was really helpful! I don't want to admit it, because most people disliked the class, but I found it enjoyable! I actually find myself remembering some grammar rules and applying it to my writing now-a-days.
ReplyDeleteI think that because we live in such a 'tech savy' world, we become lazy with grammar and punctuation. When writing, we all look for the green or red lines under our words to see if there are any mistakes or errors. We tend to not proof read because we rely on technology. Hell, there's even ads on TV for systems that will check everything you post and type for correct grammar.
I think that it's a great benefit to have this technology to have a strong basis with, however we are taking advantage of such. As writers, it is crucial for us to understand punctuation - it's not just the responsibility of our future editors!
This blog post has been printed and will be saved in my journal for future endeavors!
I am definitely stealing this chart. As I have said before, I have never been a good student when it comes to punctuation. I never thought about all the different meanings that came from all the different punctuations. I never thought about things like underlining and italics were part of the branch of punctuation. Even capitalization had me question all this. The little examples with the sentences of Jane were a great help with understanding better. Then the last little segment you asked about hand movements that would go with each sentence. If you were exclaiming your hands would go up. If a question is said about a statement you would probably be scratching your head in confusion.
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteThis was such a helpful tool when it came to punctuation and how simple words could have a plethora of different meaning with just a little tweak to it can change the entire meaning from kind to angry. This semester I've been focusing more on the little details that I tend not to notice, and this blog post was a perfect example of things I need to make sure I look out for. Thank you
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteThis is probably one of the clearest punctuation charts I've looked at, I love it! I like how everything is explained in detail and how organized it is. I'm someone who rushes through writing sometimes and I don't pay attention to punctuation or grammar when I should. I'm a person who uses '...' a lot without knowing exactly why. But now, I do! and I know I'm using it right. I printed this chart out so I can use it for future references and the students I tutor will enjoy it as well.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI *love* punctuation. As a writer who lives and breathes dialogue and screenplays, I've always found that playing with words and their delivery is sometimes more fun than the action going on! I like to envision the scenes in my head as if they're already on the big screen - every furtive glance, stuttered syllable, etc. If the character isn't moving in body and in word, they feel static to me.
Characters, just like people, shout! They *emphasize*! I think you'd find some of the studies in texting and its influences on linguistics interesting. While there are certainly drawbacks to the attachment we have to our messaging apps, the way in which people my age use text to communicate has made advances in leaps and bounds! We capitalize some words for Emphasis (see how in your mind, the word is stressed moreso than the others?) and!! use punctuation!! to convey breaks in speech and expressions of excitement. oR wE uSe StYlEs LiKe ThIs to convey sarcasm/mockery.
This may have gotten away from me... sorry!
xx
Naomi v.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things I learned this semester from both you and my theatre courses was the art of punctuation. It truly can make a difference in how things are interpreted, either helping or hindering the speaker. In my “Voice for the Performer” course, we observed the power of a comma. It is fascinating to hear the difference in sentences depending on the comma placement. In my “Contemporary Acting” course, one of the acting methods created by Sandford Meiser utilizes the technique of stripped away punctuation. One must write out an entire scene with no spaces, commas, periods, etc. This way the actor can interpret the work in their own way rather than depending on the punctuation. This method helped me realize that I NEED punctuation. Many of my acting choices are based on dashes, commas, ellipses, etc. Without these punctuations, I felt lost. I also want to note that punctuation also has a large effect on texting for me. For example, if I am texting someone and they are constantly sending ellipses, I feel as though there is more to what they are saying. I also hate when people finish their texts with periods, because it implies a serious tone to me. -Brianna Martinez
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Rich:
ReplyDeleteI find punctuation to be very helpful. Punctuation to me sets the tone, makes me understand exactly what the writer wanted to express and I hear a "voice" behind the sentences when punctuation is used. It is like painting-by-numbers (hope everyone remembers those) punctuations tell you what color to use and where. Like a map to the content, it directs you towards your destination. I sure hope we never forget about our friends the punctuation crew :)
PS: that is a very useful chart, thank you!
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeletePunctuation is something I feel very strongly about! I make it a point to be extremely cognizant of the way I am using punctuation when I write. I believe that the punctuation you use, and how you use it, has the ability to completely change what you are trying to say. I remember my high school English teacher had a poster hanging up in her classroom. It said, "Let's eat Grandma!" and then underneath that phrase it said, "Let's eat, Grandma!" In big, bold letters it read PUNCTUATION SAVES LIVES. I always thought that poster was hysterical, but it always stuck with me. It served as the perfect example as to why it is so important to use proper punctuation. Ever since that poster, I have been a stickler for using the right punctuation, and always try to pay attention to how I use it. I do this not only when writing papers, but when I am texting. Actually, I pay more attention to punctuation when I am texting! The person on the receiving end of my text can interpret my words however they choose, but if I make sure I have the proper punctuation, I leave less room for their interpretation. Similar to Mrs. Cassidy's poster, the punctuation chart that you posted in this blog was very helpful to me, and I know that it will stick with me just the same. I especially appreciate the 'gestures' column; it really enhanced my understanding of punctuation.
