The English language, in its vibrant and often baffling complexity, offers a rich tapestry of common sayings, proverbs, idioms, and adages. These linguistic shortcuts, passed down through generations, imbue our conversations and writings with color, character, and often, conciseness. Yet, their very familiarity can breed a dangerous oversight: incorrect punctuation. A misplaced comma, an omitted apostrophe, or an errant hyphen can subtly, or sometimes glaringly, alter meaning, disrupt flow, and undermine credibility. This definitive guide delves into the often-misunderstood art of punctuating these ubiquitous phrases, transforming common mistakes into clear, compelling communication.
The Nuance of Punctuation: Why It Matters
Punctuation isn’t merely an afterthought, a typographic nicety appended to words. It’s the silent conductor of meaning, guiding the reader through the intricate rhythms and pauses of language. When applied to common sayings, its role becomes even more critical. These phrases, often extracted from their original contexts, rely heavily on precise punctuation to convey their intended impact. Misinterpretations arise, humor is lost, and clarity dissolves without it. Understanding the underlying grammatical principles governing these phrases is the first step towards mastering their accurate punctuation.
The Apostrophe: Possession, Contraction, and Puzzling Plurals
The apostrophe, a tiny yet mighty mark, is a frequent source of confusion, particularly when common sayings involve possessives or contractions.
1. Possessive Common Sayings: Whose Is It Anyway?
When a common saying indicates possession, the apostrophe is crucial for clarity. The general rule applies: for singular nouns, add 's; for plural nouns ending in ‘s’, add only the apostrophe.
Example 1: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
This saying contains no possessive. “Bird” is singular, “hand” is singular, “bush” is singular. No apostrophe needed.
Example 2: “The devil’s in the details.”
Here, “devil’s” is a contraction for “devil is.” The common mistake is to render it as “devils.” However, if the saying meant “belonging to the devil,” it would still be “devil’s” (possessive singular). The context typically clarifies. In this saying, it’s almost always a contraction.
Example 3: “Everybody’s doing it.”
“Everybody’s” is a contraction of “everybody is.” No possessive involved here, despite the common misapplication of the apostrophe.
Example 4: “Dog’s life” (as in, a difficult life).
This is a possessive: the life of a dog. Thus, “dog’s” (singular possessive). If referring to multiple dogs’ lives, it would be “dogs’ lives.”
Example 5: “Children’s play.”
“Children” is a plural noun that doesn’t end in ‘s’. To show possession, add 's. This denotes play belonging to or characteristic of children.
2. Contractions Within Sayings: Shortening the Path to Understanding
Many common sayings incorporate contractions for fluidity and natural speech patterns. Misplacing or omitting the apostrophe in a contraction is a common error.
Example 1: “It’s no use crying over spilled milk.”
“It’s” is a contraction of “it is.” The error “its” (possessive pronoun) would fundamentally alter the grammar.
Example 2: “They’re playing with fire.”
“They’re” is a contraction of “they are.” Miswriting it as “their” (possessive) or “there” (adverb of place) creates instant confusion.
Example 3: “There’s no accounting for taste.”
“There’s” is a contraction of “there is.”
Example 4: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
“Don’t” is a contraction of “do not.”
Example 5: “Can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
“Can’t” is a contraction of “cannot.”
When a saying includes a contraction, treat it as you would any other contraction. The apostrophe always replaces the omitted letter(s).
The Comma: Pauses, Lists, and Clarity’s Best Friend
The comma is the workhorse of punctuation, often misused and undervalued. In common sayings, judicious comma placement can enhance readability and prevent misinterpretation.
1. Commas in Compound Sentences within Sayings: Joining Thoughts
When a common saying consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a comma typically precedes the conjunction.
Example 1: “Look before you leap, and think twice before you speak.”
Here, “look before you leap” and “think twice before you speak” are both independent clauses, joined by “and.” The comma before “and” is correct.
Example 2: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too, so choose wisely.”
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too” is an independent clause, as is “choose wisely.” They are joined by “so,” thus a comma is needed.
2. Commas with Introductory Elements: Setting the Stage
If a common saying begins with an introductory phrase or clause, a comma often follows it to separate it from the main part of the sentence.
