AuthorHi, I'm Ray Evans. I'm a certified copyeditor and proofreader. Archives
September 2023
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Greetings, dear authors, word wizards, and punctuation aficionados! In the grand pantheon of literary blunders, punctuation pitfalls rank right up there with the most perilous traps that lurk in the shadows, just waiting to ensnare unsuspecting authors. Fear not, for I will act your grammar sherpa, your trusty guide, in this romp through the thicket of prose, am here to help you avoid these treacherous snares and emerge victorious in your battle with the written word! 1) The Apostrophe ApocalypseAh, the humble apostrophe, a small but mighty mark that has flummoxed even the most seasoned of writers. "It's" or "its"? "You're" or "your"? Worry not, my dear friends, for I shall illuminate the path to apostrophic enlightenment. Remember: "it's" is a contraction for "it is," while "its" is the possessive form of "it." Similarly, "you're" stands for "you are," and "your" signifies possession. So, whenever you're in doubt, mentally replace the word with its full form and see if it still makes sense. If not, switch gears and try the other option. 2) Comma ConundrumsThe comma, that tiny scamp, can be a source of great consternation for many a writer. Misplacing it can lead to confusion, misunderstanding, the occasional bout of unintentional hilarity, or even bad book reviews. Here are a few tips to keep your commas in check: a. The Oxford Comma Controversy: The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, is used immediately before the coordinating conjunction (usually "and" or "or") in a list of three or more items. Though its usage is a matter of hot debate, I say, why not play it safe and use it to avoid ambiguity? b. Introductory Phrases: If you start a sentence with an introductory phrase or clause, separate it from the main clause with a comma. For example, "After finishing his breakfast, the lion went back to sleep." See how civilized our lion friend is with his proper comma usage? 3) The Exclamation Point ExtravaganzaExclamation points are like hot sauce: a little goes a long way.
Overusing them can make your writing seem overwrought or melodramatic. Use them sparingly and reserve them for moments of genuine surprise, excitement, or strong emotion. And please, for the love of all that is grammatically sacred, avoid using multiple exclamation points in a row! One will do the job just fine. In conclusion, my dear aspiring Hemingways and Austens, punctuation need not be the bane of your literary existence. With a little vigilance, a dash of humor, and the guidance provided in this exploration of common punctuation pitfalls, your prose will soon be the toast of the literary world! Happy writing!
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