Punctuation, Part 2

In this section, I will discuss three new topics from the "Punctuation" section of Rules for Writers. I will then relate these to my draft of Project 2.

ZIPNON, "Symbols Grammatical Marks  Punctuation Template Set." April 2015 via Pixabay.  Public Domain License.

The Semicolon

This section commented on common uses and misuses of the semicolon. I was particularly stuck by the number of applications of this punctuation mark. I had previously known of only one use, in which a semicolon is inserted between two independent clauses. However, this section showed me that there are many more uses, which, when used correctly, can positively impact one's writing. This is something I will definitely have to keep in mind when I am writing.

The Apostrophe

This section was especially useful for me, because I have always struggled with certain applications of the apostrophe. I found it particularly helpful because of its explanation about when not to use apostrophes. For instance, the section said not to used apostrophes to show the plural form of numbers (e.g., 8s), and this cleared a misconception I had had for years.

Other Punctuation Marks

This section helped me more clearly understand some of the odds and ends of punctuation. For example, I had never truly learned the proper use of the dash, and this section helped me understand the grammatical effects of such punctuation marks. I found that I use these other punctuation marks quite frequently, but hopefully I will use them more effectively now that I understand their proper use.

Reflection of Project 2 Revision

As I was revising my draft, I found several instances of proper and improper uses of these punctuation marks. This showed me that, while I felt pretty confident in my punctuation skills before, there is always room for improvement. For example, I found this sentence as I was rereading my draft:

"In this way, the author’s appeal to his audience’ beliefs, personal narratives, and credible sources really added to the persuasiveness of his writing."

This sentence demonstrates an incorrect use of an apostrophe, as "audience'" needs to be corrected to "audience's." It is possible that I used this apostrophe incorrectly because of the "s" sound at the end of "audience." However, the section on apostrophes in Rules for Writers reminded me that I should not add apostrophes merely based on what "sounds" appropriate in the sentence. 

I was also pleased to find a correct use of brackets in my writing, as demonstrated by the following sentence:

"He gives a detailed description of her credentials, explaining that 'she was recruited into the ceramic-engineering program [at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]; she stayed with it and eventually, at M.I.T., got her doctorate in ceramics science' (para. 20)."

When I first wrote this sentence, I was a little unsure about the inclusion of the brackets in this quote. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate for me to include information that wasn't included in the quote in this form. However, the Rules for Writing section on punctuation reassured me that this is grammatically correct. Because of this reading, I think I will now be able to use this punctuation more confidently.