Shirley's Articles / Grammar, Punctuation, Vocabulary
Punctuate Properly Please!
Incorrect punctuation not only changes the meaning of your writing, but it can also cause your reader to lose focus on what you are saying. Instead, readers will start thinking about how you are saying it and why it sounds to them. They won’t get you meaning, and they may not reply to your key points. Punctuation matters!
In practice
Let’s look at some of the primary uses of commas in business writing:
- Use a comma between two complete thoughts (i.e. full sentences) that are connected by a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or, yet, and so.
The email was sent on Monday, but John did not receive is until Thursday.
The expansion of our business is a long-term project, and we need an efficient management consultant to advise us.
Becky has submitted her resignation, so she will be leaving at the end of the month.
- Use a comma after introductory phrases.
After replacing the carriage in the laser printer, please make sure the door closes completely.
As soon as we obtain additional revenue, we can buy new stock.
If you want to pass all your exams, you will need to work hard.
- Use commas to separate items in a list.
The committee will comprise Sue, Kara, James and Lynn.
We need to order more envelopes, paper and staples.
- Use a comma before and after information that could be placed in brackets.
The new employee, Mary, will start work on Monday.
The new shopping mall, which opens on Monday, has 43 stores.
We need John, and possibly Doreen as well, to help with this project.
Finally, check out this sentence, which could be read in two ways
In this example, Mary is ‘my assistant’.Mary, my assistant will call you soon.
Without the second comma, Mary is the person you are talking to.
All articles are copyright © Shirley Taylor. All rights reserved. This information may not be distributed, sold, publicly presented, or used in any other manner, except as described here.
Permission to reprint all or part of any article in your magazine, e-zine, website, blog or organisation newsletter is granted, as long as:
- The entire credit line below is included*.
- The website link to shirleytaylor.com is clickable (live)**.
- You send a copy, PDF, or link of the work in which the article is used when published.
This credit line must be reprinted in its entirety to use any articles by Shirley Taylor:
* Credit line:
© Shirley Taylor.
Shirley is an international bestselling author. She has established herself as a leading authority in email and business writing skills. Her international bestseller Model Business Letters, Emails & Other Business Documents 7th edition sold over half a million copies worldwide and has been translated into 17 languages. Her book Email Essentials reached #2 in the USA for publishers Marshall Cavendish International. Find out more about Shirley at shirleytaylor.com.