subject: How To Use Punctuation Marks [print this page] How To Use Punctuation Marks How To Use Punctuation Marks
Punctuation, in written language, is the use of standard marks or symbols to clarify meaning. Punctuation marks are used to:
help express the stress and breathing pauses natural to speech
point out sentence structure
enrich readability
signal readers
Punctuation varies from language to language and preferences for specific marks vary from writer to writer, but, within any given text, consistency is stylistically favored. The current trend is toward a minimum of punctuation, with clarity as the main criterion for use. The most common punctuation marks of modern English usage are the following:
PERIOD (.)
Most sentences end with a period to signal and end or strong pause (and signify) a declarative sentence (including one with an indirect question), request, and a rhetorical question. The mark is also used in decimals and after abbreviations that do not contain apostrophes.
The old collections of books were upgraded with current editions.
The librarian was pleased with the current editions added to the collection of books.
Please provide us with the current edition of the books.
May we please be provided with the current edition of books.
COMMA (,)
A comma although often misused, is generally used to indicate a pause, or set of pauses setting off a word, phrase, or clause from the rest of the sentence. Commas also appear most frequently parenthetical material closely related to the main thought, direct quotations, and forms of direct address, coordinate adjectives, and words or numbers that would otherwise be confusing. Current usage prefers the insertion of a comma only where a pause is intended. Other uses of commas:
Separate three or more items in a series
I go to work on Mondays, Tuesdays, and on each Saturday.
Separate independent clauses in a sentence
She wanted to go to the library, but she could not be admitted without and ID.
After introductory words or phrases in a sentence
Rob, the farmer's son, went back to his hometown.
Set off dates and addresses
Her mother was born on March 25, 1945 in Bronx, New York.
SEMICOLON (;)
This mark represents a pause weaker than a period but stronger than a comma. It is used chiefly between principal clauses and between components of a series. Put a semicolon before such words as for example, namely, for instance, and that is which introduce a list.
Here are some of the titles that were given for us to choose from, for example; Secrets of Success, Fact of Life, As Kids See It, and My Story.
When the components are lengthy or already contain commas
My book shelf has three levels; first for encyclopaedias, almanacs, dictionaries, and translation books; the second level is for health books, self-help, children's bed time stories; the third are for my favourite books, inspirational pieces, and my non-fiction collections.
Use a semicolon to connect two or more closely related sentences, particularly joined by a sentence connector.
Many college graduates cannot carry a conversation in English without code-switching; some might even have a hard time in talking to native speakers of English.
COLON (:)
The colon most often stands between an introductory statement at the end of the clause.
He delivered to us the following goods for donation: a box full of shirts, several blankets, boxes of medicines, and gallons and gallons of water.
It also follows the salutation of a formal letter
Dear Mr. Maulbecker:
It connects two closely related sentences and emphasizes the second; do not confuse with the use of a semi-colon; this type introduces an explanation
The competition had the seasoned ballroom dancer as a judge: which was why everyone had to be in their A-game.
It divides hours from minutes in statements of time.
I was going to meet her at 5:30 in the afternoon until he cancelled.
QUESTION MARK (?)
A question mark is used to end or signify a direct interrogative, even if the sentence is in declarative form. In the body of a sentence a question mark between parentheses suggests doubt.
Does this concern you?
The theme of the night was this: How to deal with stress?
Was he interested in me?
Really?
EXCLAMATION POINT (!)
This mark ends a sentence expressing strong feeling, surprise, or incredulity. Use an exclamation point to end an exclamatory sentence, even if the sentence is in declarative or interrogative form.
How could you do that!
Watch out for that hole!
Your grades are so poor!
Use the exclamation point for an interjection.
Yipee!
Yikes! How will I show up with this zit on my face?
Use to end strong imperatives.
Hurry! The sale is about to start!
(not applicable with formal writing); to signify a surprised or emphatic tone of voice.
