Punctuation is used to structure sentences and provide clarity. The document defines common punctuation marks including the period, comma, quotation marks, exclamation point, question mark, semicolon, colon, and hyphen. Each punctuation mark has specific uses, such as using a period at the end of a statement, commas to separate parts of a sentence, quotation marks for quoted speech, and a colon to introduce a list or explanation.

1. What is Punctuation?
Punctuation is used to create sense,
clarity and stress in sentences. You
use punctuation marks to structure
and organize your writing.

2. Period
• A period [ . ] use at the end of a
sentence that makes a statement.

3. Comma
• A comma [ , ] that is used to separate
words or groups of words in a sentence.

4. Quotation mark
• QUOTATION MARKS [ “ ” ] TO SET OFF
MATERIAL THAT REPRESENTS QUOTED OR
SPOKEN LANGUAGE.

5. Exclamation Point
• an exclamation point [ ! ] at the end of an
emphatic declaration, interjection, or
command.

6. Question Mark
• A QUESTION MARK [ ? ] USE AT THE END OF
A DIRECT QUESTION.

7. Semicolon
• A semicolon [ ; ] is used to
separate two parts of a sentence
that have a relationship to each
other in terms of meaning when
each part could stand alone as a
sentence in its own right.

8. • a semicolon [ ; ] help sort out a list:
There were citizens from Bangor, Maine;
Hartford, Connecticut; Boston,
Massachusetts; and Newport, Rhode
Island.
• to separate closely related independent
clauses:
My grandmother seldom goes to bed this
early; she's afraid she'll miss out on
something.

9. Colon
A colon [ : ] is used to divide
a sentence when the second
part explains or elaborates on
what has gone before.

10. • a colon [ : ] before a list or an explanation
that is preceded by a clause that can
stand by itself.
• Think of the colon as a gate, inviting one
to go on:
• There is only one thing left to do now:
confess while you still have time.
• The charter review committee now
includes the following people: the
mayorthe chief of policethe fire chiefthe
chair of the town council

11. Hyphen (-)
• A hyphen [ - ] is used at the end of a
line when a word must be divided or
to link the parts of a compound word
or phrase.