
A brief overview of what this punctuation course covers.
Many of the decisions we make about punctuation involve questions of style and personal choice - rather than rules. Here's how to navigate those choices.
Understand why it's so important to master the comma.
An introduction to the first basic rule of the comma: its use in lists.
An introduction to the second basic rule of the comma: to join sentences when using "FANBOYS" words.
An introduction to the third basic rule of the comma: to set of incidental or non-essential information.
The difference between "which" and "that" - and whether to use a comma with them.
How to use the comma to avoid repetition - and make your writing more elegant.
When to use commas in a list of describing words - and when not to.
More examples to help you understand the difference between cumulative and co-ordinating adjectives.
How to use commas correctly with renamed words - so you say what you actually mean.
How and when to use the comma when addressing other people.
This exercise is an opportunity to practise using the comma correctly - available in both pdf and Word format.
How to use full stops to avoid the most common punctuation error I see - starting with understanding what a sentence is.
How to use the full-stop/period correctly in names, titles and abbreviations.
Intelligent advice on to navigate the ongoing controversy about how many spaces should follow the full stop.
Is it e-mail or email? How to use hyphenation in compound nouns.
"Long term" or "long-term": when to use hyphens in compound modifiers.
How to use hyphens to make your meaning crystal clear.
How to avoid one of the most common hyphenation mistakes.
How to use hyphens when adding prefixes and suffixes to change the meaning of a word.
A handy use of the hyphen - to avoid unnecessary repetition.
Introducing an explanation or elaboration - and other uses of the colon.
How to use the semicolon - and reasons to avoid it!
How to avoid two common semicolon pitfalls - including confusing them with colons.
How to use the versatile punctuation mark that is the dash.
How to make sure your dashes look correct and consistent.
How to use round brackets - and how to use other punctuation with them.
Using square brackets to add editorial commentary to a text.
How to use inverted commas when quoting someone in an article.
How to use inverted commas/quotation marks with words and phrases.
How to avoid unintentional humour by overusing inverted commas/quotation marks.
The rules and guidance for using single versus double quotation marks.
Typographical considerations when using inverted commas/question marks.
When to use a question mark - and when not to!
When to use an exclamation mark - and when not to!
Correct use of those three little dots...
How your ellipses should look on the page.
How to punctuate the different types of bullet points.
Contraction and possession: the two main uses of the apostrophe.
Can you identify examples of apostrophes being used to indicate possession and contraction? Can you spot where not to use an apostrophe (in simple pluralisation)?
You may see apostrophes in words like these. However, they're wrong, so be careful.
Insert apostrophes correctly in these sentences.
Confusing its and it's is the most common apostrophe error there is. Here's how to avoid it.
Do you need an apostrophe with its? Test your mastery of the difference between its and it's.
Like its and it's, whose and who's are often confused. Here's the easy way to make sure you always pick the right word.
Can you tell the difference between whose and who's?
Confusing your and you're is and easy mistake to make. Here's a simple way to make sure you always pick the right word.
Can you tell the difference between your, you're and yours?
A simple explanation of the difference between we're, were and where.
Can you tell the difference between we're, were, where and where's?
Unsure of the difference between theirs and there's, they're and there? Here's what you need to know.
Can you tell the difference between theirs and there's, they're and there?
This use of the apostrophe will save you from the ire of the internet's grammar snobs.
Is it the cat's whiskers or the cats' whiskers? That depends.
Can you insert the apostrophes in the correct positions?
Unusual plurals can pose a challenge when it comes to the apostrophe. Here's what you need to know.
Test your mastery of the apostrophe with irregular plurals
Don't make this apostrophe mistake on your CV!
Is it St Thomas's Hospital or St Thomas' Hospital? Here's what to do when the name of a person or place ends in s.
Should you put an apostrophe in a number or a date? Well, that depends...
Apostrophes in abbreviations? Here's what you need to know.
Correct the apostrophes in the memo attached to this lecture. Use the apostrophe cheat sheet, also attached, if you get stuck.
Even an experienced writer can miss an apostrophe error. Here's how to check your work for correct usage.
Would you like to:
Understand punctuation to a professional level, with an understanding of all the major punctuation marks in English?
Use commas, colons, semicolons and other punctuation marks accurately, precisely and stylishly?
Master every aspect of English punctuation - to produce authoritative, error-free documents every time?
Talk knowledgeably about even the most intricate aspects of punctuation in English?
Gain clarity on the (often confusing) differences between UK and US punctuation?
Be the go-to expert on English punctuation in your place of work?
Punctuate with confidence so you can earn an income from professional writing, editing or proofreading?
If any of these apply to you, you need this comprehensive, professional-level punctuation course.
In this highly detailed punctuation course, you’ll learn how to master the intricacies of every major punctuation mark, including:
Commas
Full stops/periods
Apostrophes
Hyphens
Colons
Semicolons
Dashes
Brackets (both square and round)
Inverted commas/quotation marks
Question marks
Exclamation marks
Ellipses
Bullet points
If you’re looking for a superficial beginner’s guide to punctuation based on opinion rather than research, this is probably not the punctuation course for you.
However, if you want a professional-level punctuation course founded on extensive research into current usage, you’ll love this course.
Yes, the course covers the basics of English punctuation. But it also digs deep into the rules, principles and conventions of US and UK punctuation.
