In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “By the Dots.”

One of my pet peeves when I’m reading is the misuse of punctuation. Wrongly placed commas or speech marks can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Occasionally it can be funny but most of the time it means re reading a sentence and losing the flow.

I have to admit however, that when it comes to punctuation, I’m probably the last person who should be throwing stones. I have a slightly random approach to commas and apostrophes (which you may notice here). I’m never entirely sure where to put them so just kind of guess and hope for the best.

I do know that an apostrophe should be used when shortening two words to one but the whole plurals versus belonging to has me stumped. I have googled it many times and yet within half an hour I’ve forgotten again. It’s the same with the comma. I know it should be used as a pause but am never sure where the pause should be. This had led to much abuse from my co workers who have to correct my reports and the occasional suggestion that maybe I should find a course.

The big and divisive question in the office however is should you put one space or two after a full stop? I’m fully in the one space only camp but there are some very determined double spacers. I expect war will commence soon.