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By R. L. Trask The Penguin Guide to Punctuation (Penguin Reference Books) [Paperback]
Synopsis Do you find punctuation difficult? Are you puzzled by colons and semicolons? Unsure of where commas should go? Confused by hyphens and apostrophes? If so, then this jargon-free and succinct guide is for you. Contains precise and up-to-date definitions of every type of punctuation mark and shows how each should be used Gives numerous examples of good and bad usage Explains the correct use of capital letters, contractions and abbreviations, italics, boldface and the special characters available on a word processor
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1997
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389 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Trask
28 books24 followersRobert Lawrence "Larry" Trask was Professor of Linguistics at the University of Sussex in England. He was an authority on the Basque language: his book The History of Basque (1997) is an essential reference on diachronic Basque linguistics and probably the best introduction to Basque linguistics as a whole. He was also an authority on historical linguistics, and had written about the problem of the origin of language. He also published two introductory books to linguistics: Language: The basics (1995) and Introducing Linguistics (coauthored with Bill Mayblin) (2000), and several dictionaries on different topics of this science: A dictionary of grammatical terms in linguistics (1993), A dictionary of phonetics and phonology (1996), A student's dictionary of language and linguistics (1997), Key concepts in language and linguistics (1999), The dictionary of historical and comparative linguistics (2000) and The Penguin dictionary of English grammar (2000).
He was at work compiling an etymological dictionary of Basque when he died, posthumously published by Max W. Wheeler (Etymological Dictionary of Basque, 2008).
He was at work compiling an etymological dictionary of Basque when he died, posthumously published by Max W. Wheeler (Etymological Dictionary of Basque, 2008).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 10, 2014
I can never remember specifically doing punctuation at school. Well, not to any real degree of intimacy. And if I did, I must have forgotten it all because if you asked my the rules on colons and semicolons and that blasted apostrophe, especially after words ending with an s, well I'd be doomed. So, as a writer I though I'd better take my craft a bit more seriously and look it up.
This book is absolutely wonderful. It's small book. It's concise, to the point and easy to understand. It goes through each piece of punctuation chapter by chapter and breaks it down, explaining the rules and giving examples. It starts easy with the second chapter (the first is on why the need to learn to punctuate) being about the full stop, question mark and exclamation mark. It then goes in for the kill with the comma. Seriously. The comma. No, the rule about using the comma when you need to breathe isn't correct. Did you know there are actually four uses of the simple comma? Four!
Yes, I will be keeping this book by my laptop as I work.
It goes through abbreviations, quotation marks and quotes within quotation marks. It really is comprehensive for such a small book.
If you're a writer and you maybe want to make sure you're getting your punctuation right (and this book gives the UK and US versions) then I'd highly recommend this book. I know I will keep dipping into it every now and again just to remind myself about some of the rules. And yes, I've been very careful in the writing of this post!
This book is absolutely wonderful. It's small book. It's concise, to the point and easy to understand. It goes through each piece of punctuation chapter by chapter and breaks it down, explaining the rules and giving examples. It starts easy with the second chapter (the first is on why the need to learn to punctuate) being about the full stop, question mark and exclamation mark. It then goes in for the kill with the comma. Seriously. The comma. No, the rule about using the comma when you need to breathe isn't correct. Did you know there are actually four uses of the simple comma? Four!
Yes, I will be keeping this book by my laptop as I work.
It goes through abbreviations, quotation marks and quotes within quotation marks. It really is comprehensive for such a small book.
If you're a writer and you maybe want to make sure you're getting your punctuation right (and this book gives the UK and US versions) then I'd highly recommend this book. I know I will keep dipping into it every now and again just to remind myself about some of the rules. And yes, I've been very careful in the writing of this post!
July 6, 2013
I am rating this very high because it is a readable book on punctuation. That is in itself an achivement. The book is actually very funny at times and is what its title says: a guide to punctuation.
November 27, 2022
I like this book because not only is it useful but the author is clearly a Stickler, and gets quite cross with people who make no effort to punctuate correctly – a person after my own heart! :-D
April 11, 2014
An excellent semicolonic irrigation for any constipated writer.
