🔤 Garbl's Editorial Style and Usage Guide: Punctuation

Entries from ampersand to slash.

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Introduction | Punctuation | Commonly Confused Words

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Use common sense. Punctuation should help reading—to make clear the thought you’re expressing. If punctuation does not help clarify the message, it should not be there.

Think of punctuation marks as street signs. When writers use them correctly, they help readers know when to pay attention, yield, slow down, and stop. When used consistently, punctuation marks help both writers and readers act predictably with a better understanding of what they should do.

General rules:

• Use only the punctuation necessary for clarity.

• Do not stack punctuation marks.

• Use one space after sentence-ending punctuation.

• Follow American placement rules for periods and commas in quotation marks.

When you could use more than one punctuation mark (not including quotation marks, parentheses, or brackets) at the same place in a sentence, use only the stronger—or more necessary—of the two. Question marks and exclamation points, for example, are stronger than commas and periods: “Have all the ballots finally been counted?” asked the reporter. (The question mark fills the role of the comma.) The topic of his speech is “We demand justice now!” (No period following the exclamation point.)

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Sentence-ending marks

Put only one space after a period, question mark, and exclamation point (and after a colon).

exclamation point (!) Use sparingly and only to express a high degree of surprise, disbelief, or other strong emotion. One mark is enough! The exclamation point goes within the quotation marks when it applies only to the quoted matter.

period (.) This punctuation mark has two main purposes. It ends all sentences that are not questions or exclamations, and it’s used in some abbreviations.

Use periods to break up complicated sentences into two or more readable sentences.

Use a period, not a question mark, after an indirect question: He asked what the score was.

Don’t put a space between two initials: T.S. Eliot.

Use periods after numbers or letters in listing elements of a summary: 1. Wash the car. 2. Clean the basement. Or: A. Punctuate properly. B. Write simply.

In American style, periods and commas go inside quotation marks.

Also see abbreviations and acronyms, ellipsis, lists, quotation marks.

question mark (?) Direct questions always take question marks: Who is going with the reporter? Did Samuel ask you if you were going? Indirect questions never take question marks: She would like to know who’s going with the reporter.

For multiple questions, either use a single question mark at the end of the complete sentence: Did Josephine plan the project, manage the budget, and supervise the staff? Or stress each element by breaking up the sentence: Did Josephine plan the project? Manage the budget? Supervise the staff?

The question mark replaces the comma normally used when attributing a quotation: “Who is going with the reporter?” she asked.

The question mark may go inside or outside quotation marks depending on the meaning: Who wrote “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey”? She asked, “How long will it take?”

Also, use a single question mark, inside the quotation mark, in sentences like this: Did you hear him say, “Who ate all the doughnuts?”

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Separation and structure marks

colon (:) The colon has three main uses, all of which involve pointing the reader toward the words that follow the colon. In these uses, the colon always follows a whole sentence. Don’t combine a dash and a colon.

Introduce a list. The most frequent use, often after expressions such as the following or as follows: Loretta Schwieterman appointed three people to the committee: David Allen, Greg Edwards, and Jean Rheinhard. The Parks Department has scheduled open houses in the following communities: Valley View, April 5; Gantry, May 6; and Sierra Hills, Aug. 7.

Don’t use a colon immediately after a verb. Incorrect: Loretta Schwieterman appointed: David Allen, Greg Edwards, and Jean Rheinhard to the committee. Correct: Loretta Schwieterman appointed David Allen, Greg Edwards, and Jean Rheinhard to the committee. See lists, semicolon.

Add emphasis. Use to stress the word, words, or sentence that follows it: He had only one thing on his mind: flowers. The news was good: No one would be laid off. When used this way, the colon replaces such words as that is, namely, and for example. Capitalize the first word after a colon if it is a proper noun or the start of a whole sentence.

Introduce a formal quotation. Use to introduce a quotation longer than one sentence within a paragraph and to end a paragraph that introduces a quotation in the next paragraph. Use a comma, however, to introduce a quotation of one sentence that stays within a paragraph.

See attribution, comma, quotations, quotation marks.

Other uses. Use to separate numbers in times (7:15 a.m.), to separate a title and subtitle, and after a greeting in business correspondence (Dear Mr. Hyde:).

comma (,) Use commas accurately and consistently. Follow established rules rather than inserting commas simply to create pauses. Excessive use of commas in a single sentence may signal that it’s too long and complicated. The following guidelines treat frequent questions about eight essential uses of the comma.

