Understanding English Punctuation: Commonly used Punctuation Marks
Ensure your writing skills are of a professional standard by enhancing your knowledge of commonly used punctuation marks.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
2 hours
Understanding English Punctuation: Commonly used Punctuation Marks
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Improve your written communication and perfect your use of English punctuation
Correct punctuation is essential when it comes to ensuring your writing is meaningful and accurate.
On this two-week course, you’ll use quizzes, interactive activities, and downloadable resources to take an in-depth look at punctuation, learning how to use it correctly in any written scenario.
Explore the language conventions for the main punctuation marks
Punctuation is the one of the main ways a writer can add clarity, intonation, and precision to their work.
You’ll learn how to write clearly and skillfully, examining commas, semicolons, colons, and more, giving you an overview of the most common punctuation marks found in writing, whether creative, academic, or instructional.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to ensure your written communication is accessible and fit for purpose, whilst helping to eliminate confusion and miscommunication.
Learn when to use a colon or semicolon, as well as hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes
Many writers lack the confidence to use semicolons, hyphens, and dashes correctly in their work.
On this course, you’ll take a deep dive into their usage and to avoid common errors. You’ll learn when to use an em dash, an en dash, or a hyphen, and why these details matter, particularly when writing in a professional capacity.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a good knowledge of a broad range of punctuation, including some less commonly used in informal writing.
With this understanding, you’ll be able to impress with your eye for detail and in-depth understanding of English language conventions.
Syllabus
Week 1
Punctuation Part I
Introduction and welcome
Welcome to this short course on the main problem areas with English punctuation. Join me as I explain how the course is structured here, and then introduce yourself to your fellow learners.
Punctuation
A general overview of the purpose of punctuation and the differences between some punctuation marks.
Commas
The comma is a widely misunderstood and misused punctuation mark. Learn how to use it correctly in this activity.
Semicolons
A semicolon indicates a pause. How does this differ to a comma or a period? Find out in this activity.
Colons
A colon represents a decided pause. What makes this different to a semicolon? Find out about how to use colons correctly in this activity.
Recap of week 1
Join me for a recap of how to use the key punctuation marks covered this week: the comma, semicolon, and colon. Then we look ahead to next week.
Week 2
Punctuation Part II
Welcome to week 2
Join me as I outline the punctuation marks we'll be exploring this week which include the tricky apostrophe, along with hyphens and en and em dashes.
Apostrophes
The apostrophe, like the comma, is a widely misunderstood and misused punctuation mark. Become an expert on the apostrophe in this activity.
Hyphens
Hyphens are primarily used to join words together to create new words. Find out how to use hyphens correctly in this activity.
En and em dashes
The en dash is longer than a hyphen, and the em dash is even longer again. But when do you use these? Find out in this activity.
Course conclusion and what's next
Join me for a final practical punctuation activity and to recap the key punctuation marks covered in this short course on the main problems in English punctuation. We'll look at what you can do to further your learning too.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe and know how to use all types of punctuation.
- Apply conventional use of the comma, semi-colon and colon, in particular.
- Identify conventional use of hyphens and the particular typographic uses of en and em dashes.
- Apply correct use of apostrophes - without exception!
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone who uses English, whether as a first or additional language. It is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of English sentence structure and punctuation, whether in a personal or professional context.
Who will you learn with?
Kia ora! Ko Theresa tōku ingoa.
I teach Publishing at Whitireia and Weltec in New Zealand, and I'm passionate about editing and plain language.
I'm looking forward to working with you.
Who developed the course?
Whitireia New Zealand
Established in 1986, Whitireia is a wholly-owned Crown entity subsidiary company of Te Pūkenga, known for its high student success rates and culturally diverse student body.
What's included?
This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.
- Unlimited access to this course
- Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
- Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
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