Functions Of Punctuation

Question 1

Full stop

Answer 1

Indicates end of sentence, used in some abbreviations

Question 2

Comma

Answer 2

Separates items in a list, used for extra information. Can separate phrases and clauses in a sentence. Separates name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence

Question 3

Question mark

Answer 3

Indicates a question

Question 4

Exclamation mark

Answer 4

Indicates strong emotion or emphasis

Question 5

Colon

Answer 5

Introduces a list, quotation or explanation

Question 6

Semicolon

Answer 6

Separates complex items in a list. Stand in place of a co-ordinating conjunction between two clauses

Question 7

Hyphen

Answer 7

Joins two words together to make a compound word. Indicates a word break at the end of a line

Question 8

Apostrophe

Answer 8

Shows possession. Indicates a contraction

Question 9

Ellipsis

Answer 9

Indicates an incomplete thought, hesitation or interruption

Question 10

Quotation marks

Answer 10

Indicates direct speech. Single or double inverted commas can be used to show the title of a poem, short story or article. Show sarcasm. Show a quote from a text

Question 11

Italics

Answer 11

Show that a word is from a foreign language. Show the title of a book/film. Used to emphasise words

Question 12

Dash

Answer 12

Serves a similar purpose to a comma, colon or semicolon. It separates parts of a sentence, gives additional information. Separates a comment or afterthought. Creates a dramatic pause

Question 13

Parenthesis

Answer 13

A word or phrase inserted as an explanation or afterthought. An interlude or interval