First, in a series of three or more terms, use a comma after each term, including before the final conjunction: She opened the closet, grabbed a coat, and picked up an umbrella. That serial comma before the final conjunction aids readability. AP style omits the serial comma in most simple series, but this guide uses it consistently for clarity and consistency. Also, put a comma before the final conjunction in a series if an integral element of the series needs a conjunction: He likes folk, rock, and rhythm and blues. Don’t put a comma before the first item in a series or after the and in a series. See lists, semicolon.

Second, use a comma to join two independent clauses with a conjunction. An independent clause is a group of words that could stand on its own as a complete sentence; it begins with its own subject. The most common conjunctions are but, and, for, nor, or, so, and yet: The council’s Water Resources Committee will go over the resolution Jan. 12, and the full council is scheduled to act Feb. 11. Avoid run-on sentences. Do not join independent clauses with a comma alone. Either insert conjunctions after the commas or break the clauses into separate sentences.

Third, use a comma to separate an introductory phrase or clause from the rest of the sentence: After graduating from college, he joined AmeriCorps. The introductory comma may be omitted after short introductory phrases (less than three words) if no ambiguity would result: On Thursday the Kennewick City Council will decide the issue. But when in doubt, use the comma, especially when it separates two capitalized words.

Fourth, enclose parenthetic expressions between commas. Parenthetic expressions are word groups that are not essential to the meaning of a sentence. If a parenthetic expression is removed, the sentence would still make sense: They took one of their sons, Leif, to the concert. Use a comma before and after a parenthetic expression within a sentence. If you’d prefer to stress a parenthetic phrase, put it between dashes; you can play down such a phrase by placing it between parentheses. Also see that/this, who/whom.

Also use commas to set off a person’s hometown when it follows the name: Rachel Solomon, Danbury, opened a new restaurant. If using a person’s age, set it off by commas: Tom O’Rourke, 69, opened a new restaurant.

Do not use commas to set off an essential word or phrase from the rest of a sentence. Essential words and phrases are important to the meaning of a sentence: They took their daughter Jennifer to school. (They have more than one daughter.)

Fifth, use commas to set off transitional words and phrases such as however, meanwhile, in fact, in addition, moreover, nevertheless, as a result, thus, therefore, for example, finally, and in other words. Use a comma after such expressions at the beginning of a sentence. Use commas before and after them within a sentence.

Sixth, use commas to separate a series of adjectives equal in rank. If the adjectives could be rearranged without changing the meaning of a sentence or if the word and could replace the commas without changing the sense, the adjectives are equal: A thick, black cloud. See hyphen.

Use no comma when the last adjective before a noun outranks its predecessors because it is an integral element of a noun phrase: a silver bending bus.

Seventh, use a comma to set off a direct one-sentence quotation within a paragraph: Theodore Roosevelt said, “It’s not the critic who counts.” Use a comma before the second quotation mark in a quotation followed by attribution: “No comment,” said Jerry Carson. See attribution, quotations, quotation marks.

Eighth, use a comma to separate the parts of numbers, dates, and addresses:

• Use commas in figures of 1,000 or more: More than 5,000 people attended the event.

• Use commas to set off the year in complete dates: The department released its report Nov. 16, 2026, for public review. But don’t separate the month from the year when not using a date. They held their first retreat in January 1994. See dates.

• Use commas to set off cities from names of states or nations: She went to Vancouver, Washington, to tour the bridge retrofit program.

dash (—) Dashes—not to be confused with hyphens—come in two varieties: a short dash, called an en dash, and a long dash, called an em dash. If your software does not support en or em dashes, use a hyphen (-) as a substitute for an en dash and two hyphens (--) as a substitute for an em dash—with no spaces on either side.

Note: Unlike some other publishers, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, AP does not use en dashes. AP also places a space on both sides of an em dash, with limited exceptions. Choose one style and use it consistently.

Most software will automatically turn two hyphens into an em dash as you keep typing. If your software does not convert hyphens into true en dashes, a standard hyphen will do.

An en dash is usually used to show ranges when placed between numbers, times, or dates; think of it as shorthand for “to”: 1993-96, $25-50, $432,000-$560,000 (but not $25-$50 million if you mean $25 million), 55-65 years, 7:15-7:30 a.m. (but 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), ages 15-20, pages 167-78. Also, don’t use a dash (or to) if you use the word between; use and instead: between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The en dash also may be used to mean “to” and “versus” in capitalized names: the Chicago-New Orleans train, the Huskies-Cougars game. See dates, ranges.

Em dashes have four main uses. They are less formal but more emphatic substitutes for other punctuation marks, such as commas, parentheses, and colons. Think of them as a dramatic pause. To preserve the impact of em dashes, avoid overusing them.

