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RainboW

RainboW

Ukraine

October 27, 2008

This guide provides instruction on the basic rules of using a period, comma, colon, semicolon, question mark and exclamation point. Each type of punctuation is followed by an explanation and example sentences for reference purposes.

Period

Use a period to end a complete sentence. A sentence is a group of words containing a subject and predicate. In British English a period is called a 'full stop'.

Examples:

He went to Detroit last week.
They are going to visit.

Comma

There are a number of different uses for commas in English. Commas are used to:

  • Separate a list of items. This is one of the most common uses of a comma. Notice that a comma is included before the conjunction 'and' which comes before the final element of a list.

    Examples:

    I like reading, listening to music, taking long walks, and visiting with my friends.
    They would like books, magazines, DVDs, video cassettes, and other learning materials for their library.

     

  • Separate phrases (clauses). This is especially true after a beginning dependent clause or a long prepositional phrase.

Examples:

In order to qualify for your certificate, you will need to take the TOEFL exam.
Although he wanted to come, he wasn't able to attend the course.

 

  • Separate two independent clauses that are connected by a conjunction such as 'but'.

    Examples:

    They wanted to purchase a new car, but their financial situation would not allow it.
    I'd really enjoy seeing a film this evening, and I'd like to go out for a drink.

     

  • Introduce a direct quote (as opposed to indirect speech i.e. He said he wanted to come ...).

    Examples:

    The boy said, "My father is often away during the week on business trips."
    His doctor replied, "If you don't stop smoking, you run the risk of a heart attack."

     

  • Separate appositives (a noun, or noun phrase) or non-defining relative clauses.

    Examples:

    Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, comes from Seattle.
    My only sister, who is a fantastic tennis player, is in great shape.

     

  • Question Mark

    The question mark is used at the end of a question.

    Examples:

    Where do you live?
    How long have they been studying?

    Exclamation Point

    The exclamation point is used at the end of a sentence to indicate great surprise. It is also used for emphasis when making a point. Be careful not to use an exclamation point too often.

    Examples:

    That ride was fantastic!
    I can't believe he is going to marry her!

    Semicolon

    There are two uses for a semicolon:

    • To separate two independent clauses. One or both of the clauses are short and the ideas expressed are usually very similar.

      Examples:

      He loves studying; He can't get enough of school.
      What an incredible situation; it must make you nervous.

       

    • To separate groups of words that are themselves separated by commas.

      Examples:

      I took a holiday and played golf, which I love; read a lot, which I needed to do; and slept late, which I hadn't done for quite a while.
      They plan to study German, for their travels; chemistry, for their work; and literature, for their own enjoyment.

       

    Colon

    A colon can be used for two purposes:

    • To provide additional details and explanation.

      Examples:

      He had many reasons for joining the club: to get in shape, to make new friends, to lose some weight, and to get out of the house.
      She gave notice for the following reasons: bad pay, horrible hours, poor relations with colleagues, and her boss.

       

    • To introduce a direct quote (a comma can also be used in this situation).

      Examples:

      He announced to his friends: "I'm getting married!"
      She cried out: "I never want to see you again!"

     GOOD LUCK BABIES!

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