ABSTRACT
[Abstract: This chapter begins with a brief history of punctuation in languages, and in English, dating back to the 9th century B.C. The development of English punctuation through the centuries, the present-day situation, and pointers towards future trends are given. Although American punctuation still contains many punctuation marks, the trend is towards lighter (less) punctuation, especially in SMS text and similar formats. Nevertheless, it is argued, with examples, that punctuation plays a valuable role in conveying written messages. An appendix of punctuation rules is provided, although punctuation is described as being governed “two-thirds by rule and one-third by personal taste.”]
