BMTVAfrica: Can you read a sentence without any punctuation?

Who invented punctuation?

While it’s sometimes tricky to know how to properly use a semicolon, and English majors love to debate Oxford commas, we’d be lost without punctuation marks. But written language existed long before em dashes and exclamation points. Who invented punctuation marks?

Stewart Edelstein

A period, question and exclamation mark post it notes

CANYOUREADTHISIBETITSHARDWITHOUTPUNCTUATIONITSHARDTOREADEVENSHORTSENTENCES

Can you read this? I bet it’s hard. Without punctuation it’s hard to read even short sentences. Initially, ancient Greek was written in all caps with no punctuation or spacing. We even find inscriptions from ancient Rome written in all caps with only small dots breaking up the words. Speech, especially the eloquent and persuasive speech of politicians and elected officials, was valued more highly than the written word. But now punctuation makes all the difference. For example, the versatile “OK” can be a question (“OK?”), an agreement (“OK.”), or an exasperated exclamation (“OK!”). So, where did these punctuation marks come from?

By clicking a link in this email, you're agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Advertisers help keep Word Smarts free

EMOJI DECODED

Grinning Face with One Large and One Small Eye

Meaning: Shows a face with different-sized eyes and a big grin, suggesting silliness or wild energy.

Evolution: This emoji with a goofy, zany expression quickly became popular after its 2018 introduction for representing silly feelings or intentionally strange behavior, particularly among younger users.

Usage: [Caption on a photo representing a late-night study session:] Me after my 5th coffee today

HAVE YOU READ?

Her Dark Lies

Pair a destination wedding with a gripping murder mystery, and you have my favorite kind of novel. This binge-worthy thriller pulled me in from the moment Claire arrived on the Italian island of Isola for her dream wedding. What could go wrong? Everything. As a storm brews over the eerie cliffside mansion, things begin to unravel, and everyone — the bride, the groom, and their guests — seems to be hiding a secret. If you love topsy-turvy plot twists, this one's for you.

Rachel Gresh, Word Smarts Writer

SHOP NOW

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

When Do You Use ‘May’ vs. ‘Might’?

Mastering the use of “may” is crucial for polite conversation, but throwing “might” into the mix makes everything more complicated. When and where do you use each?