Let’s face it – punctuation marks are the silent heroes of good writing. They might not get the applause, but these tiny symbols do the heavy lifting to keep your writing clear, engaging, and on point. Most of us stick with the basics: commas, periods, maybe an exclamation mark for excitement. But beyond those, there’s a whole world of lesser-known punctuation marks that can elevate your writing, adding nuance and personality. Let’s dive into 20 punctuation marks you probably don’t use every day, but might just make a big difference in your content.
For those looking to master the basics before exploring these lesser-known marks, you might want to check out our detailed guide on how colons differ from semicolons to lay a solid foundation.
Interrobang (‽)
Ever felt a plain question mark just doesn’t capture the shock or excitement you’re feeling? Enter the interrobang! It’s the perfect mix of a question mark and exclamation point, capturing that “You did what‽” feeling without needing to type two marks. Created in 1962 by ad executive Martin K. Speckter, it was designed to add pizzazz to marketing copy. While you might not use it in formal writing, it’s a fun punctuation mark to throw into informal emails or social media posts to convey surprise with style.
Pilcrow (¶)
The pilcrow symbol, that quirky backward ‘P’, is probably most familiar to anyone who’s dealt with legal documents. Historically, monks used it in medieval manuscripts to break up long blocks of text. Now, it’s mainly a formatting device, especially in word processors, helping to organize text neatly. While it’s rare to see it outside of technical writing, the pilcrow is one of those symbols that can bring structure to complex documents when you need it.
Section Sign (§)
Maybe you were wading through a legal contract or a technical document and stumbled upon the section sign (§). It’s a shorthand that guides an audience’s eyes to a specific section or clause. The symbol originated in ancient Rome. Its use is still essential in legal and academic scholarship. It is often necessary to pinpoint pertinent parts of long texts. It contributes to organizing complex information so it is easy for the reader to find what he needs.
Dagger (†)
Meet the dagger symbol. Often seen as a footnote indicator, it’s a subtle but helpful punctuation mark for adding notes without cluttering your main text. In cases with multiple footnotes, you might even see its partner, the double dagger (‡). This mark dates back to the earliest days of printing and is still used in academic papers and legal documents.
Ellipsis (…)
One of the most flexible punctuation symbols out there, the ellipsis can be your go-to for suggesting a pause, hinting at an unfinished thought, or cutting out parts of a quote. In fiction, it’s a staple for building suspense; in academic writing, it keeps quotes concise. With a history that stretches back to the 19th century, it’s as versatile today as ever.
Tilde (~)
The tilde is one of those marks with tons of uses depending on context. In Spanish, it transforms an “n” into an “ñ.” In math, it signifies “approximately.” With roots in medieval Latin shorthand, this punctuation mark has a range that few others can match, spanning from literature to modern tech contexts.
Angular Brackets (〈 〉)
These punctuation symbols – also known as chevrons – are key players in math and coding, where they help set off types of information. Occasionally, they even show up in literary contexts, like stage directions. Though mostly a technical character today, they bring a unique touch in the right settings.
Braces ({ })
Also known as curly brackets, braces are most at home in math and programming. Whether they’re setting apart sets or marking code blocks, these symbols organize information neatly. Their history goes back to the 16th century, and they’ve become indispensable in tech and academic writing.
Pipe (|)
An essential character for programmers, the pipe separates options or commands in code. It’s not one you’ll see in everyday writing, but in data-heavy or technical contexts, this symbol is invaluable.
Degree Symbol (°)
When discussing temperatures or angles, the degree symbol is essential. This classic punctuation mark has been used since the 17th century in scientific and mathematical writing. It remains relevant today for anyone working with measurements, whether in academic, technical, or even casual contexts.
Prime (′) and Double Prime (″)
Need to measure feet and inches? Or perhaps minutes and seconds? The prime and double prime symbols are the punctuation marks you’re looking for. Used since ancient times, these symbols are still vital in any field requiring precise measurements.
The Asterisk (*)
The asterisk is a true all-star. Use it to add footnotes, emphasize a point, or even make corrections in a fun way. With origins in ancient Greek texts, the asterisk remains one of the most adaptable and versatile punctuation symbols.
Ceding Arrow (↵)
Mainly found in coding and formatting, the ceding arrow symbolizes a line break or carriage return. While it’s not commonly seen in everyday writing, this punctuation mark is essential in technical writing and organizing large text files.
Copyright Symbol (‘)
Seen on creative works everywhere, the copyright symbol shows that a work is legally protected. Since its creation in the 19th century, this universally recognized symbol has become crucial in the arts and publishing to ensure intellectual property protection.
Registered Trademark (®)
Unlike the copyright symbol, the registered trademark symbol of (®) shows that a company has registered its Trademark with some governmental organization. This gives the company rights over exclusively using the name or logo. Therefore, it is more critical legally to include the symbol in branding and to ensure consumers get a genuine product protected by law.
Spade Symbol (♠)
Although best known from card games, the spade symbol sometimes appears in literature as a divider or accent, representing themes of fate, luck, or power. This unexpected punctuation mark can add a unique touch to specific texts.
Heart Symbol (♥)
The heart symbol adds a warm, personal touch, especially in informal writing. Though it originated in medieval art, it’s now a staple of digital communication, from text messages to social media.
Not Sign (⌧)
In mathematical logic and programming, the not sign indicates negation, especially in conditional statements. Rarely seen outside technical fields, this punctuation mark is indispensable for programmers and mathematicians alike.
Bullet (•)
Simple but effective, the bullet organizes lists into easy-to-read points. This classic symbol is a powerful way to present information cleanly and effectively.
Caret (^)
A favorite for technical work, the caret is used in math for exponentiation or in proofreading to mark missing text. Its origins trace back to early manuscript corrections, making it one of the oldest punctuation marks still in use today.
Conclusion
There you have it: a treasure trove of punctuation symbols that goes far beyond commas and periods. Most writing sticks to the basics, but adding a few of these uncommon punctuation marks can elevate your content, bringing clarity, precision, and even flair. Dive into these punctuation marks and watch how they transform your writing – because punctuation isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a powerful tool every writer should master.
If you’re intrigued and want to deepen your understanding of punctuation, take a look at our guide to punctuating complex sentences or check out our article on the Oxford Comma.
