Punctuation
Punctuation symbols are written marks that help make meaning clear.
The period ( . ) is used:
- at the end of most sentences
It is raining.
- in many abbreviations
etc. lb. Mr.
- in numbers, and is called a decimal point
3.50 4.6 9.99
The question mark ( ? ) is used:
- at the end of a question
Where is Bob?
The exclamation point ( ! ) is used:
- at the end of an exclamation and at the end of some commands
Here he is!
Come here now!
The comma ( , ) is used:
- to separate elements of a sentence to avoid confusion
If you leave, Sam can rest.
- between items in a series
I like ice cream, cake, pie, and all other rich desserts.
- with dates
October 2, 1977.
- with titles
Marta Ruiz, R.N,
- with numbers
4,978 5, 325,000
The semi-colon ( ; ) is used:
- to separate closely related independent clauses
He is my son; I love him.
She is my friend; besides, I love her.
- between items is a series, when commas have already been used
I like ice cream with chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream; cookies, cake, and pie; and all other rich desserts.
The colon ( : ) is used:
- to call attention to an explanation or list
They need the following: bread, milk, sugar, flour, and salt.
Quotation marks ( " " ) is used:
Tom said, "You must be crazy!"
Parentheses ( ) is used:
- to give another form of the same expression
The Yorktown Dance team (YDT)
The apostrophe ( ' ) is used:
- to indicate possession
Mary's book
- to form a contraction
I'm don't haven't they're
The hyphen ( - ) is used:
- to connect the parts of a compound word
seventy-eight make-up
- to connect certain prefixes with words
re-use pre-approve
YATES, JEAN. Master the basics - English. 2nd ed. Canada: BARRON'S, 2006.
p. cm. - (Master the basics series).