First of all,
here's my disclaimer: I am NOT an expert in English. I don't have a degree in
English and wouldn't dream of trying to tell you how to create
perfectly-punctuated pieces.
That said, I do a fair amount of critiquing and do
feel fairly confident in offering some general hints to finding the most
frequent errors I see. And yes, I've seen variations of each of these examples
in manuscripts I’ve critiqued.
These 7 punctuation pitfalls could mean the
difference between an acceptance and a rejection in your writing life.
1. When
writing dialogue, place quotation marks around the spoken words, not the
speaker tag.
Correct:
"You didn't tell me that," Tom said.
Incorrect:
"You didn't tell me that, Tom said."
2. Do
not use semicolons or colons to denote dialogue in prose.
Incorrect:
Sally said: "I want you to go with me."
3. Start
a new paragraph with each speaker, including any action or thoughts that
speaker may have.
Correct:
"I will if
you will." Sarah stared across the table at her little sister.
Carrie met her gaze. "I'm in."
4. Be
sure to include the dash, question mark, and exclamation mark within the
quotation marks when they are part of the quoted material. Put them outside the
quotation marks when they are part of the whole sentence.
Correct:
"Why do you say that? It wasn't me!" Jerry said.
Incorrect:
"Why do you say that? It wasn't me"! Jerry said.
Correct: How can you call them
"half-truths"?
Incorrect: How can you call them
"half-truths?"
5. Do
not use a question mark with an indirect question.
Correct:
He didn't ask how anyone could know that.
Incorrect:
He didn't ask how anyone could know that?
6. Use
an ellipsis (three spaced periods) to denote omitted words in a quote, to
designate a pause, or to show an unfinished statement.
Correct:
I pledge allegiance . . . with liberty and justice for all.
Correct:
"But I didn't know you were so . . . so . . . "
7. Use
an em dash (two dashes) to indicate an interruption in dialogue, a break in
thought or sentence structure, or a parenthetical explanation.
Correct:
"But you never said--"
"I never said what? Tell me!"
"I never said what? Tell me!"
Correct:
Who would have thought--who could have thought--it would ever come to
this?
Correct:
There were only three careers--doctor, lawyer, and Indian chief--that I
would even consider.
Okay, so there
they are, seven punctuation pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. Develop a keen eye
and ear for such mistakes and you'll increase your chances of publication!
What mistakes
bug you? Share your pet peeves below in the comments.
Don’t forget to
join the conversation!
Blessings,
Vonda
TWEETABLES
Thank you very much. I now know what a emdash is. Thanks
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Tillie! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for stopping by. :-)
DeleteI love em dashes. I think they add emphasis where a comma often fails to do so.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Joan! I have to make myself not overdo them. :-)
DeleteThanks, Vonda. Thank you, too, for the great advice and encouragement you gave to me at Autumn in the Mountains Retreat.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a joy to get to know you. And I love your story! Can't wait to see it in print. :-)
DeleteVonda, Great information. I learn so much from this blog.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Cherrilynn. I do, too! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGreat advice, Vonda. I have an aversion to the "em dash" at the end of dialogue--probably because, as in this sentence, I employ those in my narrative. I prefer to use the ellipsis to show a pause or break in the dialogue. One thing I'd add, though: When using the ellipsis, please stick to three dots rather than endless dots. A fourth period is okay at the end of the sentence, but liberal use of dots is distracting to the reader...and not necessary. :) Am sharing your post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Linda! The ellipsis is three spaced periods, four if it's the end of a sentence. The ellipsis is exactly what we need for pauses, but the em dash is more likely to be used for interruption in dialogue.
DeleteThanks for stopping by and for sharing the post.
Thanks for these reminders, Vonda! It was great seeing you at the retreat a few weeks ago. =)
ReplyDeleteTessa
www.tessaemilyhall.com
So good to see you again, too! Blessings on all your projects!
DeleteVonda, this is so helpful. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Crickett! I'm glad you found it helpful. :-)
DeleteVery valuable information. Thank you. I don't think a lot of these things are taught in school any more.
ReplyDeleteI certainly didn't learn about ellipses or em dashes in school. That's why writing blogs and conferences are so helpful. Thanks for your encouragement!
DeleteThanks, Vonda. It's so easy to be thinking a few words ahead when writing and make mistakes like these even when you know better. I also find them harder to catch when it happens like that. BUT, when reading someone else's work, they jump out at me. Great reminders, all.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Jay. I can see errors in others writing much quicker than I see my own. After all, I know what I MEANT to say, and that's what I see! Thanks for joining the conversation.
Delete