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FutureLearn

Understanding English Punctuation: Commonly used Punctuation Marks

Whitireia Community Polytechnic and Te PÅ«kenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology via FutureLearn

Overview

Improve your written communication and perfect your use of English punctuation

Correct punctuation is essential when it comes to ensuring your writing is meaningful and accurate.

On this two-week course, you’ll use quizzes, interactive activities, and downloadable resources to take an in-depth look at punctuation, learning how to use it correctly in any written scenario.

Explore the language conventions for the main punctuation marks

Punctuation is the one of the main ways a writer can add clarity, intonation, and precision to their work.

You’ll learn how to write clearly and skillfully, examining commas, semicolons, colons, and more, giving you an overview of the most common punctuation marks found in writing, whether creative, academic, or instructional.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to ensure your written communication is accessible and fit for purpose, whilst helping to eliminate confusion and miscommunication.

Learn when to use a colon or semicolon, as well as hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes

Many writers lack the confidence to use semicolons, hyphens, and dashes correctly in their work.

On this course, you’ll take a deep dive into their usage and to avoid common errors. You’ll learn when to use an em dash, an en dash, or a hyphen, and why these details matter, particularly when writing in a professional capacity.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a good knowledge of a broad range of punctuation, including some less commonly used in informal writing.

With this understanding, you’ll be able to impress with your eye for detail and in-depth understanding of English language conventions.

This course is designed for anyone who uses English, whether as a first or additional language. It is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of English sentence structure and punctuation, whether in a personal or professional context.

Syllabus

  • Punctuation Part I
    • Introduction and welcome
    • Punctuation
    • Commas
    • Semicolons
    • Colons
    • Recap of week 1
  • Punctuation Part II
    • Welcome to week 2
    • Apostrophes
    • Hyphens
    • En and em dashes
    • Course conclusion and what's next

Taught by

Theresa Crewdson

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4.5 rating at FutureLearn based on 2 ratings

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