May 5, 2015
I enjoyed the author's remarks about the various perspectives on the grey areas (lightly touching style guidance) of certain grammar topics, his take on it and a short argumentation on why he thinks that way. That really helped me in forming/aligning/arguing my own understanding of those things. Most importantly: he put in extra words where necessary (commas) and at the same time kept everything else short and to the point. No extraneous nonsense. This is the kind of book I'd like to keep in my bag. It's probably also one of the very few 'printed' things I'd use to look something up rather than going online—simply because it's faster and more precise than a Google search.
April 17, 2013
Very informative. Does not babble on too much as do other books. This book is straight to the point. I especially like the bullet points at the end of each section. These mean I do not need to read the whole section for a reminder; the bullet points should do spark my memory.
August 13, 2023
Trask, being both bi and trans, is just what the punctuation doctor ordered. (In case you were wondering, Bi means American and British; trans is short for trans-Atlantic). Trask takes pendants and mollycoddlers to task, giving the goods without shuffle or sugar.
A caveat is that the book is focused on the users of British English, with American English, when there are differences, being treated as an addendum. That said, because of its clarity, brevity and readability, it is well worth reading.
For example, who would guess, that by picking up a primer on punctuation, you learn that the first international cricket game was between Canada and the United States?
I have not yet engraved Trask's punctuation rules on my soul, so corrections are welcome.
A caveat is that the book is focused on the users of British English, with American English, when there are differences, being treated as an addendum. That said, because of its clarity, brevity and readability, it is well worth reading.
For example, who would guess, that by picking up a primer on punctuation, you learn that the first international cricket game was between Canada and the United States?
I have not yet engraved Trask's punctuation rules on my soul, so corrections are welcome.
July 29, 2025
“If you opt for logical punctuation, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are on the side of the angels, but you should also expect some grim opposition from the other side.”
Ironically, from chapter 8, quotation marks.
Highly informative and delightfully entertaining for a reference book.
Ironically, from chapter 8, quotation marks.
Highly informative and delightfully entertaining for a reference book.
July 7, 2025
So funny
March 19, 2021
I picked this guide to brush up on my comma usage and to get a handle on why anyone would use a semicolon. I was educated but also highly amused.
R.L. Trask is a clear and precise teacher but he is also quite a pedant. His disregard for certain linguistic practices at first comes out subtly, like when he describes an irregular comma placement as 'This is even worse. (It does make sense of a sort, but the wrong sense.)' Then overtime his passion takes hold, like when he summarises the use of Latin abbreviations by saying, 'Don't use these ghastly things. A writer who uses them is expressing utter contempt for the reader, and should be turned over to the Imperial Chinese Torturer for corrective treatment.'
Indeed Trask's snobbish outbursts elevate this punctuation guide above the rest. The prickly asides have spoiled me for more even-handed and patient linguistic books. I'm just glad I don't practice the irregular grammar and citation that he lambasts.
Other than the chuckle Trask gave me, there isn't much else to say about The Penguin Guide to Punctuation. It explains the rules and gives plenty of examples for even the most obvious uses of full stops and commas. While bearing the attitude of its writer, the book still ultimately succeeds at teaching. That being said, I recommend The Penguin Guide to Punctuation specifically to readers who are keen to learn but not easily irked by fussy remarks during their lesson.
R.L. Trask is a clear and precise teacher but he is also quite a pedant. His disregard for certain linguistic practices at first comes out subtly, like when he describes an irregular comma placement as 'This is even worse. (It does make sense of a sort, but the wrong sense.)' Then overtime his passion takes hold, like when he summarises the use of Latin abbreviations by saying, 'Don't use these ghastly things. A writer who uses them is expressing utter contempt for the reader, and should be turned over to the Imperial Chinese Torturer for corrective treatment.'
Indeed Trask's snobbish outbursts elevate this punctuation guide above the rest. The prickly asides have spoiled me for more even-handed and patient linguistic books. I'm just glad I don't practice the irregular grammar and citation that he lambasts.
Other than the chuckle Trask gave me, there isn't much else to say about The Penguin Guide to Punctuation. It explains the rules and gives plenty of examples for even the most obvious uses of full stops and commas. While bearing the attitude of its writer, the book still ultimately succeeds at teaching. That being said, I recommend The Penguin Guide to Punctuation specifically to readers who are keen to learn but not easily irked by fussy remarks during their lesson.
