Punctuation

The framing of words is just as important as the words themselves.

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When I begin the topic of Punctuation in Grammar Class, I tell my students that, because we are drawing all of our inspiration from the Latin language, we shouldn’t have punctuation at all. That draws applause. Then I show them what it would look like (the above), and share some English examples of improper punctuation:

1. I’d like to thank my parents, Michelle and God. (He’s like your real dad? Cool!)

2. A woman without her man would be nothing. (Are you kidding me?)

3. I’m sorry I love you. (Gee, thanks…)

4. I love baking my friends and family. (Gross!)

5. Let’s eat Grandma! (Ew!)

(Welcome to Manuscribit! It’s best to begin with the first post and work your way through with a sketchbook in hand. E-mail if you have any questions. Thank you!)

Punctuation is as important as the words it surrounds. Punctuation gives each word, phrase, or clause its context, its expression, and, most crucially, it’s correct vocalization. In theatre language, punctuation is the blocking of the play. Because words were originally written to record data and information, punctuation wasn’t important. Once written language was used for giving speeches, sharing stories, and quoting other people, punctuation became necessary. The word is derived from the Latin punctum which means “a point, a dot, or a spot.” Those were the early types of symbols which were used to punctuate language.

Punctuation was initially created to tell the reader how to say the words aloud: where does one pause, question, become loud, or stop altogether. We still use punctuation for that purpose today, but, as we will see, modern language also uses punctuation for short cuts, change in emphasis, and references to things not said.

There will be several, in-depth posts on all parts of punctuation, in alphabetical order, starting next week with the Apostrophe.

Before closing, let’s see what those incorrectly punctuated sentences should look like:

1. I’d like to thank my parents, Michelle, and God. (By adding the Oxford comma, this sentence makes more sense.)

2. A woman: without her, man would be nothing. (A colon and a comma change the entire meaning of the statement.)

3. I’m sorry! I love you. (Separating this into two independent clauses by adding an exclamation point make this much more logical and kind.)

4. I love baking, my friends, and family. (Commas are the heavyweights of punctuation!)

5. Let’s eat, Grandma! (We can hope Grandma enjoyed Thanksgiving after you called her to the table.)

Until next week, may God’s peace be with you.