Preface: What this part
is and isn't

Suddenly one day you have to produce something in writing. Is writing something you enjoy? Then you may not find it difficult.

But perhaps you really don't like writing at all, and you're faced with having to write something. An advertisement maybe? A report? Some family history material? Minutes for a club or committee? How will you deal with it?

Punctuation will actually help you to say what you want to say, and help you say it clearly. This section deals with everyday punctuation for everyday writing. In it you'll find the basics only. It's a no-frills approach. It will not give examples of rare or complex literary constructions needing complex punctuating, or detailed instructions for punctuating specialist material.

If you need specific instruction on such things as footnotes and end notes, referencing, bibliographies, mathematics and scientific writing, follow the instructions provided by your university or college.

Larger dictionaries and English style guides also give more detailed information on specific punctuation marks.