Example 1: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
“When in Rome” is an introductory adverbial phrase. The comma separates it from the main clause.
Example 2: “As luck would have it, she arrived just in time.”
“As luck would have it” is an introductory phrase. The comma is essential for readability.
Example 3: “To make a long story short, he got the job.”
“To make a long story short” is an introductory infinitive phrase acting adverbially. A comma follows.
3. Commas in Lists or Series within Sayings: Enumerating Elements
While less common directly within the fixed structure of a common saying, a saying might be part of a larger sentence that includes a list. The standard rules for commas in a series apply.
Example: “She knew all the clichés – ‘a penny for your thoughts,’ ‘actions speak louder than words,’ and ‘a stitch in time saves nine’.”
Here, the common sayings are parts of a list, and commas (or quotation marks if quoting precisely) separate them. The Oxford/serial comma before the final “and” is a matter of style guide preference but generally recommended for clarity.
4. Commas for Parenthetical Elements: Adding Explanations
Sometimes a common saying includes additional, non-essential information set off by commas.
Example 1: “The truth, as they say, will set you free.”
“As they say” is a parenthetical phrase, adding an explanatory aside. Commas before and after are required.
Example 2: “It was, believe it or not, a blessing in disguise.”
“Believe it or not” functions as a parenthetical element, requiring surrounding commas.
5. Commas and Direct Address: Speaking to Someone
Though rare in the fixed structure of a common saying itself, if a saying is used in conjunction with direct address, remember the comma after the name or title.
Example: “John, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
The comma separates the direct address “John” from the rest of the sentence.
The Hyphen: Compound Adjectives, Clarity, and Avoiding Ambiguity
The hyphen (-) is often confused with the en dash (–) and em dash (—), leading to haphazard usage. For common sayings, its primary role is in forming compound modifiers.
1. Hyphenated Compound Adjectives: Modifying Nouns
When two or more words function as a single adjective before a noun, they are often hyphenated to prevent ambiguity.
Example 1: “She’s a well-known personality.”
“Well-known” describes “personality.” Without the hyphen, “well known personality” could imply a personality that is both “well” and “known” in separate senses, rather than a single attribute.
Example 2: “He offered a no-nonsense approach.”
“No-nonsense” describes “approach.”
Example 3: “It was a cut-and-dried case.”
“Cut-and-dried” (meaning settled or straightforward) acts as a single adjective modifying “case.”
Important Note: When these compound modifiers follow the noun, they are generally not hyphenated.
Correct: “The personality is well known.”
Correct: “The approach was no nonsense.”
Correct: “The case was cut and dried.”
2. Standing Alone Sayings: When Not to Hyphenate
Many common sayings that appear to be hyphenated are not, because they function as standalone phrases, often noun phrases or verbs, rather than compound adjectives.
Example 1: “Hindsight is twenty twenty.”
“Twenty twenty” acts as a noun phrase referring to clear vision. No hyphen.
Example 2: “Actions speak louder than words.”
“Louder than words” is functioning adverbially, not as a compound adjective. No hyphen.
Example 3: “He takes a dog eat dog attitude.” (Incorrect capitalization here for illustrative purposes related to hyphenation.)
The phrase “dog eat dog” describes the attitude. Here, it should be hyphenated because it’s a compound adjective before the noun: “He takes a dog-eat-dog attitude.”
Example 4: “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
“Silver lining” is a noun phrase. No hyphen.
The key is to determine if the phrase is creating a single, descriptive unit that modifies a following noun. If it is, hyphenate. If it’s a standalone phrase, a predicate adjective, or an adverbial phrase, omit the hyphen.
Quotation Marks: Direct Speech, Emphasis, and Quoting Sayings
Quotation marks (” “) serve several functions, primarily to denote direct speech. However, they also play a role when referring to common sayings, especially if you want to highlight them as specific phrases.
1. Quoting a Saying as an Object of Discussion: Highlighting the Phrase Itself
When you are discussing the saying as a linguistic item, rather than using it to convey its meaning, quotation marks are appropriate.
Example 1: The saying, “a stitch in time saves nine,” emphasizes the importance of prompt action.
