The Craft of Writing and Editing: WEEK 4 - Punctuation

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and rules regarding punctuation as discussed in the lecture.

What are the guides to punctuation according to the lecture?

Common sense and an awareness of current English usage.

What is the principal purpose of punctuation?

To make the sense or meaning of the sentence as clear and unambiguous as possible.

Who is credited with marking sections of text in Ancient Greek?

Aristophanes of Byzantium.

What critical development in reading occurred around the 10th century?

The introduction of spaces between words.

What is the significance of the 'Orthographiae ratio' published in 1566?

It contained versions of the modern comma, semicolon, colon, and period, stating that clarification of syntax is the main object of punctuation.

What punctuation mark indicates a rising inflection at the end of a subordinate clause?

Punctus circumflexus.

When should colons be used?

To introduce a list, a quotation, or divide a sentence for clarity.

How does the use of semicolons enhance lists?

They are used within lists of phrases or to separate closely related principal clauses.

What are the rules regarding commas in a list?

Use a comma to separate one item from another; the Oxford comma is optional.

What are parentheses used for in writing?

To enclose information that requires a punctuation mark stronger than a comma but less than a dash.

What is a solidus or forward slash used for?

It indicates 'either, or' but should generally be avoided in formal writing.

What is an ellipsis used for?

To indicate omitted words in a quote or to create a dramatic pause.

What does the quote by Lynn Truss suggest about punctuation?

It conveys more than grammatical function; it guides how the reader interprets the writing.

What is the rationale behind the author’s use of punctuation in their writing?

To clarify the syntax and make their voice and intended meaning clear.

What does the example of using a colon in ‘I need some things from the supermarket: milk, butter, bread, and cereal.’ illustrate?

That colons can introduce lists and must not be placed between a verb and its object.

What is the role of commas in separating subordinate clauses?

To provide clarity by separating introductory or parenthetical information from the main clause.