Punctuation
A collection of blog posts about punctuation. Brush up on your skills and find out how to create perfectly punctuated writing with Knowadays.
What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
Nov 30, 2023
Do you know the difference between an acronym and an initialism? Acronyms and initialisms are both types of abbreviations. Both terms refer to abbreviations made up of a set of capitalized letters (rather than a shortened word, e.g., Mrs.), but they have slightly different meanings. In this blog post, we take a closer look at […]
Halloween or Hallowe’en?
Halloween or Hallowe’en?
Oct 31, 2023
Boo! Grab your masks, pumpkins, and bowls of candy. It’s that time of the year again! Halloween is celebrated on October 31 in the US and other parts of the world. Though you’re probably familiar with the spelling Halloween, you might have come across an alternative spelling: Hallowe’en. In this post, we’ll talk about where […]
How to Use Colons and Semicolons (with Examples)
How and When to Use an Ampersand
Jul 29, 2023
Do you know how and when to use an ampersand (&)? Whether you’re a language lover, a typography enthusiast, or just curious about this quirky little symbol, you’re certain to learn something new from our blog post! We’ll go over everything you need to know, including: What Is an Ampersand? An ampersand is a typographical symbol […]
When to Use Parentheses vs Brackets
Jul 17, 2023
Why are there different kinds of brackets, and how do you know which one to use? Each type of bracket serves a purpose. In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between parentheses and brackets, explain when to use them, and provide some examples. What Are Parentheses? Parentheses (also known as round or curved brackets) are […]
Backslash vs. Forward Slash: What’s the Difference?
May 29, 2023
If you look down at your keyboard, you’ll notice that there are two types of slashes: the backslash (\) and the forward slash (/). But do you know the difference between them, and when to use each one? If not, don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll explain: What is a Backslash? The backslash is […]
Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?
Mar 25, 2023
As if the differences between UK and US English spelling weren’t tricky enough, several other variations between the two dialects also exist, such as how quotations are written. In addition, the guidelines that dictate whether the punctuation goes inside or outside of quotation marks depend on the dialect you’re writing or proofreading in. While neither […]
How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Mar 20, 2023
Coordinating conjunctions can be confusing for new proofreaders, especially when commas are involved. We’re here to make things clear for you with our guide to using commas with coordinating conjunctions. What Is a Coordinating Conjunction? Coordinating conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses together. We have seven coordinating conjunctions in English, which can […]
11 Uncommon Punctuation Marks (and How to Use Them)
Mar 13, 2023
There’s no doubt about it: punctuation is an integral part of writing. We use it to mark pauses, pose questions, emphasize certain ideas, and clarify meaning. You’ll already be familiar with the usual suspects – periods, commas, exclamation points, question marks, and so on – but did you know there are some weird and wonderful […]
How to Use Ellipses in Writing (With Examples)
How to Use Ellipses in Writing (With Examples)
Mar 06, 2023
Ellipses, also known as “dot, dot, dot,” are a type of punctuation with many purposes. In this guide, we explore what ellipses are and how you can help your clients make the most of them in their writing. What Is an Ellipsis? An ellipsis is a form of punctuation consisting of three dots (or periods): […]
What Is an Oxford Comma? (With Examples)
What Is an Oxford Comma? (With Examples)
Dec 21, 2022
Commas can be a confusing part of punctuation, and the Oxford comma is no exception. In this post, we’ll explain what exactly an Oxford comma is and how you should deal with them as a proofreader. The Oxford Comma (AKA The Serial Comma) Commas are used to separate items in a list. An Oxford comma, […]