Punctuation Mark

Punctuation is used to create sense, clarity and

stress in sentences.

 They are used to structure and organize your

writing.
Punctuation Mark
Includes:
Full stop Comma

Apostrophe Quotation
mark

Question
mark
Punctuation Mark Includes:
Brackets Dash

Exclamation Colon
mark

Semi colon
Importance of Punctuation Mark

 They show reader where sentence start and finish.

 It helps bring the right kind of expression into

writing.

 It changes the tone of voice to show emphasis.

 It creates clarity in sentence.

Importance of Punctuation Mark
1. Using punctuation in your writing helps the reader to clearly
understand the message that is being conveyed.

2. A wrongly used punctuation or a missing punctuation can change the

entire meaning of a sentence.

3.Punctuation primarily helps to indicate the pauses and the emphasis

on certain ideas or thoughts that are discussed in the text.

4.Particularly, in academic writing, it is essential to accurately use

punctuation as it helps to strengthen arguments that are made in the
text.
Uses of Punctuation Mark
 In a sentences punctuation marks can make two different
senses.

 A woman without her man is nothing

• It can be punctuate in two ways:

1. A woman; without her, man is nothing.
2. A woman, without her man, is nothing.
Uses of Punctuation Mark
 He was bitten by a dog which hurt him
• With punctuation marks:
• He was bitten by a dog, which hurt him.

 Ouch that hurt

• With punctuation marks:
• “Ouch! That hurt.”

 Taras sister
• With punctuation marks:
• Tara's sister
 Comma
 The comma is a valuable, most frequently used
punctuation mark because it separates the
structural elements of sentences into manageable
segments.

 Commas make the meaning of sentences clear

by grouping and separating words, phrases, and
clauses.
 Importance of Comma
 I am going to eat Aniqa.
or
 I am going to eat, Aniqa.

• It is recommended that the comma be used

cautiously and wisely.
 Uses of Comma
 Commas have a lot of different uses.

• Rule 1
• Using commas in lists
 You need to put a comma between the different items in a
list,
 We had coffee, cheese, crackers and grapes.
 Uses of Comma
 Rule 2
 Comma can be used to introduce or interrupt direct
quotations.
 Qirat said, "I don't care.”
 "I don't care," Qirat said.

 Rule 3
 Using commas to set off introductory elements, as in:
 "Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how
stupid he looked."
 Uses of Comma
• Rule 4

Use commas to set off the name, nickname, term of endearment,

or title of a person directly addressed.

Will you, Arooba, do that assignment for me?

Yes, old friend, I will.
Good day, Captain.
 
• Rule 5
• Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.

I can go, can’t I?

 Uses of Comma
• Rule 6
• Using commas to separate clauses
• Commas are used to separate clauses in a complex
sentence.

 I first saw Amna in Paris, where I lived in the early

nineties.
• [main clause] [subordinate clause]
 Uses of Comma
• Rule 7
• Using commas in Run-on Sentences
Mishal went to make a strong cup of coffee, for she was
falling asleep at her desk.

• Rule 8
• Use a comma to separate a city from its state .
 I'm from the Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
•  
 Apostrophe
 The apostrophe is an important punctuation
mark used to indicate the omission of letters or
figures, the possessive case, or the plural of
letters or figures.
Importance of Apostrophe
 It is recommended that the apostrophe be used
cautiously and wisely.

 like "shed" and "she'd".

 Or we'll and well.
 Uses of Apostrophe (with
Example)
 There are three main uses of apostrophe:
• Rule 1
• Using apostrophe in contractions

 Apostrophe is used to indicate omissions in

contracted words.
•
• You are right. = You’re right.
 Uses of Apostrophe (with
Example)
• Rule 2
• Using apostrophe to indicate plurals
 Apostrophe is used to indicate plural of letters or figures.

 Mississippi has lots of S's in it .

 The binary system uses 0's and 1's.
 The do's and the don'ts of apostrophe usage.

 She has trouble pronouncing her the's.

 Uses of Apostrophe (with
Example)
• Rule 3
• Using apostrophe to indicate possessives

 Apostrophe is used to show possession.

 The dog’s bowls - says that the bowls belong to dog.