January 9, 2014
At just 156 pages it is not a tedious textbook that will haunt you for months; it could be read in a matter of hours. If you do pick it up though remember that the things you have been taught at school may be challenged.
Did you know that the comma is not a simple comma? There is actually four types of comma. There is a difference between a hyphen and a dash and I won't even mention what I now know about compound modifiers. Confused? Welcome to my world.
This book also goes on to look at the rules for apostrophes, quotation marks, italics and boldface. Until reading this I never knew that rounded brackets were called parentheses or that the dots I use to break up a quotation (…) are referred to as ellipsis.
Whilst it may sound like I dislike this book, in truth, it has opened my eyes up to how little I know about the English language even though I have studied it for years. No wonder it is classed as one of the hardest languages to learn.
If you would like to improve your writing skills, especially if you would like to publish some of your work, this book could help you.
Did you know that the comma is not a simple comma? There is actually four types of comma. There is a difference between a hyphen and a dash and I won't even mention what I now know about compound modifiers. Confused? Welcome to my world.
This book also goes on to look at the rules for apostrophes, quotation marks, italics and boldface. Until reading this I never knew that rounded brackets were called parentheses or that the dots I use to break up a quotation (…) are referred to as ellipsis.
Whilst it may sound like I dislike this book, in truth, it has opened my eyes up to how little I know about the English language even though I have studied it for years. No wonder it is classed as one of the hardest languages to learn.
If you would like to improve your writing skills, especially if you would like to publish some of your work, this book could help you.
March 28, 2015
A gem of a book. Everything you need to know about punctuation, written in a readable style, with concise summary points at the end of chapters for ease of reference.
I bought this as it was recommended in my proofreading training, and I read it from cover to cover on a (fairly short) train journey. It now sits with the other books I refer to when working.
I won't need to buy another book on this topic ever again.
I bought this as it was recommended in my proofreading training, and I read it from cover to cover on a (fairly short) train journey. It now sits with the other books I refer to when working.
I won't need to buy another book on this topic ever again.
April 29, 2010
An informative and thorough look at punctuation. A valuable reference tool for anyone.
November 17, 2013
This book really helped me!
December 2, 2013
I recommend this book very highly for anyone who wants to revise the punctuation rules and practices. It's well-written and informative, introduces clear examples, and is easy and pleasant to follow.
July 4, 2015
Does what it says on the tin and does it very well!
June 23, 2015
very useful.
January 8, 2024
This book tracks one mans journey into madness: The madness of the many illogical punctuation misdemeanours made throughout much of the western world.
More seriously, this is useful, straight to the point and often dripping with disdain for much of humankind. My kind of book.
The examples used are often funny and his anger at the misuse of Latin abbreviations is relatable. Calling much of what he considers poor form as 'grotesque' or 'ghastly' is also a vibe. Here is an excerpt I enjoyed:
As much as I enjoyed and agreed with this book, I have, however, decided to continue to break most writing rules when I see fit [convenient].
More seriously, this is useful, straight to the point and often dripping with disdain for much of humankind. My kind of book.
The examples used are often funny and his anger at the misuse of Latin abbreviations is relatable. Calling much of what he considers poor form as 'grotesque' or 'ghastly' is also a vibe. Here is an excerpt I enjoyed:
The use of unnecessary capital letters when you're trying to be serious can quickly make your prose look idiotic, rather like those content-free books that fill the shelves of the New Age section in bookshops:
Your Eidetic Soul is linked by its Crystal Cord to the Seventh Circle of the Astral Plane, from where the Immanent Essence is transmitted to your Eidetic Aura...
You get the idea. Don't use capital letters unless you're sure you know why it's there.
As much as I enjoyed and agreed with this book, I have, however, decided to continue to break most writing rules when I see fit [convenient].
January 18, 2017
Excellent read. Covered all main topics of punctuation. The book is straight to the point with a lot of examples, so it is clear what to do and what not to do.