First, use an em dash to introduce text that explains, justifies, or stresses the first part of a sentence: Fans filled all the seats—the concert hall was packed! The new shopping mall will open Tuesday—if the air-conditioning works. The project was finished on time, within scope—and under budget. The manager was new to the agency—brand new.

Second, use a pair of em dashes to make an emphatic pause or abrupt, parenthetic change in thought within a sentence: The new auditorium—opening six months behind schedule—is getting praise from both critics and audiences. To play down such a phrase, place it between parentheses or commas instead.

Third, use a pair of em dashes to set off a phrase that has a series of words separated by commas: Leif Nelson described the qualities—intelligence, a sense of humor and compassion—he wants in a manager.

Fourth, to display a quotation, an em dash may precede an author’s or composer’s name at the end of the quotation: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”—Shakespeare. Not standard journalistic style; use sparingly.

Excessive use of em dashes may signal long or complicated sentences. Avoid using more than one pair of em dashes in a sentence. Substituting two shorter sentences for one long sentence containing dashes may increase readability.

hyphen (-)

Hyphens join words to form a single idea. Use them to aid reader comprehension or to avoid ambiguity. If a hyphen adds clutter rather than clarity, omit it, or rephrase.

Compare: He recovered his health. He re-covered the torn seat.

A hyphen is not a dash. See dash for differences.

Compound nouns:

Most compound nouns are written as two words unless the dictionary lists them otherwise: post office box, high school class, real estate agent.

Use a hyphen when needed to avoid confusion or when the dictionary calls for one: merry-go-round, sister-in-law.

Consult your dictionary for preferred spellings.

Compound modifiers (adjectives before a noun):

Hyphenate compound modifiers before a noun when needed for clarity:
small-business owner
better-qualified candidate
credit-card application
5-ton truck
high-frequency sound
long-range plan
well-prepared report

Do not hyphenate when the modifier follows the noun: The owner runs a small business. The candidate is better qualified. The report was well prepared.

Numbers in compound modifiers:

When a number and noun form a modifier before a noun, use a singular noun and hyphenate: a 6-foot ladder; a 10-hour shift; a 3,300-square-foot building

Do not hyphenate in other uses: The ladder is 6 feet tall. The shift lasted 10 hours. The building has 3,300 square feet.

Adverbs:

Do not use a hyphen with adverbs ending in -ly or with very: a randomly selected sample, a very good time

Verbs:

Do not hyphenate phrasal verbs: back up the car, set out the desserts

Hyphenate other compound verbs if the dictionary lists them that way: speed-walk, spoon-feed

Do not hyphenate:

Do not use hyphens within proper nouns, quotation marks, foreign phrases, percentages, or dollar amounts unless the dictionary calls for one:
a Lincoln Park project
a “better than promised” attitude
the ad hoc committee
the 3 percent tax increase
a $7 million budget

If multiple hyphens make a phrase difficult to read, consider rewriting.

Also see composition titles, prefixes, suffixes

semicolon (;) The semicolon has three main uses, although the first use below is the most common. The semicolon shows a greater separation of thought and information than a comma but less separation than a period.

First, use semicolons to separate parts of a series when at least one item in the series also has a comma. A semicolon also goes before the final and in such a series: Attending were Tina Lopez, 223 Main St.; Ron Larson, 1414 Broadway; and Robert Zimmerman, 1976 E. Pine St.

The following two uses can cut a word or two, link contrasting or related ideas, and add variety. But breaking a long sentence with a semicolon into two or more shorter sentences can aid readability and clarity.

Second, use a semicolon to link two (or more) closely related statements that could stand alone as independent sentences (or clauses): The train arrived on time; the passengers were overjoyed. If a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or or separates the two independent clauses, a comma would replace the semicolon: The train arrived on time, and the passengers were overjoyed.

Third, use a semicolon between two independent clauses when the second clause begins with transition words such as therefore, however, thus, and for example: The department had planned to drop the service; however, overwhelming customer demand persuaded officials to keep it.

Place semicolons outside quotation marks. Put only one space after a semicolon.

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Introduction | Punctuation | Commonly Confused Words

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Quotation and attribution marks

apostrophe (’) This punctuation mark has two main uses:

• To show possession: Dan Lindler’s appointment.

• To mark omitted letters in contractions and other words and omitted numbers in years and decades: he’ll, won’t, finger-lickin’ good, the class of ‘68, the ‘90s.

