English punctuation

Punctuation in the English language helps the reader to understand a sentence through visual means other than just the letters of the alphabet.[1] English punctuation has two complementary aspects: phonological punctuation, linked to how the sentence can be read aloud, particularly to pausing;[2] and grammatical punctuation, linked to the structure of the sentence.[3] In popular discussion of language, incorrect punctuation is often seen as an indication of lack of education and of a decline of standards.[4]

  1. ^ Coulmas, F. (1996). The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Writing Systems. Oxford: Blackwell.
  2. ^ Parkes, M. B. (1992). Pause and Effect: An Introduction to the History of Punctuation in the West. Aldershot: Scolar Press.
  3. ^ Halliday, M. A. K. (1985). Spoken and Written Language. Oxford University Press.
  4. ^ Truss, Lynne (2003). Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. London: Profile Books. ISBN 1861976127.