 The boy’s coats - says that the coats belong to boy.

 The car’s wheels - says that the wheels belong to car.

 Uses of Apostrophe (with
• Rule 3
Example)
• Using apostrophe to indicate possessives

• With singular owner:

 Add 's to singular nouns to show they are the "owners”

 This is Joan's jacket .

Note: 
• If the singular owner already ends with s, then add only an
apostrophe after s. 

 This is Williams’ jacket .

Uses of Apostrophe (with Example)
• Rule 3
• Using apostrophe to indicate possessives
• With plural owner:
 Add only an apostrophe to plural nouns to show they are the
"owners.“

 This is boys’ club.

Note: 
 If the plural nouns does not end in s, add 's to show they are the
owners.
 This is men’ s club.
 Quotation Mark
• Quotation marks are punctuation marks placed
either side of a word or phrase in order to identify
it as a quotation, direct speech or a literal title or
name.
Uses of Quotation Mark
There are some important rules to punctuate quotation marks
which are as follows

Rule 1
Use them for direct quotes
 She said, “I am going to the market.”
Uses of Quotation Mark
Rule 2
To indicate Irony


The elite, composed by people of mixed ancestry, embraced their
"whiteness." 
Rule 3
Titles of artistic works


for the titles of shorter works(ie short stories, song titles, essays etc).


"Get the Old Off the Road," by David Frum
Uses of Quotation Mark
Rule 6
Signaling unusual usage

 Where a word is not being used in its current commonly

accepted sense.

 Crystals somehow "know" which shape to grow into.

Uses of Quotation Mark
Rule 7
Double punctuation with quotation

 Quoted statement is a question:

 Teacher asked, “Why have you not done your homework?”

 Quoted statement is not a question:

 Who said “I’m not worth it”?

 Question ends with exclamation mark

 Wasn't it Imran Khan who declared, "Why, this is the most
hypocritical government since the world began!"
 Beware of Usage
 To emphasis on a word instead of underlining or italics is not
appropriate!

 Cashiers' desks open until noon for your "convenience"  .

 For sale: "fresh" fish.
 Semi Colon
• The semicolon or semi-colon; is a symbol
commonly used as orthographic punctuation.
• Semicolon is most commonly used to link two
independent clauses that are closely related in
thought. When a semicolon joins two or more ideas
in one sentence, those ideas are then given equal
rank.
 Semi Colon
• Use a semicolon between closely related
independent clauses which are not joined by a
coordinating conjunction. This rule means that
semicolons are used between two complete
sentences which are not already linked by words
like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.A semicolon can
replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the
gap between two closely linked sentences
(independent clauses).
 Semi Colon
• Examples:
Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.

We have paid our dues; we expect all the privileges

listed in the contract.

I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

 Colon
• Colon - a punctuation mark that is used to divide a
sentence. The colon resembles two dots positioned
vertically (:). The colon has a variety of uses, some
of which include introducing a list, introducing an
explanation, introducing a quote, and connecting
two related sentences.
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 1a. Use a colon to introduce an item or a series of items. Do
not capitalize the first item after the colon (unless it's a proper
noun).

• Examples:
You know what to do: practice.
You may be required to bring many things: sleeping bags, pans,
utensils, and warm clothing.
I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 1b. A capital letter generally does not introduce a word,
phrase, or incomplete sentence following a colon.

• Examples:
He got what he worked for: a promotion.
He got what he worked for: a promotion that paid a higher wage.
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 2. Avoid using a colon before a list if it directly follows a verb or
preposition that would ordinarily need no punctuation in that sentence.
• Not recommended: I want: butter, sugar, and flour.
Recommended: I want butter, sugar, and flour.

OR

• Here is what I want: butter, sugar, and flour.

• Not recommended: I've seen the greats, including: Barrymore, Guinness,
and Streep.
Recommended: I've seen the greats, including Barrymore, Guinness, and
Streep.
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 3. When listing items one by one, one per line, following a colon,
capitalization and ending punctuation are optional when using single words or
phrases preceded by letters, numbers, or bullet points. If each point is a complete
sentence, capitalize the first word and end the sentence with appropriate ending
punctuation. Otherwise, there are no hard and fast rules, except be consistent.