Apostrophes never make a word plural. They may be used to mark the plural of single letters and abbreviations with internal punctuation: Dot your i’s. She got straight A’s. M.A.’s, Ph.D.’s. Don’t use them in forming plurals of decades: the ‘70s, the 1980s, not ‘70’s, the 1980’s.

Also see abbreviations and acronyms; contractions; it’s, its; plurals; possessives.

brackets ([ ]) Avoid brackets. They are rarely needed outside technical or scholarly writing.

In quotations, brackets may be used sparingly to insert a clarifying word or to show that wording has been changed by the editor: “We strongly disagree with the [county] council’s decision,” she said. Do not use brackets to distort or rewrite what someone said. If clarification requires more than a word or two, paraphrase instead. See quotation marks.

ellipsis ( ... ) Avoid ellipses in most writing. They are often unnecessary and can create vagueness or artificial drama.

Use an ellipsis sparingly to:

• indicate omitted words, sentences, or paragraphs in a quotation

• show hesitation or trailing off in dialogue: “I wonder what I will say after we ...”

Treat an ellipsis as a three-letter word: Use three consecutive periods with no spaces between them and a space before and after the ellipsis.

When deleting material, punctuate the remaining text as you normally would. If a complete sentence remains before the omission, keep its period. Insert the ellipsis after standard punctuation as needed.

parentheses ( ) Use parentheses sparingly to set off nonessential words, phrases, or sentences. Material in parentheses is usually not central to the main point and can distract your reader; it’s extra information.

Before using parentheses, consider cutting the information. If it’s important, it probably doesn’t belong in parentheses. If a sentence must include incidental information, setting it off with a pair of commas or dashes may be more effective. A separate sentence, with no parentheses, might also be clearer. See abbreviations and acronyms, comma, dash.

Always use parentheses in pairs.

Punctuation with parentheses. If the material in parentheses is part of a larger sentence, place the period outside the closing parenthesis (like this). If the material in parentheses is a complete, standalone sentence, capitalize it and place the period inside. (This is an example.) If a parenthetical element ends with a question mark or exclamation point, keep that mark inside and place a period after the closing parenthesis if the surrounding sentence requires one (like this!).

quotation marks (” “) Put quotation marks around direct quotations: “No comment,” the director said. The manager said, “Complete your time sheets by the end of the day Thursday.” If a full paragraph of quoted material comes before another paragraph that continues the quotation, do not put quotation marks after the first paragraph. But do put quotation marks before the second paragraph.

Avoid fragmented quotations. Do not use quotation marks to report a few ordinary words used by a speaker or writer. Paraphrase instead of stitching together partial phrases.

Don’t put the words of one person into the mouths of many. Witnesses at the accident said there was “a tremendous bang, and then all hell broke loose.”

Also, put quotation marks around single words or terms for the following uses, but don’t overdo it: to suggest irony or a double entendre, The “tycoon” turned out to be a pauper; to note an unfamiliar or unusual term on first reference; and to refer to a word as a word, He tried to explain what he meant by “knowns” and “unknowns” (or use italics instead). Avoid putting single words or terms in quotation marks to draw attention to them as slang, informal, or cute.

Quotations within quotations. Use single quotation marks for passages contained within a direct quotation (”She said, ’Ouch!’”).

Punctuation. In American style, the period and comma go inside quotation marks. The dash, question mark, and exclamation point go within the quotation marks when they apply to the quoted matter only. Colons and semicolons go outside quotation marks. Also see question mark, quotations.

In headlines. Use single quotation marks: Man cries ’Fire!’ in theater, causes panic.

Also see attribution; composition titles; nickname, pseudonym.

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Symbols (use sparingly)

ampersand (&) Use the ampersand only when it is part of a company’s formal name. Do not substitute & for and in regular text or headings and headlines. The ampersand may be used in tables and some abbreviations: R&B, B&B.

asterisk (*) Use this symbol in texts, charts, and graphs to refer readers to footnotes, omissions, references, and source information. But avoid using it to put important information in notes that readers might overlook—or using multiple asterisks for emphasis. Also called a star, as in the star key on a pushbutton telephone.

at symbol (@) Use in email addresses, social media handles, casual messages, and some technical writing. Don’t use as shorthand for at in formal writing.

pound sign (#) Use # only for hashtags or in technical contexts. It’s the symbol on the pound key on a pushbutton telephone. But avoid using the symbol for a pound as a unit of weight. Also called the number sign, but don’t use it to stand for number. Also called a hash mark.

slash, virgule (/) Avoid using. Prefer words such as and or or in constructions like and/or, either/or, over/under, red state/blue state. No space on either side of the slash.

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Introduction | Punctuation | Commonly Confused Words

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