Punctuation refers to the use of symbols in written language to clarify meaning, indicate pauses, and structure sentences. Punctuation marks serve as essential tools for conveying the intended tone, emphasis, and organization of written communication. Here is an overview of some common punctuation marks:
Period (.): Used to indicate the end of a sentence. It also separates decimal fractions in numbers.
Comma (,): Signifies a brief pause within a sentence, separates items in a list, and separates clauses.
Question Mark (?): Denotes the end of a direct question. It is placed at the end of a sentence to inquire about something.
Exclamation Mark (!): Adds emphasis to a statement, often indicating surprise, excitement, or strong emotion.
Colon (:): Introduces a list or explanation. It is used to precede a statement or quotation.
Semicolon (;): Joins two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. It can also be used to separate items in a list when the items contain commas.
Quotation Marks (" " or ' '): Used to enclose direct speech, a quote, or a title.
Apostrophe ('): Indicates possession or contraction in words.
Parentheses (()): Encloses additional information within a sentence, often providing clarification or details.
Brackets ([] or {}): Used to insert explanatory words or comments within a quotation, especially when the original text is being quoted as is.
Ellipsis (...): Indicates the omission of words from a quoted passage or a trailing off of thought.
Hyphen (-): Joins words or parts of words, often used in compound words or to break a word at the end of a line.
En Dash (–) and Em Dash (—): En dash is used to represent a range, and em dash is used to indicate a strong break in a sentence or to set off parenthetical statements.
Understanding and using punctuation correctly is crucial for effective communication, as it helps convey the intended meaning, structure, and tone of written language. Proper punctuation enhances readability and ensures that the writer's message is clear to the reader.
2. Why do we need punctuation?
Punctuation allows the authors writing to be easy to
read and understandable for the reader.
3. Types of Punctuation
Period Comma Colon
Question
Mark
Quotation
Marks
Exclamation
Point
Parenthesis Apostrophe
4. Period
Rule: Use at the end of a complete sentence.
Example: I went to the store for groceries.
Rule: Use at the end of an indirect question.
Example: He asked where the milk was.
5. Comma
Rule: Use a comma to separate words or items in a list.
Example: She has two dogs, three cats, one bird, and five fish
in her house.
Rule: Use a comma to separate a city from its state.
Example: I am from East Lansing, Michigan.
Rule: Use a comma to separate the day of the month from
the year.
Example: He was born on August 4th, 1990.
Rule: Use a comma to separate two adjectives (describing
words) when the word and can be inserted between them.
Example: She was a young, beautiful dog. ,
6. Question Mark
Rule: Use a question mark only after a direct question.
Example: Will you come over after school?
7. Exclamation Point
Rule: Use the exclamation point to show emphasis or
excitement.
Summer is in three months!
8. Quotation Marks
Rule: Use quotation marks to set off a direct quotation.
Example:“What is your favorite color?” she asked.
Rule: Periods and commas always go inside quotation
marks.
Example: “I don’t want to go to school today,” Alan said.
9. Colon
Rule: Use the colon after a complete sentence to
introduce a list of items.
Example: On my trip I will bring: clothes, a pillow, a
sleeping bag, a toothbrush, and my teddy bear.
Rule: Use the colon after the greeting of the person’s
name in a business letter.
Example: Dear Mr. Smith:
10. Parenthesis
Rule: Use parenthesis to enclose words or figures that
clarify or are used as an aside.
Example: He received one hundred and fifty points
(150)on his math project.
11. Apostrophe
Rule: Use the apostrophe when combining two words.
It is always placed in the spot where the letter(s) have
been removed.
Example: She’s (she is) only allowed candy on Friday.
Rule: Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the
apostrophe before the s.
Example: They found Ms. Connor’s gloves.
’
12. Test Your Knowledge
After reading the example, place the proper
punctuation in the blank.
Remember the 7 types of punctuation include:
Period
Comma
Question Mark
Exclamation Point
Quotation Marks
Semicolon
Parenthesis
13. Practice
The teacher asked him to sit next to her__
They don__t have school on Saturday.
She was born on April 30th __ 1990.
Dear Mrs. White__
__I don’t feel well today, __ Adam said.
.
‘
,
:
“ ”
14. Practice
I pulled my own tooth out__
He has two notebooks__ three books__ four pencils
__one box of crayons__and one eraser in his desk.
They helped color Katie__s project.
I ate four brownies today__
!
,
,
,
,
’
.
15. Practice
__Will you play with me during recess? __ Anna asked.
For my birthday, I had __ cake, ice
cream, candy, pop, and snow cones.
She is able to count to one hundred and twenty ___
during math class.
He lives in Lansing __ Michigan.
“ ”
:
(120)
,
16. Practice
Will you be my partner during gym time __
She had long __ beautiful hair.
?
,
17. References
Pictures on Slides: 6,7,8 Clipart
Information on Slides: 6,7,8,9,10,11,12
http://www.grammarbook.com/english_rules.asp
