Punctuations in English
Punctuation Marks are very useful to make a sentence meaningful. If not correctly punctuated a sentence can be misleading conveying completely different meaning than what it actually intended to convey. For instance go through the below paragraph which has no punctuation marks at all-
Punctuation Marks in a sentence make it meaningful and understandable without proper punctuation reading a paragraph could be real torture with no inference Oh my God is it not true if you are reading this and could still make it through you are a genius it doesn’t take a genius to read an unpunctuated paragraph but only a genius can understand it wishing you Good Luck.
Now, we will again go through the above paragraph punctuated properly as below-
Punctuation Marks in a sentence make it meaningful and understandable; without proper punctuation, reading a paragraph could be real torture, with no inference. Oh my God! Is it not true? If you are reading this and could still make it through, you are a genius! It doesn’t take a genius to read an unpunctuated paragraph, but only a genius can understand it. Wishing you Good Luck!
Punctuations therefore, make a sentence or a paragraph more meaningful and organized.
English Grammar has 14 Punctuation Marks as given below-
Below we will go through them one by one, with explanations on how they should be used.
The single dot that we use to end a sentence is commonly called a full stop and is also called a period in British English. A full stop is used to terminate a sentence and in abbreviations as show below-
To Terminate Sentences-
A Full Stop is always used to terminate a declarative statement; it cannot be used to end either a question or an exclamation. It is used when a sentence seems logically concluded and sounding complete. Please note that the word written immediately after a period (.) starts with a capital letter.
To Indicate Abbreviations-
Many abbreviations like Mr, Mrs, a.m., p.m., etc are indicated with a period, as shown in sentences below-
Abbreviations like Mr, Mrs, Dr and Ms, do not require a period in British English, but is ok to complement them with a period in American English. You are advised to use your own discretion for that matter.
Exclamation Mark is used to express various emotions like- astonishment, joy, hurt, sorrow, surprise or to put stress on a short phrase or a comment. For Example-
The number of Exclamation Marks could be increased to put more stress on the sentence i.e. more exclamation marks indicate stronger emotions, as shown in sentences below-
The number of Exclamations Marks is to be decided by the writer, though in an informal writing a maximum of three Exclamation Marks together, can suffice the purpose and in a formal writing, more than one exclamation should be avoided.
Exclamation Mark can also be used to end an ironic statement; where the speaker is actually taunting a particular, event, thing, place or behavior. Go through the below sentences for example-
All the above comments are sarcastic and are made as taunts.
In an informal writing, an Exclamation Mark can also be used with a question mark to express both surprise and uncertainty. Go through the examples below-
The above statements express both surprise and confusion.
Use Question Marks to end direct Questions, as shown below-
A Question Mark should never be used to end an indirect question, as shown below-
Long questions are still required to be terminated with a Question Mark, as shown below-
Though the questions are unusually longer, but nevertheless they are Questions and a Question must end with a Question Mark (?).
Usually the next word to a Question Mark is capitalized it starts a new sentence, but it need not to be so if it is the continuation of the sentence as shown below-
The most general purpose of a Comma that we all know is to provide breathing space between sentences. They have many uses other than that and are also used for a more organized and effective writing. Commas are used to separate any consecutively appearing noun, pronoun, adverb verb or any other representation of same type. We will go through the various uses of Comma (,) with suitable examples.
Between Consecutive Nouns
Comma is used to separate two or more consecutive nouns or pronouns in a sentence as shown below-
The last two items in the series are separated by ‘and’ or ‘or’, preceded by a final comma know as the oxford Comma.
Between Independent Clauses
Comma should be used between a series of independent clauses as shown in the example sentences below-
The comma in the above sentences separate independent clauses, mainly with a purpose to provide breathing space.
Between A Series of Adjectives
Comma is also used to separate a series of adjectives as shown in sentences below-
The last set of adverbs however have to be separated by ‘and’.
Between A Series of Verbs
The same rule has to be applied to a series of verbs. As shown-
Between A Series of Phrases
Comma (,) can also be used for separating a series of phrases as shown in examples below-
Enclosing Information
Comma (,) is also used to separate two or more related clauses, concealing an information as shown in examples below-
Before Tag Questions
Comma (,) has to be used before tag questions as shown in the examples below-
Between Phrases
Semicolon (;) is somewhat a mix of both a comma (,) and a period (.). It is used to separate two related phrases without having to use a conjunction. Go through the below given example sentences-
Before Conjunctive Adverbs
Semicolon could be used before Conjunctive Adverbs- therefore, however, moreover, consequently, furthermore and unfortunately. However the semicolon should end an independent clause, beginning a new one with Conjunctive Adverb. In this case the Conjunctive Adverb must be preceded by a Comma (,). Please go through the example sentences given below-
A colon (:) is used to separate a sentence with its explanation. The colon is placed after a statement and is preceded by the more elaborate explanation of the statement; as show in examples below-
Colon (:) is also used in the representation of time, as shown in the examples below.
