Today’s EyeEdit writing tip: Use commas and full stops to show the direction of your thoughts.

Punctuation is like a map that gives shape and clarity to a sentence and shows the reader where you are going.  Even when words are clear, punctuation can confuse readers.

The versions below show the difference punctuation makes:

Version 1: Barack Obama says George Bush is the greatest president.

Version 2: Barack Obama, says George Bush, is the greatest president.

Version 1: Woman without her man is nothing.

Version 2: Woman! Without her, man is nothing.

Version 1.  Kimani is a doctor who cares.

Version 2. Kimani is a doctor? Who cares?

Quiz

How would you punctuate the following sentences?

  1. The hardware store sold three different kinds of gardening tools hoes, rakes and forks.
  2. Pass me the pen, Jim said. I want to write a check.
  3. Its important to give each piece of furniture its own space.
  4. The people who played in the band Jamar, Latoya, and Dave all brought their own instruments.

Suggested responses to quiz

  1. The hardware store sold three different kinds of gardening tools: hoes, rakes, and forks.
  2. “Pass me the pen,” Jim said. “I want to write a check.”
  3. It’s important to give each piece of furniture its own space.
  4. The people who played in the band – Jamar, Latoya, and Dave – all brought their own instruments.

Happy writing,

EyeEdit Team

Copyright 2010 Eye Edit.  All rights reserved

Unlike
  • Share/Bookmark