{"id":8876,"date":"2021-08-02T14:26:56","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T12:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nllanguagep-bali.savviihq.com\/?p=8876"},"modified":"2025-06-17T14:57:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T12:57:46","slug":"punctuate-like-a-pro-common-errors-in-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/languagepartners.nl\/en\/blog\/english\/punctuate-like-a-pro-common-errors-in-english\/","title":{"rendered":"Punctuate like a pro: common errors in English"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article considers the use of various punctuation marks, especially ones which tend to cause the most confusion amongst Dutch students learning English. While punctuation rules are similar across the Dutch and English language, there are small nuances to bear in mind while writing that email or business report.<\/p>\n

The comma (,)<\/h2>\n

The comma is a very useful punctuation mark, helping to break up different parts of a sentence by introducing a brief pause. You may also use commas to indicate non-essential information. If a phrase can be omitted without changing the general meaning of the sentence, it should be fenced off with commas. If the phrase is essential to the meaning of the sentence, it should not be fenced off with commas.<\/p>\n

e.g., Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh created about 2100 artworks in his lifetime. e.g., Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch painter, created about 2100 artworks in his lifetime.<\/em><\/p>\n

Much like Dutch, English uses commas to split adjectives, to divide main and subclauses and to divide asides from the rest of the sentence. Unlike Dutch, English uses commas after introductory words.<\/p>\n

e.g., Today, I\u2019d like to tell you more about our marketing campaign.<\/em><\/p>\n

There is also a situation in which Dutch requires the use of a comma while English omits it: when two conjugated verbs immediately follow one another. In these cases, English opts for inversion.<\/p>\n

e.g., Als de zon opkomt, gaan we ontbijten. (We\u2019ll have breakfast when the sun rises.)<\/em><\/p>\n

The apostrophe (\u2018)<\/h2>\n

Unlike Dutch, English does not use apostrophes for plurals. The apostrophe is used in contractions to show that one or more letters have been omitted. Bear in mind that contractions are commonly used in speech and informal writing, though formal letters should avoid contractions completely.<\/p>\n

e.g., We\u2019ve had an increase in sales this month.<\/em><\/p>\n

The other main use of the apostrophe is to show possession. Thus, the diary that belongs to Anne Frank is Anne Frank\u2019s diary.<\/p>\n

e.g., There is some pressure to meet this week\u2019s deadline.<\/em><\/p>\n

And remember, English does not use the apostrophe when referring to plurals.<\/p>\n

Decimal separators (,.)<\/h2>\n

A decimal separator is a symbol used to separate the whole number from the fractional part of the number written in decimal form. Different countries officially designate different symbols to be used as the separator. A decimal point (.) and a decimal comma (,) are most commonly used as decimal separators.<\/p>\n

e.g., 12,534.78 versus 12.534,78<\/em><\/p>\n

Most European and African countries, as well as Russia and South America use the decimal comma whereas most English-speaking countries and South East Asia tend to favour the decimal point. It is worthwhile confirming which decimal separator is used in a certain region when discussing numbers and figures in English, especially if it differs from what you are normally accustomed to, in order to avoid miscommunication.<\/p>\n

Your turn!<\/h2>\n

Add punctuation marks to the examples below, where necessary. The answers follow at the end of this article.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Americas second president John Adams served from 1797 to 1801.<\/li>\n
  2. The novelist Elena Ferrante seldom gives interviews.<\/li>\n
  3. Firstly I would like to introduce myself to the audience.<\/li>\n
  4. Wed be happy to show you this months figures.<\/li>\n
  5. Remember to take plenty of photos!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Answers:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. America\u2019s second president, John Adams, served from 1797 to 1801.<\/li>\n
    2. The novelist Elena Ferrante seldom gives interviews.<\/li>\n
    3. Firstly, I would like to introduce myself to the audience.<\/li>\n
    4. We\u2019d be happy to show you this month\u2019s figures.<\/li>\n
    5. Remember to take plenty of photos!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Want more? Our Business English Webinar<\/a> can help!<\/p>\n

      Curious to learn more? Take a look at any of our languages courses<\/a> such as Business<\/a> or Legal English.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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