Examples:

I want an assistant who can do the following:

a. input data
b. write reports
c. complete tax forms
 Uses of Colon
The following are requested:
• Wool sweaters for possible cold weather.
• Wet suits for snorkeling.
• Introductions to the local dignitaries.

These are the pool rules:

1. Do not run.
2. If you see unsafe behavior, report it to the lifeguard.
3. Did you remember your towel?
4. Have fun!
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 4. A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between
independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates,
paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence.
• Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that
promotion.

• Note: If a complete sentence follows a colon, as in the previous

example, authorities are divided over whether to capitalize the
first word. Some writers and editors feel that capitalizing a
complete sentence after a colon is always advisable. Others advise
against it. Still others regard it as a judgment call: If what follows
the colon is closely related to what precedes it, there is no need for
a capital. But if what follows is a general or formal statement,
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 4. A colon instead of a semicolon may be used between
independent clauses when the second sentence explains, illustrates,
paraphrases, or expands on the first sentence.
Example: He got what he worked for: he really earned that promotion.

• Note: If a complete sentence follows a colon, as in the previous

example, authorities are divided over whether to capitalize the first
word. Some writers and editors feel that capitalizing a complete
sentence after a colon is always advisable. Others advise against it.
Still others regard it as a judgment call: If what follows the colon is
closely related to what precedes it, there is no need for a capital. But
if what follows is a general or formal statement, many writers and
editors capitalize the first word.
• Example: Remember the old saying: Be careful what you wish for.
 Uses of Colon
Rule 5. Capitalize the first word of a complete or full-sentence quotation
that follows a colon.
• Example: The host made an announcement: "You are all staying for
dinner."

Rule 6. Capitalize the first word after a colon if the information

following the colon requires two or more complete sentences.
• Example: Dad gave us these rules to live by: Work hard. Be honest.
Always show up on time.
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 7. If a quotation contains two or more sentences, many writers
and editors introduce it with a colon rather than a comma.

Example: Dad often said to me: "Work hard. Be honest. Always show up

on time."
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 8. For extended quotations introduced by a colon, some style
manuals say to indent one-half inch on both the left and right margins;
others say to indent only on the left margin. Quotation marks are not
used.

Example: The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter:

• Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of
burned moth wings in the translucent glass of the overhead light. Her
father was in "hyper mode" again where nothing could calm him
down.
 Uses of Colon
• Rule 9. Use a colon rather than a comma to follow the salutation in a
business letter, even when addressing someone by his or her first
name. (Never use a semicolon after a salutation.) A comma is used
after the salutation in more informal correspondence.

Formal: Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

Informal: Dear Dave,
 Dashes
• A dash is a little horizontal line that floats in the
middle of a line of text (not at the bottom: that’s an
underscore). It’s longer than a hyphen and is
commonly used to indicate a range or a pause.
Dashes are used to separate groups of words, not to
separate parts of words like a hyphen does.
• The most common types of dashes are the en dash
(–) and the em dash (—).
 Dashes
• An em dash is a punctuation mark that can be used to
replace commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons.
• Examples:
• You are the friend, the only friend, who offered to help me.
• You are the friend—the only friend—who offered to help
me.
• I pay the bills; she has all the fun.
• I pay the bills—she has all the fun.
• I wish you would … oh, never mind.
• I wish you would—oh, never mind.
 Dashes
• An em dash is a punctuation mark that can be used to replace
commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons.
• Examples:
• You are the friend, the only friend, who offered to help me.
• You are the friend—the only friend—who offered to help
me.
• I pay the bills; she has all the fun.
• I pay the bills—she has all the fun.
• I wish you would … oh, never mind.
• I wish you would—oh, never mind.
 Uses of Dashes
Rule 1. Words and phrases between dashes are not generally part of the subject.
• Example: Joe—and his trusty mutt—was always welcome.

Rule 2. Dashes replace otherwise mandatory punctuation, such as the commas

after Iowa and 2020 in the following

• Examples:Without dash:
• The man from Ames, Iowa, arrived.
• With dash: The man—he was from Ames, Iowa—arrived.
• Without dash: The May 1, 2020, edition of the Ames Sentinel arrived in
June.
• With dash: The Ames Sentinel—dated May 1, 2020—arrived in June.
 Uses of Dashes
• Rule 3. Some writers and publishers prefer spaces around dashes.

