The most difficult and confusing aspect of writing has to be using the correct punctuation. There are always applications such as Grammarly but you cannot always rely on these to be 100% grammatically correct. Do you use an apostrophe after names ending in S? So what is the difference between a colon and a semicolon and what on earth is an en dash?

The following explanation might clear up the mystery.

Semicolons and Colons

Semicolons and colons are probably most used as emotags in text messages and posts on Social Media but they are also useful in punctuations. However, knowing which one to use can often be misleading.

A semicolon is not used in writing as often as it could be. A useful guideline is a semicolon should be used when the pause falls somewhere inbetween a comma (short break) and a full stop (a long break). One key point to make, however, is they should never be used before words such as ‘because’ or and’. Technically a semicolon is used between two independent clauses instead of using the words ‘and’ or because’.

Example

I really enjoy using semicolons; I should make more use of them.

Colons can be the most confusing punctuation mark of them all. They are used when the latter part of the sentence bolsters the first part of the sentence. You must only use them when what you are saying is a complete statement and not a fragmented one. Colons can also be used when writing the time or showing a score for a competition.

Example

There were so many familiar faces in the meeting: June, Basil, John and Faith.

Hyphens

This is quite a familiar and well-known punctuation mark and primarily used when separating double-barrelled names or when you want to combine two adjectives to create a new one.

Example

Tara Palmer-Tompkinson.

Silver-grey hair

En Dash

You will see en dashes when dates and times are written.

Example

2001-2013

Em Dash

These are used to signify a character's dialogue has been interrupted or cut off. It can also be used instead of brackets to join two sections of a sentence. There is no rule concerning leaving a gap either side of the em dash but whatever you choose, you must be consistent through the piece of writing.

Example

‘John, I think I—'

I really do not know what to do—do you have a suggestion?

Square Brackets

These are used when you are quoting another writer but you have altered part of the text.

Example

“[They] said [they] just wanted to be alone.’

Curly Brackets

These will not be used at all unless you are writing a scientific assignment or book.

Normal Brackets

These are also used as emotags. But their main use is when you want to add extra information to the story.

Example

I told John I never loved him (but I really did).

Ellipses

I use these far too much in my writing. Their main use is when some of the text has been removed or when a character's thoughts trail off.

Example

I gave him a one final kiss goodbye…and then he was gone.

I believed he had gone for good…

Possessive Apostrophes

There is so much confusion and debate over where to place the apostrophe. Johns’ book or John’s book?  But the truth is either is correct. It all comes down to personal preference or more importantly, which your publisher prefers.

So there you have it, my guide to confusing punctuation.