IMPERFECT PUNCTUATION

Punctuation is the nemesis of both professional writers and professionals who must write. Some of the rules are confusing. Some seem to contradict others. And some simply don’t make sense. Check through this quick quiz of the most difficult punctuation rules. As always, if you get one wrong, read the rule so you can apply it the next time you’re writing.
Believe It or Not

Years ago, when I was a well-meaning college freshman struggling to create that elusive Perfect Paper, I got this piece of advice from an equally well-meaning but misinformed boyfriend: when in doubt, always add a comma. Unfortunately, I was in doubt a lot and wound up with a virtual school of commas swimming through my sentences.

Soon after that, another college companion passed along these breath-stopping words of wisdom: use commas every time you would naturally pause in the sentence. But suppose you have a cold and are gasping for breath? Or you have an asthma attack? You’ll end up with commas every four or five words.

The moral of my story is simple: base all your punctuation on logical rules.