Here, “a stitch in time saves nine” is the subject of the sentence, being discussed as a phrase.
Example 2: He often used the phrase, “don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
The phrase itself is being cited.
2. Using a Saying in Context: No Quotation Marks Needed (Usually)
Generally, when you use a common saying to convey its meaning within your text, you do not need quotation marks. It’s assumed the reader understands it is a commonly accepted idiom or proverb.
Example 1: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch; the deal isn’t finalized yet.
Here, the saying is integrated into the sentence to convey its meaning. No quotation marks.
Example 2: It’s no use crying over spilled milk; we need to find a solution.
The saying is used fluidly as part of the sentence.
Exception: If the saying is very obscure, or you want to specifically draw attention to its idiomatic nature for a particular reason (e.g., in a linguistic analysis), you might choose to use quotation marks even when applying its meaning. However, for most everyday writing, they are omitted when the saying is simply being used.
3. Punctuation Inside or Outside Quotation Marks: The American vs. British Divide
This is a stylistic choice with a clear distinction between American English and British English.
- American English: Commas and periods always go inside the closing quotation mark. Other punctuation (colons, semicolons, question marks, exclamation points) go inside if they are part of the quoted material, and outside if they are part of the larger sentence.
- Example (American): He said, “It’s raining cats and dogs.”
- Example (American): Did she really say, “Actions speak louder than words”? (Question mark outside because the question is about whether she said it, not part of the saying itself.)
- British English: Commas and periods can go outside if they are not part of the quoted material. Other punctuation follows a similar logic to American English, going inside if part of the quote, outside if part of the main sentence.
- Example (British): He said, “It’s raining cats and dogs”.
- Example (British): Did she really say, “Actions speak louder than words”?
For this guide, we adhere to American English conventions unless otherwise specified, as it is widely prevalent.
Semicolons and Colons: Specialized Separators
While less frequently used directly within the core structure of a common saying, semicolons and colons become relevant when a saying is part of a more complex sentence structure.
1. Semicolons: Joining Related Independent Clauses
A semicolon (;) can be used to join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning when a coordinating conjunction is absent.
Example: “A stitch in time saves nine; procrastination often leads to greater effort.”
The two clauses are independent but semantically linked. A semicolon effectively joins them.
Example: “Birds of a feather flock together; they find comfort in shared experiences.”
Another instance of two related independent clauses.
2. Colons: Introducing Explanations, Lists, or Quotations
A colon (:) generally appears at the end of an independent clause and introduces an elaboration, a list, or a formal quotation.
Example: His philosophy was simple: “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
The colon introduces the quotation of the proverb.
Example: He understood the core truth: honesty is the best policy.
The colon introduces an explanation or elaboration of the “core truth.”
A key rule for colons: the phrase preceding the colon must be a complete sentence (an independent clause).
Parentheses and Brackets: Elaboration and Clarification
Parentheses () and brackets [] offer ways to include supplementary information.
1. Parentheses: Adding Non-Essential Information or Explanations
Parentheses can be used to enclose extra information that clarifies or elaborates on a saying but isn’t essential to its grammatical structure.
Example: The old saying (though some disagree) suggests that “what goes around comes around.”
The parenthetical phrase provides an aside.
Example: She finally understood the meaning of “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” (after losing everything).
The parenthetical phrase adds crucial context.
Punctuation for parentheses generally follows this rule: if the parenthetical content is a complete sentence (and stands alone), the punctuation stays inside the parentheses. If the parenthetical content is part of a larger sentence, the punctuation (like a period) goes outside the closing parenthesis.
2. Brackets: Editorial Insertions or Clarifications within Quotations
Brackets are used sparingly, primarily for editorial insertions or clarifications within quoted material. Since common sayings are often treated as fixed phrases, you’d most likely use brackets if you ever needed to modify a quoted saying for clarity or grammatical fit within your own sentence.
Example: She insisted, “He [the CEO] should have remembered that ‘actions speak louder than words’.”
Here, [the CEO] clarifies “he” within the quotation.
Example: The ancient text stated, “A rolling stone gathereth no moss [i.e., avoids stagnation].”
Brackets are used to add an interpretative explanation.
