Common Mistakes
Common Punctuation Mistakes and How to Fix Them
· 3 min read
Punctuation helps readers see sentence boundaries and relationships. Check apostrophes, commas and full stops against the intended meaning.
Why Punctuation Matters
Punctuation can completely change the meaning of a sentence! Compare: "Let's eat, Grandma!" (inviting Grandma to eat) vs "Let's eat Grandma!" (eating Grandma!). Here are the most common punctuation mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Comma Splice
A comma splice happens when you join two complete sentences with just a comma:
❌ I love coffee, it gives me energy.
✅ I love coffee. It gives me energy.
Use a period for two complete sentences
❌ She is smart, she studies hard.
✅ She is smart because she studies hard.
Or use a connecting word
❌ It was raining, we stayed inside.
✅ It was raining, so we stayed inside.
Add a conjunction after the comma
Mistake 2: Apostrophe in Plurals
Apostrophes show possession or contractions - NOT plurals!
❌ I bought three apple's.
✅ I bought three apples.
No apostrophe for plurals
❌ The dog's are barking.
✅ The dogs are barking.
Just add -s for plural
❌ Happy Holiday's!
✅ Happy Holidays!
No apostrophe needed
❌ We sell car's here.
✅ We sell cars here.
Simple plural, no apostrophe
Mistake 3: Missing Comma in Lists
Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more:
❌ I bought apples oranges and bananas.
✅ I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
Commas between all items
❌ She speaks English French and German.
✅ She speaks English, French, and German.
Separate with commas
Mistake 4: Missing Comma After Introductions
Put a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses:
❌ However I disagree with you.
✅ However, I disagree with you.
Comma after 'however'
❌ After the movie we went home.
✅ After the movie, we went home.
Comma after introductory phrase
❌ If you need help call me.
✅ If you need help, call me.
Comma after 'if' clause
❌ First open the box.
✅ First, open the box.
Comma after transition word
Mistake 5: Wrong Use of Semicolon
Semicolons connect two COMPLETE sentences that are closely related:
❌ I love reading; books.
✅ I love reading books.
No semicolon before objects
❌ The weather is nice; and sunny.
✅ The weather is nice and sunny.
No semicolon before 'and'
She loves reading; he prefers watching movies.
💡 Correct: Two complete sentences, related ideas
I have a meeting at 10; I cannot come earlier.
💡 Correct: Two complete sentences
Mistake 6: Question Mark After Indirect Questions
❌ I wonder what time it is?
✅ I wonder what time it is.
Indirect question = period
❌ She asked if I was coming?
✅ She asked if I was coming.
Reported question = period
❌ I don't know where he went?
✅ I don't know where he went.
Statement, not a question
Mistake 7: Misusing Quotation Marks
❌ He said that "he was tired."
✅ He said that he was tired.
No quotes for reported speech
❌ The "meeting" is at 3 PM.
✅ The meeting is at 3 PM.
No quotes for emphasis
She said, "I am happy."
💡 Correct: Direct quote needs quotation marks
The sign said, "No parking."
💡 Correct: Quoting exact words
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