Punctuation Temper Tantrums
Are your punctuation marks sending the wrong message?
Using end marks and various character treatments in unruly ways might grab attention, but probably not as desired. Whether plainly wrong or merely pointless, writers’ excessive notations commonly sabotage their credibility in the same way kids lose favor when throwing tantrums or persistently whining, “Look at me!”
Thankfully, the remedy is as easy as noting and correcting such problems.
To stop those punctuation temper tantrums, consider the following examples of childish tactics along with sophisticated approaches that send clearer, more effective messages:
- Excessive Exclamation Points – Use one exclamation point for impact. Instead of adding emphasis, multiple end marks look like scribble on the page and make the sentiment seem over the top.
Childish: I love the results!!!!! Great job!!!!!
Grown-up: I love the results. Great job!
- Crazy Question Marks – Use a single question mark to prompt an answer. Multiple end marks not only demonstrate impatience, but also discourage engagement by making the writer seem unhinged.
Childish: Where is my order #A1162??????????????
Grown-up: Has my order #A1162 shipped? Please provide details.
- Question-Exclamation Mark Confusion – Either ask a question or make an emphatic statement to make intentions clear and maintain self-control. Another option is to pose the question and deliver the declaration in separate sentences.
Childish: Is the report ready?!?
Grown-up: Is the report ready?
Grown-up: Please, send the report!
Grown-up: Is the report ready? If so, please send it!
- Problem: Passive-Aggressive Question Marks – Either pose a question or state the circumstance. The passive-aggressive tactic of declaring something within the framework of a question ineffectively masks an accusation, which alienates the recipient rather than resolving any issues.
Childish: We didn’t see you at the open house?
Grown-up: Why didn’t you attend the open house?
Grown-up: We were disappointed that you missed the open house.
- Problem: Never-Ending Ellipsis – Use three consecutive dots—an ellipsis—to inject a pause. If pausing in the middle of a sentence, add a space before and after the ellipsis. If at the end of a sentence, add the final punctuation mark after the ellipsis. Extra, meaningless dots create an unappealing distraction and reveal that the writer is uninformed. In addition to the error of dots galore, excessive ellipses, even if technically correct, are tiresome to readers and make the writer appear indecisive.
Childish: I’m happy to talk with you about this…………….…tough decision.
Grown-up: I’m happy to talk with you about this … tough decision.
Grown-up: I’m happy to talk with you. This is tough ….
Childish: What in the world … goodness! I’m happy to talk with you…. This is tough ….
Grown-up: What in the world! I’m happy to talk with you. This is tough ….
- Problem: Gratuitous Caps – Capitalize according to the rules (such as the first letter in every sentence and in proper names) and to achieve a uniform effect in graphic designs and presentations. To avoid overusing caps, consider alternative ways to phrase and punctuate for impact. Recognize, too, that sentences in all caps typically slow comprehension rates. Random caps further make writers appear tactless, uneducated, or amateurish, and sometimes enraged.
Childish: We were DISAPPOINTED in her BAD ATTITUDE.
Grown-up: We were deeply disappointed in her bad attitude.
Grown-up: Her attitude was disappointing and unacceptable to us.
Childish: We ARE MEETING On WEDNESDAY At 3:00 PM.
Grown-up: Meeting: Wednesday at 3:00 PM
Childish: I am HAPPY to send the Report to you.
Grown-up: I am happy to send the report to you.
Like gratuitous caps, out-of-control uses of bold, italic, underscored, and odd fonts tend to overwhelm a message.
Yes, crazy punctuation and wild character treatments are hard to miss, yet the tactics rarely offer any advantages to the writer and potentially tell the reader to beware.
I encourage you to spread the word!
Thoughts or questions? Please contact Sallie Boyles, a.k.a. Write Lady, to exchange ideas about effective communications and gain from professional writing and editing services. Receive monthly tips and insights by subscribing at www.writelady.com.
Multi-award winning former journalist utilizing talents in compelling story telling for both print and digital communications including web design, graphic design, social media management and page design and composition.
5 年I would opine that, in most cases, an exclamation mark should not be used at all, let alone multiple times at the end of one sentence. It is the most over used, misplaced punctuation mark I see.