Lessons for the future

Lessons for the Future

I rarely write on grammar since it’s not my strong suite however my eyes see mistakes that are blinding so with that I ask you reader, what do an over abundance of exclamation points, ellipses, a comma splice, colons and a period outside a quotation mark have in common? They are written in error.  

Many newbie authors run the risk losing their credibility with readers because of punctuation errors.  But there's a solution.  Why panic when you can strengthen your writing habits by identifying errors before you submit your work.  Steer clear of these poor punctuation habits.

Excessive use of exclamation points

Often a result of attempting to create exciting and energized content, authors will use exclamation points with reckless abandon. The result: Content that's on the verge of hysterics!!! Use an exclamation point or mark for exclamations, commands, or sound effects and review your piece for wayward exclamation points.

Excessive use of ellipses

An informal ellipsis is used to indicate trailing-off, hesitation, to be continued, or to convey the passage of time. So ... when you see it used in writing ... it ... leaves much ... to be desired.  Be clear, direct, and confident in your writing and skip the ellipses.

The comma splice

Joining two independent clauses is not the job for a comma. The following is an example of comma splice: "The Siberian Husky looks like a small wolf, they may appear friendly, but they can be vicious creatures." Avoid this error by joining two independent clauses together with a period, semicolon, or a conjunction (e.g., "The Siberian Husky looks like a small wolf; they may appear friendly, but they can be vicious creatures."

Using an apostrophe in pronominal possessives

Even if you know the rule and you let the apostrophe go to your head, pledge to place a little extra care spotting apostrophe errors. One prevalent common error is the apostrophe used to indicate possession in a pronominal possessive (e.g., "your’s " instead of "yours"). It's redundant; a pronominal possessive is already possessive.

Using a colon to separate a verb from its complement or separate a preposition from its object.

A verb (e.g., need) shouldn't be separated from its complement (i.e., someone or something that completes the statement).

Sean needs: pants, a shirt and a tie. (Incorrect)
Sean needs pants, a shirt and a tie. (Correct)

Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks.

It may not seem correct at times, but the comma and period always belong inside quotations marks. Other forms of punctuation (e.g., semicolons, question marks, and exclamation points) may vary, but the comma and period is a fairly straight-forward rule.

"I love you". (Incorrect)
"I love you." (Correct)

Avoid these poor punctuation habits to strengthen your writing skills and become a better writer.  What punctuation errors do you commonly see? Let me know by sharing your comments and questions—I’d love to hear from you!

El Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores)

By an amazing historical coincidence, this year, 2010 is both a centennial and bicentennial for Mexico. In Mexico, Independence Day, September 16 and Revolution Day, November 20, are both important patriotic celebrations. This year is extraordinary because it marks both the bicentennial of what became the Mexican independence movement in 1810, and the centennial of the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.


The dual anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect upon the complex and intriguing history of Mexico. And who knows, perhaps even learn lessons for the future.


The bicentennial celebrates the independence of Mexico from Spain in the early 19th century. The uprising that became the Mexican independence movement began on the night of September 15, in 1810. That night, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo gathered the people in the Zócalo, or the main plaza, where he rang a bell calling the people to action. This occurred in the central Mexican town of Dolores, Guanajuato, now referred to as Dolores Hidalgo.


Hidalgo was executed in 1811, but the struggle continued. Eventually, Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821. And here lies another historical coincidence, since 300 years earlier, in 1521 was the year in which the Aztec Empire fell and Spanish rule began.


The Mexican War of Independence is not to be confused with the Mexican Revolution, which occurred a century later.


The Revolution began on as an uprising to overthrow President and  longtime dictator, Porfirio Diaz, on November 20, 1910. After Diaz was driven out of the country in 1911, revolutionary factions fought each other in a bloody civil war. The Revolution lasted from 1910 to 1920.


One of the most concrete results of the Revolution was the current Mexican Constitution, drafted in 1917.  Both Independence Day in September and Revolution Day in November are popular observances celebrated annually.


Since this year is both a bicentennial and centennial, in Mexico a number of observances are taking place. Current president Felipe Calderon has declared the entire year of 2010, as the Año de la Patria or Year of the Nation.


Presently, there are cultural, artistic and educational programs aplenty. There are conferences, historical commemorations, artistic exhibitions, and radio shows. Large digital countdown clocks have been installed in cities across Mexico. Major media companies Televisa and TV Azteca compete with each other to produce programming related in some way to the bicentennial and the centennial.


Motorists traveling in many parts of the country can see Ruta 2010, posted signs on the highway with routes that commemorate and follow military movements and historical figures in the Independence and Revolutionary periods. For the curious traveler, this is a fascinating way to map out the country and see where historical events took place.


All 31 Mexican states and the Federal District have their own Bicentennial/Centennial committees.


This past June, the Mexican port of Veracruz played host to an international regatta with ships that sailed in a five month long voyage. The fleet included vessels from 12 nations, including Mexico and other Latin American nations, several of which are also celebrating bicentennials within the space of a few years. The U.S., Portugal and the Netherlands also participated.


The Mexican Bicentennial/Centennial is expanding beyond the nation's borders. There are exhibitions of art from different stages of Mexico's history in various foreign capitals. Mexican embassies and consulates are also hosting cultural events abroad.


All these events reflect on Mexico… not only as an occasion for euphoria and collective gaiety that all of society should participate in but also that the introduction of history and culture bring a new understanding of Mexico's past and unity for the future.
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