I do not share the same opinion as the writer on some topics, like using a comma outside quotation marks, instead of using them inside of the marks. However, the writer mentions what the common practice is, so the choice on what to do is up to the reader. I like this. There are a lot of books that force the opinion of the writer down your throat, which is not the case in this book.
I do not share the same opinion as the writer on some topics, like using a comma outside quotation marks, instead of using them inside of the marks. However, the writer mentions what the common practice is, so the choice on what to do is up to the reader. I like this. There are a lot of books that force the opinion of the writer down your throat, which is not the case in this book.
August 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this punctuation guide. It gave clear examples, often of what not to do as well as what to do for different kinds of punctuation. I liked the focus on clarity, and the general reminder that the goals is to have the reader to be able to understand what you are trying to convey. Which feels obvious, but we often get "creative" with punctuation (especially with social media). I know I won't always remember all the rules, but I will have a good reference when I need to refresh my memory!
May 25, 2021
An accessible guide to punctuation. Buy a physical copy and keep it near your workstation.
I enjoyed reading the book from cover to cover, but it's laid out so you can easily find specific guidance. Trask offers clear and concise explanations without overwhelming the reader with technical terminology.
Other reviewers refer to the author's pedantry, but Trask is less stubborn and hot-headed than other writers about grammar and punctuation. That said, there's an odd remark about "corrective treatment" by "the Imperial Chinese Torturer". Not sure how that made it past the editor(s).
I enjoyed reading the book from cover to cover, but it's laid out so you can easily find specific guidance. Trask offers clear and concise explanations without overwhelming the reader with technical terminology.
Other reviewers refer to the author's pedantry, but Trask is less stubborn and hot-headed than other writers about grammar and punctuation. That said, there's an odd remark about "corrective treatment" by "the Imperial Chinese Torturer". Not sure how that made it past the editor(s).
March 20, 2022
Too good
Just what I needed: a concise guide to refresh learned concepts and refer to for future confusions.
I picked up the book, specifically to learn a bit more about the dash, which I use very often. But, I was keen to read it all. The author’s informal and conversation-like style made it a very easy, yet interesting, read. Also, it touched upon all the major aspects of punctuations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone in a writing profession.
Just what I needed: a concise guide to refresh learned concepts and refer to for future confusions.
I picked up the book, specifically to learn a bit more about the dash, which I use very often. But, I was keen to read it all. The author’s informal and conversation-like style made it a very easy, yet interesting, read. Also, it touched upon all the major aspects of punctuations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone in a writing profession.
June 10, 2017
Absolutely brilliant! Written in a fun and informal tone, this books is a must-have for everyone producing texts in English. How is this book not required reading for everyone studying English (especially those studying it as ELF)?
The explanations are simple, easy to follow and accompanied by good examples. They are intermixed with some humor (a book on punctuation actually made me laugh!) which makes it easy to get through it without feeling like you're about to die from boredom.
The explanations are simple, easy to follow and accompanied by good examples. They are intermixed with some humor (a book on punctuation actually made me laugh!) which makes it easy to get through it without feeling like you're about to die from boredom.
May 11, 2024
The content may seem dull, but the authors unique voice and passion is what makes you turn page after page (until you've made it to the end of the book!).
Having read a book on punctuation was insightful; I am more learned in grammar!
This book is somewhat antiquated for a 2024 reader, but I found the antiquities more interesting than annoying.
Having read a book on punctuation was insightful; I am more learned in grammar!
This book is somewhat antiquated for a 2024 reader, but I found the antiquities more interesting than annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2018
This is a couple of decades old now but is still a useful quick reference guide if you need to check up on something. It is based on British use but there are alternate example of American use as well. Quite handy.
April 6, 2020
This book is an excellent guide to all questionsbof punctuation. It is focussed on British English, but also indicates differences in American usage. You can use it either as a reference or, as in my case, read it back to back.
August 25, 2022
The book is very good in introduction the nuances of punctuation and it takes occasional digs at people who write with improper punctuations. The irony is, the book itself has punctuation error on page 141.
June 6, 2017
Very, Very Good. Keep it handy. Always.
December 12, 2017
An excellent refresher.
July 2, 2019
Invaluable, (appropriately) humorous, and to the point.
This guide should be revisited yearly, at least.
This guide should be revisited yearly, at least.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews