What Is Punctuation? Punctuation is defined as a set of symbols used to separate and clarify the meaning of sentences and written elements. In other words, punctuation tells readers of your writing where to pause, what words are quotations and which are clarifications, where words have been omitted, and more, Read the resources below to get up to speed on commas, hyphens, semicolons, and all other punctuation marks. + The rules of punctuation vary with language, location, register, and time and are constantly evolving. Certain aspects of punctuation are stylistic andare thus the author's (oF editor's) choice, or tachygraphic (shorthand) language forms, such as those used in online chat and text messages + There are two major styles of punctuation in English British or Amencan. These two styles differ mainly in the way in which they handle quotation marks, particularly in conjunction with other punctuation marks. In British English, punctuation marks such as full stops and commas are placed inside the quotation mark only if they are part of what is being quoted, and placed outside the closing quotation mark if part af the eentaining sentence. In American English, hawever, such punctuation is generally placed inside the clesing quotation mark regardless. This rule varies for other punctuation marks; for example, American English follows the British English rule when it comes to semicolons colons, question marks, and exclamation points.[21 lfurther explanation needed] The serial comma is used much more often in the United States than in England Another description is, “It is the practice, action, or system of inserting points or other small marks into texts in order to aid interpretation; division of text into sentences, clauses, etc., by means of such marks PET Ue ae La Sec LC CUA All of the Punctuation Marks Punctuation, such as a full stop, comma and apostrophe, are the marks used in writing to separate sentences and elements of sentences and clarify meanings. What is a Punctuation Mark? In simple terms, punctuation marks are a symbol to create and support meaning within a sentence or to break it up. Examples of different punctuation marks include: full stops (.). commas (.) question marks (?}, exclamation marks (!}, calons (:), semi-colons (:), apostrophes ()) and speech marks (",")Punctuation; Often children get told how and when to use different punctuation marks when they are at schaol, yet this doesn't really explain what a punctuation mark actually is. Itis important children know the different types of punctuation mark with amesand what they are used for. Words are not the only thing that ean help pegple to navigate a sentenee, these marks show the structure of the sentence, including where the sentence starts and ends and when to pause (ar breathe if reading the sentence alaud), Itis really important to make a sentence clear and to accurate so that they can be understood. These marks are how ideas are eenveyed to the reader properly. You can use our fantastic and diverse range of resources and teaching aids to find all punctuation marks with names, uses and examples that you children can use to master their punctuation skills. What are the different types of punctuation names? (With examples) There are 12 different types of punctuation marks where we need to learn the punctuation names in the English language. This means that there's plenty to choose from when writing! We tend to se Some punctuation marks more than others, but its still important to know thern all $0 that we know what they mean when we read and see them. Although the English language has many punctuation marks, and you will usually learn to use many of them as you master the language Still, there are some punctuation mark uses you might still nat know about despite using and seeing them on a regular basis, See-a description for each type of punctuation mark below. alang with some handy punctuation examples in a sentence 1. Full stop A tull stop is the punctuation name for a mark that is used to show the ead of a sentence. as shown in this punctuation example: ‘Lucy went clothes shopping. She bought a lovely new skin. Full stops are used to indicate that itis the end of a sentence. usually communicating a complete point or thought. It highlights a new sentence is about to begin 2. Commas Commas is the punctuation name for a mark that aregreat for breaking down sentences, combining two clauses or showing us when to pause. Despite the fact | hate maths, | quite like learning abaut fractions.Punctuation; This shows how commas can add emphasis and toll the reader when to pause, Sometimes, commas can be misplaced. This is called a comma splice, where two independent clauses are connected bya comma. when they should really be separated with a full stap or semi caton or connected with a connective. 2. Question marks Question marks is the punctuation name for a mark that are a bit more straightforward. They simply indicate that the speaker is asking a question, Thay’re used at the end of question (or interragative) sentences Do you still want ta keep your teddy bear?" 4. Exclamation marks Exclamation marks is the punctuation name for a mark that can change the meaning and tone of a sentence. They still end a sentence, but they can add emotion - whether that’s excitement, anger or nervousness! ‘Look. its a cat! im $0 nervous about my SATs exams!’ ‘can't believe you just said that! All three of these sentences convey very diferent emotions using an exclamation mark, so it can be confusing. Yet imagine ifthey used a full stop instead - these emotions would be much harder to read and understand. A sentence which needs in an exclamation mark is called an exclamatory sentence. 5. Colons Colons is the punctuation name for a mark that are ideal for connecting twa clauses. ‘Never go out in the sun without sunscreen: youslll damage your skin.’ ‘They're also great for introducing a list of three or mare things. ''m visiting four cities this summer: Rome, Florence, Paris, and SevillePunctuation; 8. Somicolons ‘Semicolons get a bad reputation for being difficult, but in truth, they're super handy! You ean use a semicaion to join 2 main (ar independent clauses) which have equal importance. For example, Katie was hungry: she hadn't eaten all day.’ Semicolons show a closer relationship between the clauses than a full stop would show. 7. Apostrophes “Apostrophes is the punctuation name for a mark that are quite confusing far many children. but it's really important that children learn how ta use them properly. Apostrophes are used to identify something that belongs to someone or to show a letter or multiple letters are missing trom a ward. Yet.as simple as this sounds, many children and adults often misplace or forget apostrophes. even putting them somewhere they shouldn't be altogether. The follawing sentence shows how to use an apostrophe for contractions, where letters are missing from “were not’. “of the clock’ and "cannot". "We weren't meant to leave betore 4 O'clock. so we can't go yet." Apostrophes can also be used to show the possessive form of a singular noun “The studant’s job was to make sure no one touched the pet rabbit's breakfast.” With plural nouns where the word already has ans’ at the end, an apostrophe just gets added at the end, “The girls’ toy truck had broken." Ifthe word is plural and doesn't have ans’ at the end, again one can be added. “The women’s business meeting had been delayed." One of the most common misuses of apostrophes is putting them in words which are just plural and don't show possession or contraction. For example, words such as pencils, ghosts, houses, ar guests never need an apostraphe. 8. DashPunctuation; Adashisthe punctuation name for a mark that used te separate words inte statements, There are two common types of dashes: en dash and em dash which vary in length. The en dash is twice as long as a hyphen and is mast commonly used to signify a range between two words or numbers, for example the date range. 1990-2014. Meanwhile,the em dash can be used in place of a comma, parenthesis, or colon to enhance readability or emphasize the conclusion of a sentence. For example: She gave him her answer—No! 8. Hyphen This list of punctuation marks isn't exhaustive, but it does contain the most commonly used punctuation marks with names, For example: Sarah had a part-time job that she worked on a Saturday Parentheses A parenthesis is a ward, phrase. or sentence that is inserted into writing as extra information using brackets, commas or dashes. Far example: "James (who was terrified of heights} was going to ride the biggest rollercoaster in the theme park When a whole sentence is written inside a parenthesis then the full stop will be included inside the parenthesis. for example - Please read this story. (You'll be amazed.). However. if the majority of a sentence is written outside the parenthesis. then the full stop should also be used on the outside, for example, You are late (aren't you?) 10, Bracke! Brackets is the punctuation name for a mark that are curved symbals that look like () and are used to Seperate non-essential or additional information from a sentence. For example: She finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that she didn't understand the question.Punctuation; 11, Quotation marks. Quetation marks is the punctuation name for a mark that are the primary type af punctuation used in quotes. These are inverted commas that are used as either single ("ar dauble ("~} sets. They are used either to mark the beginning and end of a title or quoted passage. For example. Walking across the beach Mary said, "the weather is very sunny today’ 42. Ellipsis ‘An ellipsis(plural ellipses) is a punctuation mark made up of 3 dats. Ellipses are commonly used to indicate the omission of words, lines or paragraphs fram a quoted passage. For example: ‘Today...we are proud to announce our new product"The 14 Punctuation Marks Explanations and examples to help you become a punctuation mark pro. Period Ends sentences and used in abbreviations 2 Quotation Mark Semicolon Links two closely related sentences: Exclamation Point Used with Interjections, exclamations, or strong commands: od aed ey Question Mark Shows a sentence GD is an inquiry Dash ‘Sets apart an idea oF slament within ‘2 sentence Brackets Shows that words Were added to & direct quotation Apostrophe Indicates possession or missing letters Ellipsis Signals omitted information, 3 pause, or trailing ofr ferry eee Joins words er separates words syllables, Comma Parentheses Sets spart clarifying slaments or asides (©) Creates a separation or pause between werds or phrases www.grammarly.com grammarly Don't Forget the Quotation Marks! Don’ Forget the Quotation Markst |