Example:
• Joe — and his trusty mutt — was always welcome.
• En dashes are shorter than em dashes and longer than hyphens.
• Like hyphens, they can be used for number ranges.

Examples:
• The student council will meet Thursday, 3:15–3:45 p.m.
• During the years 1999–2016, Joshua lived in Fargo, North Dakota.
• We expect 300–325 people at the reception.
 Uses of Dashes
• An en dash is also typically used to clarify more complex compound
words.

Examples:
• New York–based artistCharles Dickens–inspired writer.
• Ex. The coach knew how to play against a Dallas Cowboys–style
offense.
• Ex. It was some kind of jack-in-the-box–like gizmo.
 Hyphens
• The hyphen (-) is a mark that joins words or parts
of words and is placed directly between letters and
with no spaces. As indicated below, the hyphen is
used in several ways.
 Uses of Hyphens
1. Use a hyphen at the end of a line to divide a word where there is not
enough space for the whole word. Follow the rules for dividing words
correctly.Divide a word between syllables. Never divide a one-syllable
word.

Correct:
For effective proofreading, certain strategies are recom-mended.

Incorrect:
After taking the workshop on proofreading, it really se-ems that I am
better at editing my own papers.
 Uses of Hyphens
• Do not divide a word between syllables if only one letter remains alone or if only
two letters begin a line.
Incorrect:
It was difficult to determine whether she was totally a-fraid of the dark or just trying to
gain sympathy.

We realized she was trying to get attention, so we simp-ly ignored her. In this case,
simply move the entire word (afraid or simply) to the next line.

• Always divide a hyphenated compound word at the hyphen.

Incorrect:
She was relieved to have the innocuous title of pres-ident-elect rather than to have real
responsibility.
Correct:
She was relieved to have the innocuous title of president-elect rather than to have real
responsibility.
 Uses of Hyphens
• Divide compound words between the words that form the compound.

Incorrect:
For Steve's birthday, Annie bought him an electric cof-feemaker.

Correct:
For Steve's birthday, Annie bought him an electric coffee-maker.
or
For Steve's birthday, Annie bought him an electric coffeemaker.
 Uses of Hyphens
2. Use a hyphen to indicate a word spelled out letter by letter.
• The correct way to spell that word in English is h-e-l-l-o.

3. Use a hyphen to join two or more words to form compound adjectives that
precede a noun.
• The purpose of joining words to form a compound adjective is to
differentiate the meaning from the adjectives used separately, such as up-to-
date merchandise, copper-coated wire, fire-tested material, lump-sum
payment, and well-stocked cupboard.
• He was proud of his well-stocked cupboards. (The adverb well describes
stocked rather than cupboards.)
• Cathy drove her seven-year-old son to school every morning. (If the
adjectives were written separately, they would describe her son as seven,
year, and old. It is only when the words are joined together with a hyphen
that they make sense as a single adjective.)
 Uses of Hyphens
4. Use a hyphen to avoid awkward doubling of vowels.
• semi-independence without a hyphen would be written
semiindependencere-elect without a hyphen would be written
reelectpre-eminent without a hyphen would be preeminent

5. Use a hyphen to prevent misreading of certain words.

• Re-collect means to collect again; without a hyphen the word recollect
has a different meaning.
• Re-creation means to create again; without a hyphen, the word
recreation has a different meaning.Co-respondent without the hyphen
could be confused with correspondent.
 Uses of Hyphens
6. Use a hyphen to join a prefix to a capitalized word.
• un-American, pre-Christmas

7. Always use a hyphen with the prefixes all-, ex-, and self-, and with the
suffix -elect.
• all-inclusive, ex-president, self-righteous, governor-elect

8. Use a hyphen with all compound numbers between twenty-one through

ninety-nine, and when writing fractions as words.
• fifty-six, two-thirds

9. Use a hyphen to indicate stammering or sobbing.

• "I d-d-didn't m-mean it."