With Complete Punctuation: Novice To Pro you get a definitive guide to every aspect of English punctuation.
So this punctuation course is for you if you want to:
Make a living from writing, editing or proofreading
Access a life-time reference guide to punctuation that you can consult over and over again
Benefit from detailed explanation of the rules and conventions for punctuation best practice
Gain clarity on the (often confusing) differences between UK and US usage
HOW IS THIS COURSE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PUNCTUATION COURSES?
With 65 lectures and at 3.5 hours long, Complete Punctuation: Novice To Pro offers a comprehensive guide to US and UK punctuation. When you complete the course, I will send you a 60-page ebook, summarising the entire content of this punctuation course.
What’s more, as a professional copywriter, Dr Clare Lynch understands time is money. That's why the most often used words in reviews of her courses are 'clear' and 'concise'. So every lecture is punchy, pacey and packed with punctuation advice. Zero fluff. Zero padding. Zero repetition.
Just clear, concise well-researched content on the rules, principles and conventions of modern English punctuation.
And with Complete Punctuation: Novice To Pro, you won’t simply be bombarded with information about punctuation. You’ll also be encouraged to test and cement your understanding of all the principles taught. That’s why the course includes 24 quizzes and exercises - where you can put into practice everything you’ve learned about UK and US punctuation.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN THIS COMPREHENSIVE COURSE ON PUNCTUATION?
In this course, you’ll learn how to master best-practice for using all the major punctuation marks, including:
Punctuation: commas
How to use commas in lists, to join sentences and to bracket information
Should you use the Oxford comma or not?
The difference in comma usage between “which” and “that”
Understanding the difference between cumulative and co-ordinating adjectives - and the implications for comma use
How to use the “vocative” comma - in emails, for example
Punctuation: full stops/periods
Using full stops/periods to avoid one of the most common punctuation errors - the comma splice
Should you use full stops in titles, names and abbreviations?
Should you use one space or two after a full stop?
Punctuation: apostrophes
The two main uses of apostrophes - contraction and possession
Is it 100s or 100's, 1000s or 1000's?
How to use apostrophes correctly in names, places and dates
Apostrophes in abbreviations
Punctuation: hyphens
How to use hyphens correctly in compound modifiers (describing phrases)
How to avoid the most common hyphenation mistakes
How to use hyphens with prefixes and suffixes
Punctuation: colons, semicolons and dashes
How to use colons and semicolons accurately and appropriately
Avoid the most common mistakes people make with colons and semicolons
Correct use of dashes
The differences between hyphens, en-dashes and em-dashes
Punctuation: brackets
How to use round brackets correctly
How to use other punctuation in conjunction with brackets
Using square brackets to add editorial commentary to a text
Punctuation: inverted commas/quotation marks
How to use commas/quotation marks to quote direct speech
How to use commas/quotation marks with words and phrases
Scare quotes - a pitfall to be aware of
Typographical considerations: single or double, curly or straight?
Punctuation: question marks, exclamation marks and ellipses
When to use a question mark - and when not to
When to use an exclamation mark - and when not to
When and how to use ellipses
BONUS CONTENT: Punctuation of bullet points
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS INSTRUCTOR?
Dr Clare Lynch has a PhD in English literature from the University of Cambridge, where she also now teaches writing skills. Earning her doctorate armed Clare with the advanced research skills she brings to this course.
As a result, Complete Punctuation: Novice to Pro is a definitive course founded on deep research into the rules, principles and conventions of current usage.
Clare is also a professional copywriter with 20+ years’ experience of helping big-name corporate clients get their messages across clearly, accurately, precisely and compellingly.
Clare is also a qualified and highly experienced corporate trainer and facilitator. So she’s been trained to communicate even the most complex, technical ideas in a way that’s clear, concise and memorable.
WHAT DO OTHER STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THIS PUNCTUATION COURSE?
So far I found it very interesting and useful. The lectures on colon and semicolon were very educative. I was confused how and when to use them, before. The lectures on apostrophe were detailed and I learnt a lot. The whole course was worth the time and effort. - V., Udemy student
Great course! I really enjoyed Clare's sense of humor and, of course, her accent. I learned some things I never knew, even though I thought I knew a lot about this particular subject, so that's great. And I love being tested on my knowledge with the quizzes at the end of each section. Definitely recommend this course and Clare to everyone who wants to learn more about punctuation. - Kelly, Udemy student
Excellent course for anyone looking to sharpen your punctuation. I thought I knew all there was found many tips and tricks to help be become a better writer. - Michael, Udemy student
The course handbook is worth its weight in gold! I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to have a no-nonsense punctuation course that is well organized, professional, and enjoyable. I consider it time well spent. - Carmen. Udemy student
The idea of using punctuation to create "meaning and music" really changed my perspective. It's obvious that a great deal of research and thought went into the creation of this course, and I appreciate it. Thank you for including the ebook. I think it will be a valuable reference. - Kathryn, Udemy student
This course is so clear and concise in her explanations of every point in this course. Great examples and quizzes. Excellent course to take if you need to learn or relearn about punctuation. - Deborah, Udemy student
This course has exactly what I needed, I took an online course for punctuation before but it can't be compared to this amazing course at all. This course is beneficial and interesting at the same time. - Shaden, Udemy student