Although he is not tall, he is a good basketball player. While he listened to radio, he finished his homework.

A writer’s choice between “since” and “because” also involves possibility of a reference to time. Many people use “since” when they really mean “because,” this is rarely a correct use of word “since.” When choosing a word to suggest “from a definite past time until now”1 use “since.” If you are not referring to time, “because” should be word you choose. Try using “because,” if your sentence doesn’t make sense then you probably want to use “since.” In examples below two incorrect sentences do not sound correct, while correct sentences actually sound better.

Incorrect:He had few friends since he was too annoying. Correct:He had few friends because he was too annoying. Incorrect:He has not ridden a bicycle because 1990. Correct:He has not ridden a bicycle since 1990.

Whether you are writing an essay for school or you are writing a speech for your CEO, choose your words carefully because what people hear or read from you can make a big difference in their opinion about you and your intelligence. For anyone writing, regardless of topic, length, or purpose, ask for assistance if you need it, not doing so can have serious repercussions on your reputation.

1 Merriam-Webster Online. 20 January 2005. http://m-w.com/

Note: If clauses are long and already contain commas, separate them with a semicolon rather than a comma.

Wrong: If a man begins with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. - Francis Bacon

Right: If a man begins with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. - Francis Bacon

Run-on sentences - Where Run-on sentences are concerned (in case you don't know what it is, a run-on occurs when two independent clauses are not separated by punctuation or conjunction), add a period, or a semi colon, or a comma in places of separation.

Example

Wrong: A good student can score full marks in Mathematics it's his analytical ability that will help him achieve that.

Right: A good student can score full marks in Mathematics. It's his analytical ability that will help him achieve that.

Use of Quotation Marks - Use quotation marks to indicate direct quotation.

Example

"That guy knows me," Mr. Wong said, "very well."

Note: Never use it for indirect quotation (a restatement of someone’s words).

According to Mr. Wong, that guy knows him very well.

Use single quotation marks to indicate a quote within a quote.

Example

Wrong: Richard wrote, "When Berkeley said, "esse est percipii", he meant that existence of a thing consists in its being perceived."

Right: Richard wrote, "When Berkeley said, 'esse est percipii,' he meant that existence of a thing consists in its being perceived."

Note: Always put comma and final period inside quotation marks, and put other punctuation marks outside unless they are part of thing being quoted.

There are many other frequently used punctuation errors, but above-discussed ones are those I have mostly encountered in several writings. Before putting punctuation marks in your sentences, always ask yourself what meaning you want to convey to readers. Accordingly, put marks. In case sentence becomes difficult to punctuate, consider rewriting it, because when a sentence is well written, it almost punctuates itself.