I have never paid that much attention to punctuation until I read this blog. It made me realize that is a very important tool if a person knows how to use it properly. With proper punctuation, can mean different things and express many emotions. As you mentioned above, “Punctuation is a fundamental tool for transcribing human voice.” It give life to a story, which gives eyes to your imagination, it wakens feelings when you are reading a love letter from a special someone, it transmits sadness when is bad news, it transmit happiness when is good news. It expresses the mood of the story, letter or a simple text. I always get the wrong idea when someone is texting me sometimes. I don’t know if the person who is texting me joking or telling the truth simply because that person is not using the proper punctuation, that goes for me too, and I always wonder, if I got my point across without any confusion. Since I read this blog, is making me realize how punctuation is a vital tool that we all take it for granted. From now on, I will make sure to use the proper punctuation to express what I am truly feeling, without any barriers, which will help me communicate more effectively and clearly, without any confusions, and not let other people wondering what I meant. To answer the question above would be “whom I ADORE” from my loved one!
ReplyDeleteDr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI agree that punctuations are not only helpful but are an absolute necessity. It provides emphasis on what is being written. Punctuation lets the readers know what tone is being set up by the writer. Punctuation is so important but sometimes it is taken for granted because how we use it in our everyday lives informally. When we text our family and friends, punctuations are used but it is not used academically when we are writing our papers. We are just being our normal selves where punctuation is used, but not as frequently as in our papers or articles. It’s still important to use punctuations in texts because it lets the person on the receiving end now how you feel so they do misunderstand what is being said through the text. It’s different hearing a person’s voice and if their tone is elevated, happy, upset, or frustrated. It would be easier to hear a person’s voice because you can tell by their emotions, but through text, it’s a little harder to convey your emotions. It is also important on how you use the punctuations as well. It helps tell a story and gives the readers images into to what the author is writing, and life is born into that story. These tools are crucial not just in an academic setting, but in real life situations as well.
This is perhaps one of the top blog post that truly resonate with me because not do I believe that punctuation is really helpful but as a writer it is mandatory to learn the grammatical lesson. When I was in high school I was struggling on my punctuations very badly. I would put them in the worst of place and act like if this was ok. Still to this day I suffer from this method but not as bad as I used to in the past. Being able to learn this method requires dedication to the subject and believe me when I say that if you were to learn about punctuations your skill as a writer will drastically improve for the better. If punctuation never existed then what type of world will we live in if what we read doesn't sound correct. Just imagine the readers being all confused on what they are reading. Hell some might even read without pausing and go straight forward. That's a world in which i would hate to be a part of. I'm extremely happy that we have punctuation at this day and age because it will provide future writers in writing fantastic journal, newspaper, novels, and many more!
ReplyDeleteIf there is one thing i truly hate about writing and literature, its punctuation and grammar. I have never been the best at punctuation especially when it comes to commas, i always tend to put them in unnecessary places. I do believe that as a writer it is extremely important to know where exactly to put certain punctuation marks and when to put them. Punctuation can make all the difference in the world especially when others are reading your work. If you miss punctuation marks or put too many the reader will be confused by what the writer is saying because we aren't always fully aware of the writers techniques and how they speak. Luckily now a days there are so many useful websites and apps that can help us with punctuation when it comes to writing. Punctuation is key to a successful paper or book and without it you seem unprofessional and as if you have know idea how to properly write. To some people punctuation and grammar comes easy but to others it can actually be very difficult. Punctuation has been a part of any students lives since kindergarten or maybe first grade so we know what it is, but as we grow as individuals and as writers sometimes we get confused on where to put certain marks and you question if they are needed or not. As much as i struggle with punctuation I know it is necessary and will continue to strive to get better at it.
ReplyDelete-Melanie Azevedo
Punctuation, punctuation, punctuation! Oh my gosh, out of all the many times that I am told in a day just how important punctuation is in English is insane and sane at the same time. However, it is just all so overwhelming at times that I just do not know how to handle it all. But, despite all my complaining, punctuation is very vital to writing and I love to write. Sooo, I must learn how to punctuate properly. Again as I have mentioned before, English is not my first language so it is quite difficult for me to remember all of these rules. Because in Portuguese and Spanish, it is very different than with English. English is more obviously my main language but it still does not however, change the fact that it is hard for me. The punctuation that I get the most confused with would have to be semicolons, hyphens, and dashes. More of the fact because I was never really taught those punctuations as much while in school, because apparently they are not as important as a comma. So I am really appreciative of this chart that you posted and I will definitely be looking back on it for future reference so I am grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteGrace Carranza
Ahhh...Punctuation... I have a very bad relationship with punctuation because the content does not matter to most of these teachers because they want every punctuation to be just perfect. When I meet an instructor who cares more about content than punctuation, it is like a breath of fresh air, but I do believe that punctuation is very important in the English language. My language, Twi, only needs "period" for it to be complete. So learning about all the different rules of punctuation has not been an easy journey because it can be difficult. It was not taught in middle or high school. I do not know why, so when I went to college and it was all the instructors were talking about, I became very irritated because nobody told me it was important, but as I am learning from my mistakes, I hope to learn and fully grasp the idea of proper punctuation.
