A handheld electronic device has the capability to automatically output a preferred punctuation arrangement in response to determining whether a previous output has a predetermined characteristic. An alphanumeric input is detected as a first number of input member actuations. Responsive to the detecting an alphanumeric input, a first output is generated. A second number of input member actuations are detected as a punctuation input. A determination is made that the first output comprises a digit. Responsive to the determination, a preferred punctuation arrangement is identified. In certain examples, a selectable geographic location of use and an actual geographic location of use are detected and a comma is identified as the preferred punctuation arrangement.