Mechanics and Punctuation/Introduction

Basic Punctuation

Mechanics are the small parts of your writing that stick everything together to ensure that everything makes sense and that emphasis is placed where you want it to be. Basic punctuation mechanics include commas (,), colons (:) and semicolons (;), apostrophes (‘) and hyphens (-).

When used properly, these mechanics give your sentences the meaning they should have. However, when used incorrectly, they can transform the meaning of the most basic sentence and leave your readers completely baffled as to what you are trying to tell them.

Table 1 contains some basic punctuation mechanics practices that you should consider when writing. This table is not extensive, but provides the most important ‘do’s and don’ts’.

Table 1: Basic punctuation practices

Punctuation Component	Do	Do Not
Comma (,)	Use to split up sentences Use where there is a pause	Overuse (can make your writing more confusing)
Colon (:)	Use before listing items	Confuse colons and semicolons
Semicolon (;)	Use to join sentences with directly related information
Apostrophe (‘)	Use when something belongs (Mike’s test tube) Use when contracting (we’ve, she’d, I’m)	Confuse with plurals (test tubes, not test tube’s)
Hyphen (-)	Use to link compound words (25-mile race)	Use after words ending in y Use if the same meaning is achieved without one