ReplyDeleteI do need to learn this because i will be definitely teaching some 2nd and 3rd graders about punctuation in the near future. If I do not have it down pack, I would be doing a disservice to my future students. This is a very good chart and I will definitely use it in the future for my classes. I do like to write and hate seeing that I made mistakes that could have been avoided because of punctuation.
Priscilla B
Punctuation is very important. I sometimes have a problem with it, but rely on Microsoft word to fix the issue. But when I am writing something in class to hand in, then I cannot rely on technology so I stick to simple sentences. I cannot emphasis enough how many times I have written run-on sentences. I was never really corrected until maybe high school. And I was not actually “corrected”. It was more like them telling me that it was a run-on but not telling me what to do to fix it. So, simple sentences was the answer. Punctuation can make a big difference in the meaning of a sentence. For instance, if one was writing a story about a guy who ran to class because he overslept and was late, and finally made it and was trying to explain to his teacher what happened, then having him go on and on with no punctuation because he was out of breath, I think, would be fitting. But when it comes to essays or papers, the proper punctuation is a requirement.
ReplyDelete- Madeline Romero
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I have struggled with punctuation ever since I was in high school. Till this day, I still put commas in unnecessary places in my paper, which is an issue with my writing. I also never really know when it is appropriate to use a semi-colon or colon, for that matter. After I write a paper, I leave grammar and punctuation last, since I struggle with it the most. This chart is brilliant. I wish I was able to see this chart earlier on in my major, as it is going to be super helpful for my future writing. I find this entire chart to be extremely helpful, especially with the definitions that you include with each. Punctuation is extremely important when it comes to writing because it allows the reader to understand how you are saying certain things.
ReplyDeleteYour Jane example is a perfect way to show how you can write the exact same sentence, yet make it mean something totally different with the use of punctuation. If I were Jane, I would want my loved one to say, “Jane, whom I adore,” since it implies big love. You want to feel loved and talked about in a caring way. I love how you used an example for each use of punctuation. This clears up so much confusion. As I said, I wish I could’ve printed out this chart years ago before I even began to write. This is an excellent chart and a brilliant blog!
Debby
ReplyDeleteI really thought this blog was very useful, because I for instance, often use them incorrectly. I never realized how crucial punctuations and gestures are. I never felt comfortable with ending sentences with “!” but with the ideas in this chart, I’ve come to conclude that it is perfectly okay to end sentences with an exclamation point. I found that all the meanings behind each punctuation mark was very interesting and that I did not know some of them before.
Seanette Martin
ReplyDeleteApril 13, 2019
Dr Rich
Eng Sem 4817
Punctuation-at-a-Glance
Woahhhhh I needed this years ago not saying I don’t need it now but it would have saved me a lot of red marks on my papers ages ago. I don’t remember punctuation being that important in high school but as I see in college it is so important well in some classes. Honestly, some of my classes the professor doesn’t even read the content but focus more on the punctuation. Although, I still struggle with my punctuation I feel that I am getting better. This blog however breaks it down in simplest terms for me if that makes sense. I wish my teachers were willing to give out something such as this sheet instead of using the book for everything we don’t always understand the book. My writing is great if I do say so myself but my punctuation placement sucks so much.
Commas are my biggest issue and I have had a student workshop my rough draft and all she did was add commas in by the time she got done workshopping was over. I had to explain to her this is a rough draft which means all the punctuation won't be there right now. I also thank her because I might not have even caught all those punctuation errors that she noticed. So that was a gift and a curse for me. As I head into grad school this is a chart I am going to print out and use as a reference for writing my papers because I still struggle from time to time. This is my little cheat sheet that I will also share with my daughter because this is definitely needed for writing.
