English How to use Punctuation Marks, Punctuation Marks, Definition and Example Sentences
There are some punctuation marks that are commonly used in English grammar. They are the question mark, exclamation point, comma, semicolon, colon, parentheses, brackets, braces, apostrophe and ellipsis.
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Sentence Endings
There are three punctuation marks for use as sentence endings. They are the question mark, the full stop and exclamation point.
The period (.) mostly used at the end of the sentence, or a statement thought to be complete and after many abbreviations. A period can also be show the end of a group of words that don’t form a typical sentence.
- I’m leaving tomorrow at 8:45.
Use a question mark (?) at the end of a sentence, to indicate a direct question and it is used after an interrogative sentence.
- How can you trust a guy like that?
When a person wants to express a sudden outcry or add emphasis the exclamation point (!) can be used.
Comma and Colon
The comma (.), semicolon, and colon can indicate a pause in a series. The comma is used to show a separation of elements within the structure of a sentence.
The semicolon (;) is used to connect two or three independent clauses. It shows a closer relationship between the clauses.
A colon (:) has three main uses. It is used after a word such as introducing a quotation, an explanation, an example.
The second is between independent clauses when the second explains the first, like a semicolon:
- I didn’t have time to get my passport: I was already late.
A colon is used for emphasis.
- Soon again spring will come, trees will bloom.
Apostrophe and Ellipsis
The final punctuation forms in English grammar are the apostrophe, and ellipsis. They are not related to another in any form. An apostrophe (‘) can be used to indicate the omission of a letter or letters from a word.
- What are the common divisors of 40?
The ellipsis is represented by three periods. (. . . ) The ellipsis is used in writing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words. Ellipses are used within quotations to jump from one phrase to another.
- What did not appear from the top of the building: streets, streets, houses, people…
Exclamation Mark !
Meaning: Exclamation mark is used immediately after an exclamation.
Example Sentence:
Yes, You will come with me!
Question Mark ?
Meaning: at the end of a phrase or sentence to show that it is a question.
Example Sentence:
How much paper will they need?
At sign @
Meaning: for email address
Example Sentence:
Here my email address: mary@gmail.com
Ellipsis Mark …
Meaning: one or more words have been intentionally left out
Example Sentence:
Today … we started new work.
Quotation Marks ” “
Meaning: used to indicate a phrase to show that someone else has written or said it.
Example Sentence:
“I’m very tired.“ she said.
Slash /
Meaning: separate letters, numbers, or words.
Example Sentence:
Free ticket will be given to children/women only.
Square Brackets [ ]
Example Sentence:
It [apple] is really useful fruit.
Underscore _
Example Sentence:
for_you@gmail.com
Dash —
Example Sentence:
I’m very happy.
—me too.
Round Brackets or Parentheses ( )
Example Sentence:
Mary (18 years-old) is a young girl.
Semi colon ;
Example Sentence:
Michael has a big house; Alex has a small house.
Hypen –
Example Sentence:
pick–me–up
Underline _
Example Sentence:
The meeting will be start at 08:00 pm.