A dash (-) is used similarly as a colon (:), but is less formal than a colon. It is advisable to avoid a dash in a formal writing. A dash (-) on the other hand, must have space on both sides. Go through the example sentences below.
A hyphen (-) looks similar to a dash (-), but the two are used differently. Unlike the dash, a hyphen has no space on either side and is used to separate two or more words together. For Ex-
There is no space on either side of the Hyphen (-).
Hyphen (-) can also be used before prefixes as shown in the examples below-
In representing numbers and fractions. For Ex-
Parenthesis refers to round bracket, which we are more accustomed to use – (). A round bracket is used to enclose information related to the sentence. Please go through the following example sentences on Parenthesis and its use-
Removing a Parenthesis from a sentence doesn’t change its meaning at all and a parenthesis in many cases could be replaced by a comma (,). Please go through the below modifications-
All the above sentences still make sense; therefore, many times a round Bracket ( ) can be replaced by a Comma (,).
The square bracket [ ] that we rarely use is used mainly in mathematical expressions. It can be used to add personal comments. The contents of a square bracket cannot be merged with the rest of the sentence like the round bracket ( ). For Ex-
Removing the square brackets doesn’t form meaningful sentences-
Therefore a square bracket [ ] cannot be merged with the sentence like a round bracket ( ).
Braces are also known as curly bracket. Braces are most commonly used in mathematical expressions, as representation of a universal set, like in the examples below-
In English literature however, Braces are used in poetry or to create a list of choices as shown in the examples below.
A curly bracket or braces { } are also used in a poetry at the end of a triplet.
An apostrophe (‘) has much significance in English Literature. It is used when a noun and a verb combine or even to show possessiveness. We will understand the use of apostrophe with the help of suitable examples as given below-
To Combine “Not”
Apostrophe (‘) is used to combine “not” with the preceding noun or pronoun as shown below-
The “o” of the “not” is dropped and is replaced by the apostrophe (‘).
To combine “is”
Apostrophe (‘) is also used to combine “is” to a noun or a pronoun as shown in below examples-
To combine “will”
T combine “will” to a noun or pronoun as shown in examples below-
In the above cases the Apostrophe (‘) replaces ‘wi’.
To combine “have”
Apostrophe is used for combining “have” with a noun or pronoun as shown in the examples below-
To combine “are”
Apostrophe (‘) can be used to combine “are” with a noun or a pronoun.
To Show Possessiveness
Apostrophe (‘) followed by a noun or pronoun indicate possessiveness, as demonstrated by examples below-
Apostrophe s (‘s) when written after a noun or pronoun, indicates possession.
Common nouns ending with s: ladies, bus, babies, teachers, show possession by adding and apostrophe after them. For Ex-
Proper nouns ending with “s”, can show possessiveness by –‘s or simply by using apostrophe, as shown in the examples below.
Use Quotation Marks only while telling the exact sentence as told by the speaker. While rephrasing, however no quotation mark is to be used. For Ex-
Single Quotation Mark can also be used for marking certain expressions as shown below-
Ellipses are those little dots we often use in e mail messages or social media chats. Its ok to use an ellipse but one should not over do it.
Ellipses can be used to represent the omission of a phrase or a sentence that is familiar to the reader. Like quoting something from a famous quote or poem or saying etc. For Ex we will consider a famous quote of Buddha given below-
Now, during a formal chat or writing, you have the liberty of omitting the middle phrases; replacing them by Ellipses (….) as shown below-
In writing ellipses indicate a pause, giving an expression that the speaker or writer is catching a breathe.
Exercises/Worksheet/Activities on Comma (,) Punctuation with Answers:
Add a Comma (,) to the following sentences wherever necessary-
1) He has a cute little adorable puppy.
2) He is smart handsome confident and beautiful.
3) Oliver is coming to meet me today for discussing some business plans.
4) The child drank the juice but refused the milk.
5) The man with the black hat desperately ran towards the podium.
6) As children grow they need to be taught discipline.
7) As trees grow their branches they need to be trimmed.