For most common usage of sayings, brackets are unnecessary. Their primary use is in academic or highly formal contexts where precise quotation and clarification are paramount.
Capitalization: Initial Letters and Proper Nouns
Capitalization within common sayings is relatively straightforward, following standard English rules.
1. Capitalizing the First Word of a Sentence: Always
Whether a common saying forms an entire sentence or begins one, its first word is capitalized.
Example 1: A penny saved is a penny earned. (The saying itself is a complete sentence).
Example 2: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. (Another full sentence saying).
2. Proper Nouns: Consistency Is Key
If a common saying happens to include a proper noun (a name of a person, place, or specific thing), that noun is always capitalized.
Example: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
“Rome” is a proper noun, so it’s capitalized.
3. Titles and Headings: Style Guide Dependent
When a common saying is used as a title or heading, follow the capitalization rules for titles (e.g., capitalize major words, usually not prepositions, articles, or conjunctions unless they are the first or last word). The standard is often “Title Case.”
Example: Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch. (As a title)
4. Direct Quotations: Follow the Original Capitalization
If you are quoting a saying as a direct quote, and it starts a full sentence in the quote, capitalize its first word.
Example: She advised, “Look before you leap.”
Consistency and Context: The Ultimate Punctuation Principles
The detailed rules above provide a roadmap, but two overarching principles govern all punctuation, especially with common sayings: consistency and context.
1. Consistency: Establish Your Style and Stick to It
Whether you prefer the Oxford comma or not, whether you lean American or British punctuation style, make a choice and be consistent throughout your writing. Inconsistent punctuation is jarring and suggests carelessness. For common sayings, this means consistent treatment of hyphens in compound adjectives, consistent use of apostrophes, and so on.
2. Context: The Great Clarifier
Always consider the context in which you are using a common saying.
- Are you quoting it directly, discussing it as a linguistic phenomenon, or simply employing its meaning? (Affects quotation marks).
- Is the saying functioning as a standalone sentence, part of a larger sentence, or a modifying phrase? (Affects commas, hyphens, and terminal punctuation).
- Is there any ambiguity that a well-placed punctuation mark could resolve?
For instance, “Let’s eat grandma” is a famous example demonstrating the vital role of a comma: “Let’s eat, grandma.” The context clearly dictates that you are not planning to consume a relative. While common sayings are usually more fixed, understanding this concept of ambiguity resolution is vital.
Common Sayings and Their Punctuation Pitfalls: A Quick Reference
Let’s review some frequently encountered sayings and point out common punctuation errors.
- “It’s raining cats and dogs.” (Correct: “It’s” is contraction of “it is.”)
- “Every cloud has a silver lining.” (Correct: No hyphens or other specific punctuation.)
- “Actions speak louder than words.” (Correct: No hyphens.)
- “The straw that broke the camel’s back.” (Correct: “camel’s” is possessive singular.)
- “Kill two birds with one stone.” (Correct: No special punctuation.)
- “Bite the bullet.” (Correct: No special punctuation.)
- “Get out of jail free card.” (Often misused. It should be “get-out-of-jail-free card” if used as a compound adjective before a noun, e.g., “He played his get-out-of-jail-free card.” If standing alone, no hyphens: “The card was a get out of jail free.”)
- “By hook or by crook.” (Correct: No special punctuation.)
- “A blessing in disguise.” (Correct: No special punctuation.)
- “Through thick and thin.” (Correct: No special punctuation.)
- “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” (Correct: No special punctuation other than the contraction.)
- “No pain, no gain.” (Correct: Comma separates two noun phrases, implying causality.)
- “Easy come, easy go.” (Correct: Comma separates two adjectival phrases, implying transience.)
Conclusion
Mastering the punctuation of common sayings is not merely an academic exercise; it’s a practical skill that elevates your writing from merely comprehensible to impeccably clear and professional. By understanding the roles of the apostrophe, comma, hyphen, quotation marks, and other elements, you can navigate the linguistic landscape with precision and confidence. Punctuation is the backbone of effective communication, and when applied thoughtfully to these familiar phrases, it ensures that your message is not just heard, but fully understood, with every nuance intact. Embrace the rules, practice diligently, and watch your writing achieve a new level of clarity and authority.