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Punc

The document provides an overview of common punctuation marks in the English language, detailing their uses and examples. Key punctuation marks discussed include the full stop, question mark, quotation marks, apostrophe, comma, hyphen, dash, exclamation mark, colon, semicolon, brackets, and ellipsis. Understanding these punctuation marks is essential for proper text comprehension and communication.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

4 views6 pages

Punc

Uploaded by

Abram Harbi

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Punctuation Marks

The English language has many punctuation marks which you will learn to use as you
master the language. Lack of punctuation marks can lead to improper understanding of
the text.
Here are some of the common punctuation marks in English.
1. The Full Stop
2. The Question Mark (?)
3. Quotation Marks/Speech Marks (” “)
4. The Apostrophe (‘)
5. The Comma (,)
6. The Hyphen (-)
7. The dash (--)
8. The Exclamation Mark (!)
9. The Colon (:)
10. The Semicolon (;)
11. Brackets ()
12. Ellipsis (…)

1- Full Stop (.)

A full stop is one of the commonly used punctuation marks in the English
language.
(a) Used at the end of a declarative or imperative sentence, or complete
statement.
My name’s Beth and I was 18 in July.
(b) Used following an abbreviation.
Mr. White was talking with Mr. Smith.
(c) Using a full stop after initials
C. S. Lewis was a British writer.

2- Question Mark (?)

We use a question mark (?) after an interrogative sentence.
Where are you from?

3- Quotation Marks/Speech Marks (” “)

(a) We use quotation marks (” “) for direct quotations in English.
“I feel I’ve really earned this,” she said, taking up her mug of tea.
” I told a fib about my age,” little Tom said.
(b) Signal the titles of literary works.
Written by Sylvia Plath, “Tulips” is a sad poem with a
happy title.
(c) Set apart a word to show irony, sarcasm, or skepticism.
My “pet” is really just a stray cat that comes by once a day.
4- Apostrophe (‘)

An apostrophe (‘) is used to show that certain letters have been

omitted from a word. The punctuation symbol can also be used to show
the possessive form of a noun.

(a) Use an apostrophe in contractions

 He is = He’s
 It is = It’s
 I would = I’d

(b) Use an apostrophe to indicate possession

(I) The ball belongs to the dog. - The dog’s ball
 The house belongs to my mom.  My mom’s house
 The toy belongs to that child.  That child’s toy

(II) Add ONLY an apostrophe to the end of plural nouns ending with an ‘s’.
 The house belongs to my parents.  My parents’ house.
 The bathroom belongs to the girls.  The girls’ bathroom.

(III) Add an apostrophe + s (‘s) to the end of plural nouns that do not end with an ‘s’.
 The homework belongs to the children.  The children’s homework
 The cheese belongs to the mice.  The mice’s cheese.

5- Comma (,)
A comma (,) is used to show the difference between two separate ideas or elements
within a sentence. Commas have other uses as well, as they can be used to separate
numbers, and write dates.
(a) Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these
seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to
understand.
Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.

(b) Use commas after introductory I) clauses, II) phrases, or III) introductory words that
come before the main clause.
(I) While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.
Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.
(II) To get a seat, you'd better come early.
After the test but before lunch, I went jogging.
(III) Well, perhaps he meant no harm.
Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow morning.
However, you may not be satisfied with the results.

(c) Use a comma to separate a subordinating clause from the rest of the sentence
As the day came to an end, the firefighters put out the last spark.

(d) Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and
words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Clause: That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day when I am
available to meet.
Phrase: This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food, on the other hand, is
rather bland.

(e) Use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence.
She is your sister, isn’t she?

(f) Use a comma to indicate a direct address.

Is that you, Mary?

(g) Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime and end
unemployment.

(h) Use a comma to separate parts of the date.

Sunday 13th September,

6- Hyphen (-)
A hyphen (–) is a punctuation mark with three main uses.
(a) Use a hyphen to join two or more words that describe
an adjective before a noun.
chocolate-covered donuts
well-known doctor
much-needed vacation
nice-looking girl

(b) link words to prefixes, (ex-/ self-/

Self-expression

7- Dash (--)
The dash is used to separate words into statements.
(a) The dash can also be used in places to create dramatic effect. The idea of the
'dramatic dash' is to shock or surprise the reader at the very end of the sentence.
She gave him her answer—No!
It was a long wait—perhaps the longest of his life.

(b) to emphasise additional information.

Your exam results will depend—as my mum says —on how much hard work you put in.

8- Exclamation Mark (!)

An exclamation mark is used to show emphasis. It takes the role
of a full stop at the end of the sentence.
(a) We often use an exclamation mark (!) to show strong emotion
or give a command.
Stop!
Sit down!
What a lovely view you have here!
That’s fantastic!

9- Colon (:)
A colon (:) has a varied number of uses.
(a)It can be used to introduce a quotation, an example, a series, or
even an explanation.
You have two choices: finish the work today or lose the contract.

(b) It can be used to separate two independent clauses.

That’s because we have one goal: for you to consider your website a success.

(c) a colon can be used to show emphasis and add extra information.
John has all the ingredients: minced clams, milk, potatoes, and onions.

10- Semicolon (;)

(a) A semicolon (;) is used to separate two independent clauses
while still showing that the close relationship between them.
My daughter is a teacher; my son is a doctor.

(b) It is used between items in long lists.

There are eight members in the team: two from Beijing, China; three
from Paris, France; two from Rio, Brazil; and one from India.

11- Brackets ( )
They are punctuation marks that show additional thoughts (extra
information) about a statement.
The two brothers (Richard and Sean) were learning how to play guitar.
12- Ellipsis (…)
An ellipsis is represented by three dots (…).
(a) This punctuation symbol is used to show that there has been an omission of some
letters or words. We often use an ellipsis to show that parts of sentences are left out.

 To be continued…
 You’ll never believe what I saw…

Identify the punctuation mark used and state its use.

1- She ordered a burger, fries and coke at the restaurant.
Punctuation mark: ---------------
Use: -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2- She took four classes last semester: history, biology, arts, and economics.
Punctuation mark: ---------------
Use: -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------