8) Oliver as per the records has ten years of work experience.
9) That place is in my opinion too risky for children.
10) You are going to attend the meeting won’t you?
Answers-
1) He has a cute, little, adorable puppy.
2) He is smart, handsome, confident, and beautiful.
3) Oliver is coming to meet me today, for discussing some business plans.
4) The child drank the juice, but refused the milk.
5) The man with the black hat, desperately ran towards the podium.
6) As children grow, they need to be taught discipline.
7) As trees grow their branches, they need to be trimmed.
8) Oliver, as per the records, has ten years of work experience.
9) That place is, in my opinion, too risky for children.
10) You are going to attend the meeting, won’t you?
Exercises/Worksheet/Activities on Apostrophe (‘) Punctuation with Answers:
Use the apostrophe correctly with the noun or pronoun to complete the following sentences. Take hint from the noun/pronoun, written in braces after the sentence.
1) ________ car is a old model of Ford. (Oliver)
2) The shop is giving 50% discount on all the _______ apparel. (men)
3) My _______ leg got stuck in a pipe. (dog)
4) ________ profession is very challenging. (doctor)
5) Oliver was called into the __________ room. (teacher)
6) The __________ hull was broken. (ship)
7) ________ capital and largest city is Vientiane. (Laos)
8) The ________ mileage depends on its maintenance. (bike)
9) Delhi is _________ capital. (India)
10) The army __________ mess serves quality food. (officer)
Answer- 1) Oliver’s, 2) men’s, 3) dog’s, 4) doctors’, 5) teachers’, 6) ship’s, 7) Laos’, 8) bike’s, 9) India’s, 10) officers’
Exercises/Worksheet/activities on Semicolon (;) Punctuation with Answers:
Place the semicolon marks in the sentences where required and verify your answers with the answers provided in the end of the exercise.
1) My cat hurt its leg it can’t go out today.
2) He is actually nervous he is calling me frantically.
3) The bus was travelling fast the passengers were getting scared.
4) I am running high fever therefore I didn’t go to office today.
5) We were already late moreover we lost our car’s keys.
6) This is ridiculous he should have informed be before.
7) I forgot my book at home I was in a hurry today.
8) Oliver was late for the assembly however he was permitted to attend.
9) She is going home today she is very happy.
10) There is God you just need to have faith in him.
Answers-
1) My cat hurt its leg; it can’t go out today.
2) He is actually nervous; he is calling me frantically.
3) The bus was travelling fast; the passengers were getting scared.
4) I am running high fever; therefore, I didn’t go to office today.
5) We were already late; moreover, we lost our car’s keys.
6) This is ridiculous; he should have informed me before.
7) I forgot my book at home; I was in a hurry today.
8) Oliver was late for the assembly; however, he was permitted to attend.
9) She is going home today; she is very happy.
10) There is God; you just need to have faith in him.
Exercise/Worksheet/Activities on Combined Paragraph with Correct Punctuations:
Add appropriate punctuation marks in the paragraph written below-
Life of a army officer is filled with responsibilities he/she has personal social and moral obligations getting up before sunrise and going to bed on time becomes routine I know about their life as my grandfather was in army he used to get up at 6 in the morning go for a walk everyday keeping himself fit and fine my grandfathers life was an inspiration get up early work hard and sleep better he used to tell me that an officer should be able to ride a horse, repair a toy order from a French menu dance sing cook climb a mountain play with kids and operate a gun such gracious is the life of an officer that I would definitely be willing to do anything to be an officer wouldnt you
Answer-
Life of an army officer is filled with responsibilities; he/she has personal, social and moral obligations. Getting up before sunrise and going to bed on time, becomes routine. I know about their life, as my grandfather was in army. He used to get up at 6:00 in the morning, go for a walk everyday; keeping himself fit and fine. My grandfather’s life was an inspiration: getting up early, work hard and sleep better. He used to tell me that, an officer should be able to ride a horse, repair a toy, order from a French menu, dance, sing, cook, climb a mountain, play with kids, and operate a gun. Such gracious is the life of an officer that I would definitely be willing to do anything to be an officer, wouldn’t you?
Let’s end the Exercise with punctuating a famous quote by Marilyn Monroe-
Marilyn Monroe I am selfish impatient and a little insecure I make mistakes I am out of control and at times hard to handle but if you cant handle me at my worst then you sure as hell dont deserve me at my best
Answer-
Marilyn Monroe: “I’m selfish, impatient and a little secure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
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