We all know the basics of punctuation. Or do we? A look at most neighborhood signage tells a different story. Through sloppy usage and low standards on the internet, in email, and now text messages, we have made proper punctuation an endangered species. In Eats, Shoots & Leaves, former editor Lynne Truss dares to say, in her delightfully urbane, witty, and very English way, that it is time to look at our commas and semicolons and see them as the wonderful...

Explains the correct usage of punctuation marks, including commas, hyphens, and parentheses.

Simple rhymes are used to explain rules of punctuation. "Parentheses' two hands are gentle, Enclosing words that aren't essential."

Mary Norris has spent more than three decades in The New Yorker's copy department, maintaining its celebrated high standards. Now she lends her vast experience, good cheer, and finely sharpened pencils to some of our language's most vexing problems in a boisterous book as full of loife as it is of practical advice. Readers--and writers--will find in Norris neither a scold nor a softie but a wise and witty new friend in love with language and alive...

"People got along without punctuation for hundreds of years. Can you imagine that once upon a time there weren't even spaces between words? Today, most of us take punctuation for granted. This wonderfully illustrated book follows the history and purpose of punctuation in the English language and how its development made writing easier to understand."--

Charts the rise and fall of this infamous punctuation mark, which for years was the trendiest one in the world of letters. But in the nineteenth century, as grammar books became all the rage, the rules of how we use language became both stricter and more confusing, with the semicolon a prime example. Watson reveals how traditional grammar rules make us less successful at communication with each other than we might think. She argues that even the most...

A reference to help children understand the rules of grammar and punctuation. Grammatical concepts are broken down with simple, clear explantations and illustrations. Fun exercises help to make this a lively read, as well as a useful reference. -- Provided by publisher.

"Commas love taking breaks. In fact, they want everyone to take breaks! Commas have many jobs, but they always tell readers when to take a breath. Follow along and learn all about commas"--Page [4] of cover.

This title introduces readers to the proper use of the question mark punctuation. The title is complete with beautiful, colorful photographs and simple text.

"Exclamation points make noise! They show excitement and surprise. They are good at giving commands. Follow along and learn all about the importance of exclamaiton points."--Page [4] of cover.