Before reading this blog, I have never thought our punctuations can be translated in human gestures and body language. When people write or read we look at punctuation as a pause, way to end a sentence, or to list something. Looking at punctuation as both conversational and writing base is extremely needed. It helps engage a person who is writing or a reader to understand something more visually. Looking at this chart, not only will it help with my grammar in classes, but my everyday social skills. I am able incorporate it into the way I speak so saying the same words, can be transcribed differently. Since I am Italian I am constantly using my hands when I speak. I am very loud not only with my mouth, but with my hand gestures and body language. When I say, “Hello” or “Hey” or “Hi” I add a big wave and a happy smile. When I say, “What are you doing today” my facial expressions change into a question base and curious look. Even when I tell a crazy story my hands are up in the air constantly moving. When I say anything I want people to remember it. I don't want what I said to be forgotten memory of someone’s day.
ReplyDeleteI need to get this chart tattooed on my forehead. When I see people using punctuation wrong it drives me bonkers. I am totally guilty of doing it as well, so I guess I should get it tattooed on my arm too (haha). This chart is absolutely genius, and I will be printing it out. One thing that teachers do not teach enough is punctuation, we go over periods, commas, quotations, but they never stress the semi colon, hyphen, dashes, etc. This is something schools need to change. I felt like an idiot when I first got to college, because professors expect you to know all of this, especially if you're an english major. I came to find out that I was not the only one oblivious to the other punctuation marks, and realized I cannot blame myself, just New Jersey’s Education System. So thank you for not preparing me for college! But thank you Dr. Rich for preparing me for beyond college with this chart. I would actually hang it in my classroom for my own students to look at and become more knowledgeable about.
ReplyDeleteI have always been a stickler for punctuation as it drives me insane when individuals use the wrong punctuation. It wasn’t until this blog post that I suddenly noticed that I am not the queen of punctuation. It did not occur to me that punctuation can be used for “transcribing human voice, gestures, and body language onto the page.” I did not know that there was significant meaning and importance behind a hyphen, dash, etc. I was only aware of a what a question mark, period, and exclamation point was used for. I find that this chart will be exceptionally beneficial as I am an English major, I may even add this to my future classroom, and have to write numerous papers. I believe it will be most beneficial as I write creative stories now that I know the difference between certain punctuation. I also think this will bring my stories alive as individuals read them and will be capable of viewing the correct gestures that accompany my words as my previous stories most likely did not use the correct punctuation, which is disheartening to admit. I also believe that everyone should be aware of this chart as many individuals miscommunicate with their peers through text messages. Often times, sentences as read in the wrong way and/or tone leading to arguments. With having knowledge on the different meanings of each punctuation it will permit one to grasp a better understanding of one’s communication and meaning behind their words to avoid disagreements.
ReplyDeleteBailey Vick
I love reading punctuation jokes. Starting this off I couldn't wait to finish because I was sure you'd put one in there. A grammar sentence that I found a month ago that I really loved not only because of the flexibility of the punctuation but because of how men and women chose to use their punctuations. By using the punctuations they did it shows how they think/are.
ReplyDelete"An English professor wrote on the board: A woman without her man is nothing.
The class was then asked to punctuate the sentence.
The men wrote: "A woman, without her man, is nothing."
The women wrote: "A woman: without her, man is nothing."
When I express myself to my husband I talk to him the billboard way. My hand gestures, I feel are appropriate to express the sentiment. However, I smirk when I verbally express my sentiment to him and he seems to think that I am over exaggerating my love for him. If I can stick to writing him letters than he'd know I love him, honestly. But if I speak it than apparently, I'm a liar. It's sad.
For the life of me I can not use semi colons. I am doubtful of when I should place them, therefore, I am hesitant of using them at all. I don't want to use it in a paper for the sake of learning and then the professor reads it and is like, "look at this idiot! Using a semicolon when she should have used a comma", then you shake your head ashamed to be my teacher.
Dr. Rich,
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about that punctuation could have so different effects for just a single sentence. Interpretation is also a big factor because different punctuation and how you pause a sentence can mean completely different things: the punctuation "" is the one I found most funny because it can be interpreted as irony, which I think is very subtle and thought-provoking sometimes. What does it mean when you put "" on a word? It can mean the opposite, or emphasis (sometimes), another meaning, and more. When I think about how punctuation can make such a difference, it teaches me that paying attention to details is important.
In regards to punctuation I have but one thought: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. An ex of mine once complained my text messages had too much sentence structure and punctuation. I was also told that “y’all” being in my day to day speech made me sound dumb. This relationship ended with an exclamation point from her, and plenty of question marks on my end. Dr. Rich, you described the necessity of punctuation through its ability to translate human voice, gestures, and body language onto the page, and I wholeheartedly agree. The specificity of language, including the weight of blank space on a page, is what allows language to spell things out. As you stated ““liGhtninG,” whose capital Gs flash, and flash into our eyes, as lightning would.” Aside from the time it takes to learn the rules to effectively bend them, is following punctuation robbing me of anything? Getting specificity and therefore a proper harnessing of the language reminds me of an old joke.
ReplyDeleteMark, a semicolon, and an Oxford Comma walk into to a bar…
both of them had a great time.