All About Punctuation

The English Project celebrated punctuation on October 13, 2015, dedicating each month to exploring a different punctuation mark, starting with the period and followed by various others like the comma, semicolon, colon, and more.

Most experts agree on 14 punctuation marks, including brackets [ ] and braces { }. The English Project recognizes these marks, treating parentheses, brackets, and braces collectively in one month.

However, we now have more than just those 14 marks. To differentiate between symbols (like & and #) and actual punctuation, we need a clear definition. A quick Google search provides:

punctuation

noun

1. The symbols, such as periods, commas, and parentheses, used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning.

According to Wikipedia, punctuation involves the use of spacing, conventional signs, and certain typographical devices that aid in the understanding and proper reading of written text, whether read silently or aloud.

Both definitions emphasize that punctuation pertains to writing, not speech. We don’t use “commas” in spoken language. While we may exclaim verbally, there are no “exclamation points.” We form questions with rising intonation, not with written symbols.

The History of Punctuation

In the early days of language, punctuation didn’t exist as it does now. This overview draws from The English Project’s introductory page on punctuation.

Around 400 or 500 AD, English lacked punctuation. The Latin Bible was translated by Jerome, who needed a way to punctuate it. Latin was written in ALLCAPS without spaces, leading to confusion.

To help students read, monks began using dots to indicate breaks in the text. Eventually, one courageous monk introduced spacing between words—an innovation celebrated as “the greatest punctuation mark of all.”

Over time, various symbols indicated pauses, equivalences, and endings. Gutenberg’s printing press later contributed the hyphen, marking the beginning of a more structured approach to punctuation.

As the centuries progressed, different punctuation marks emerged, reflecting the evolving nature of language.

Great Writers Who Bended the Rules

You may have heard the adage, “Good writers borrow; great writers steal.” Similarly, knowing the rules allows you to break them effectively.

There’s a great writer within you, and many renowned authors often disregard punctuation conventions. Being a great writer involves more than just rule-breaking; it’s about using language to your advantage, punctuation marks included.

Qwiklit highlights notable writers who challenged punctuation norms, including E.E. Cummings, James Joyce, and Cormac McCarthy. Joyce's final chapter in Ulysses features only two full stops and a single comma in 24,048 words.

E.E. Cummings eschewed conventional punctuation and capitalization, while McCarthy stated, “I believe in periods, in capitals, in the occasional comma, and that’s it.”

Even the celebrated Gertrude Stein remarked, “Punctuation is only necessary for the feeble-minded.”

When you reach such heights in writing, you can disregard conventions. And guess what? I grant you official permission to do the same—when it suits your purpose.

What to Do About Strong Opinions on Punctuation

The most common punctuation “error” is the misplaced apostrophe, often seen as the “green grocer’s apostrophe.”

Consider: Orange’s for 10 cents each.

This issue is compounded by the confusion surrounding “its” and “it’s.”

• “It’s” is a contraction for “it is.”
• “Its” is a possessive pronoun.

The term “its’” does not exist!

Many students struggle with these distinctions because they lack confidence in applying the “rules” they learned in early grades.

You can choose to engage in debates over punctuation—like the Oxford comma—or embrace the understanding that these are merely style guides, not strict rules.

Whose Rules Will Prevail?

We collaboratively shape the English language. Unlike the French, who have the Académie Française dictating their language, we enjoy the freedom of expression without an authoritative body telling us what is acceptable.

If you prefer structure, find a reliable punctuation guide. Use resources like Grammar Girl or Purdue OWL to enhance your writing.

But don’t stress! Countless internet users will be eager to correct your “mistakes.”

Using Punctuation as a Practical Tool

Punctuation serves a practical purpose—it clarifies your writing. However, don’t conflate usefulness with necessity.

For instance, people have created carb-free sandwiches without bread. Yet they’re still called sandwiches! Similarly, a sentence is defined by its structure, marked by periods and capital letters.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Punctuation is optional; there are no absolute rules.
• Speech differs from writing; punctuation exists solely in written form.
• The notion of strict rules is an illusion.

Ultimately, punctuation should enhance clarity in your writing. Use periods to signify sentence endings, commas to organize thoughts, and colons to introduce lists.

As you write, remember that the power of punctuation lies in its ability to aid comprehension, not constrain your creativity.

Lee G. Hornbrook taught college English for 25 years and is a writing process expert. He also edits The Writing Prof. Follow his journey in publishing his memoir via his free Substack newsletter, "My Own Private Waste Land: T.S. Eliot, Mental Illness, and The Making of a Memoir."

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