Punctuation Part One

In the post below, I will be discussing three topics in the "Punctuation" section in the book Rules For Writers.

Pmuths1956. "Welchcorgipembroke." May 1 2008 via Wikipedia. Public Domain Dedication. 

1. The Comma

This section discusses when to use a comma. The book advises to use a comma in lists, in dates, to prevent confusion, to offset nouns, between adjectives and even phrases. I found it interesting that the book explains using a comma in a list, before the "and." I thought oxford commas were not a common thing so it was interesting to see a writing book tell us to use them. I also never really considered using a comma for quotes; it was interesting to see the rule actually explained.

2. The Semicolon

This section explains when to use and when not to use a semicolon. A semicolon should be used between closely related ideas only when they are not joined together with a coordinating conjunction. In addition, a should be used to link a independent clause and transitional phrase. I found it interesting you are not supposed to use a semicolon in any independent clause joined by "if, and, but, or, nor" or "yet." I did enjoy reading this section, though, because I love semicolons.

3. The Apostrophe

This section describes when to use an apostrophe. Apostrophes are mainly used to indicate possession; it should be used to show the noun has ownership of an object. In addition, an apostrophe should be used to show "omissions" of letters in contractions and number. The book explains that apostrophes should not be used to show the plural version of words. I found it helpful the book explains the difference between "it's" and "its" because I feel many people get that confused.


Reflection:

In Morgan's essay, I saw examples of semicolons. She has a few semicolon phrases throughout her paper. In addition, I revised the sentence below to include a semicolon.

Original: Though she has experience in parenting matters, Samakow is not a scientist or an expert in child psychology. Because of this, she uses credible experts whose findings support her claims.

Revision: Though she has experience in parenting matters, Samakow is not a scientist or an expert in child psychology; instead, she uses credible experts whose findings support her claims.

In Kelly's essay, I saw examples of apostrophes. She uses apostrophes correctly throughout her essay. In the sentence below, I saw how Kelly correctly used an apostrophe to show "athletes" possession of their muscles as well as in incorrect usage in "don't" because contractions should not be included in a rhetorical analysis.

Orignial: ....which led to the discovery that ice baths don’t allow athletes' muscles to grow as much as people who use active recovery.

Revision: .....which led to the discovery that ice baths do not allow athletes' muscles to grow as much as people who use active recovery.