Curtis’ Blog

Parentheses are valuable writing tools; they allow writers to insert added detail within a sentence, clarify a writer’s thinking, or include citations to avoid plagiarism. It’s important to know how to use parentheses—especially for citation purposes!—but you won’t want to overuse parentheses for the purposes of inserting added detail. Be

Hyphens are incredibly helpful for clarifying meaning. Notice, for example, the difference in meaning between these two phrases: “hot water bottle” and “hot-water bottle.” In the first phrase, there is a bottle that is physically hot to the touch. In the second phrase, it’s a bottle that holds hot water.

Exclamation marks (also known as exclamation “points” in American English) help clarify emotion or emphasis. While their interpretation is nuanced, exclamation marks help declare a dramatic declaration that feels more emphatic than a sentence ending in a simple period. In order to really make the emotion work, it’s best to

En dashes are probably the most misused and misunderstood punctuation mark. They are longer than a hyphen yet shorter than an em dash and they really only serve one purpose: to indicate a period of time. While their use may seem subtle, using them correctly can show an acute awareness

Em dashes allow for sophisticated and creative approaches to writing, giving the writer unique abilities to add emphasis, clarify information, and interrupt thoughts right in the middle of a sentence! While correct use of em dashes can add variety and intrigue to writing, overuse em dashes can sound informal and

Ellipses are handy devices that tell readers that text is missing. This is helpful as a writer if you’re quoting someone but need to omit some of the words to condense the text while ethically letting your readers know that parts have been left out. Ellipses also allow writers to

Commas are the most complex punctuation mark, used at least fourteen different ways. Commas help create rhythm and clarity in writing, giving writers the ability to separate ideas and diversify sentence structures. Terms You Need to Know to Use Commas COORDINATE ADJECTIVES: Coordinate adjectives are two or more descriptive words

Colons have several uses in English, often separating content or introducing information. We also use colons to designate time, show rations, and depict dialogue in plays and scripts. Terms You Need to Know When Using Colons MAIN CLAUSE (INDEPENDENT CLAUSE): A main clause is a phrase including a subject and

Brackets Overview Brackets are used to modify direct quotes for clarity or minor adjustments in grammar. Brackets also let authors insert commentary in the middle of someone’s quote and they allow writers to place parenthetical references inside of another parenthetical reference. Using brackets correctly and strategically shows sophistication in writing

Apostrophes are tools we use in English primarily to show possession. But there are a few other reasons why we use them as well. Check below to see the seven different ways we use apostrophes. Terms You Need to Know When Using Apostrophes NOUN: A noun is a person, place,