As a grade eight student, my son is starting to write more and more. As he writes he’s learning several things: like the need to spell better, sentence length, sentence structure and punctuation. Today I thought I’d talk about the best use of punctuation.

Punctuation is our use of a variety of dots and dashes. We use them to point the way for the reader. Pointing the way through our use of voice (the pace at which we read) and to divide our words, phrases and ideas into manageable pieces. How we use periods, commas, exclamation points and what not, shows our voice and helps the reader follow our words more clearly. This makes proper usage important.
One of the things I tell my son as I review his work is … how would you say this. As you revise it, read it over and everytime you pause, you need punctuation. Usually, it will be a period or comma, but sometimes it will be different. So stop, read, think, jot it down. If you are reading and there’s punctuation where you aren’t stopping, ask yourself why it’s there.
What is all this punctuation anyway?
. (period) ends a sentence
, (comma) most versatile of all your punctuation. It shows the author’s voice, shows continuity or the need for a break.
; (semi-colon) divides and organizes big chunks of information
: (colon) announces a word, phrase or clause
– (dash) sometimes is overused. Is best used to set a phrase apart or add punch to a closing line.
( ) parentheses are like a side trail that need to be manoeuvred around.
All other punctuation such as {}, !, ?, [], ABC all gives voice to the author. They show the pitch, tone and voice of the author. Each author will find their own path to how they use punctuation. After all, it’s OUR voice that we are sharing. Some will use commas and periods almost exclusively, and others will frequently toss in dots and dashes. It’s all part of making your writing your own. Just as you need to watch your adverbs and adjectives, you also need to watch how you use your punctuation.
So Get Out There
Write as you write. Mind you be reasonable about it. For instance, I’ve read people who insist on not using capitals, who won’t use periods, or who have odd gaps that leave you wondering where to read next.
So don’t be silly. You do need to follow punctuation rules. Remember, the goal is the HELP your readers find YOUR voice. Therefore USE the writing rules but make your writing your own. Pause when you would pause, hurry when it seems best to do so. Use excitement, and tension, and slowness. Make your words YOUR words.
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