Punctuation that packs a powerful punch
It’s easy to think of punctuation as just a few dots and dashes, but in today’s world of texting and messaging, those little marks carry a lot of weight. A single period can make a message feel cold and a missing exclamation point might seem like a snub.
Why is punctuation suddenly so loaded?
As communication has moved online, we’ve lost all the context that comes with being face-to-face—like tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. Without shared space or gestures, people have started using punctuation to fill in the gaps. It’s not just about what you’re saying anymore—it’s also how you say it.
Let’s talk about the period. Once the most neutral punctuation mark, it’s now emotionally charged. A text that ends in a period can come off as stony, serious, or even passive-aggressive. And beware of adding multiple question marks: a British professor lost his job partially because he overused them in dorm messages—students found it intimidating.
How to avoid punctuation missteps? Don’t assume the worst; respectfully ask for clarity. If you think your message might be misread, a little explanation goes a long way. Be upfront and let people know how you feel because a period might seem like a small thing, but in today’s world, apparently it speaks volumes.