OK, maybe that title is a bit of an exaggeration, but I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t see punctuation errors in blogs, emails, websites, or other business documents. And since today is National Punctuation Day, it seems like the perfect time to write about it.
A couple of common errors that really bug me are:
- Using you’re instead of your (and vice versa) – It’s not complicated – all you have to remember is that you’re is the same as you are
- Inappropriate use of exclamation marks, e.g., How to Save $100 a Week! How is that an exclamation?
But of course, it’s not about what I think; it’s about what potential clients think when they visit your site, or when they read your emails or proposals. To make sure you’re making the best possible impression, it’s well worth it to ask your virtual assistant or a colleague to proofread your work before you unleash it on the world.
If you think you’re a punctuation whiz, check out the Eats, Shoots & Leaves Punctuation Game – you might be in for a surprise! (By the way, I scored 83%, so I’m not perfect either!)
D’ya know what I hate – it’s when people put – well you know – umm – lots of – dashes – everywhere……and dots…..for no reason….
The other thing that gets me ~ are those wiggly lines ~ I guess they’re like ~ decorative dashes!!!!!!!!
A kajillion exclamation points???? Is it just like a bazillion question marks????
Jacki – what’s more, a kajillion or a bazillion?
I have to admit to being a stickler. Misspelling and poor punctuation jump right off the page/screen at me. I even have trouble with instant messaging. I tend to waste time correcting my spelling, instead of getting the message across.
I can’t believe I only matched your score, Janet. I was SURE I could out-punctuate you!
Are CAPS as obnoxious for you as those !!!s?
Love, Sis
Angela, there’s nothing wrong with being a stickler – what you write is a reflection of you and your business!
I admit that it’s hard to turn that off when instant messaging. I try to only correct myself if it’s not clear what I intended to say, e.g., “I’m not doing that” versus “I’m now doing that.”
Kathy, I’m surprised too!
CAPS are annoying too, but not as much as excessive exclamation marks, especially multiple consecutive sentences which all end in exclamation marks. It makes me tired just reading it; it’s like listening to someone who is overexcited and talking too quickly.
Oooh, I LOVE exclamation marks!!! But that’s how I speak and I think people get that
However, my pet peeve is the apostrophe – its and it’s – Grrrr
BTW< I took the test – got 92%. My husband will get 100, of that I have no doubt!
Congratulations, Marcia! I’m impressed!!!