Punctuation

Question 1

General principles of punctuation

Answer 1

1. If it does not clarify the text it should be omitted.
2. In the choice and placing of punctuation marks, the sole aim should be to bring out more clearly the speaker’s thoughts.
3. Punctuation should aid reading and preventing misreading.

Question 2

How to use apostrophe in possessives

Answer 2

The possessive case of a singular or plural noun not ending in -s is formed by adding an apostrophe and -s. (man’s, medium’s, criteria’s)
The possessive case of a singular or plural noun ending in -s or with an s sound is formed by adding an apostrophe only. (boss’, bosses’, Mars’, Jones’)

Question 3

Where don’t we use apostrophe?

Answer 3

1. Possessive pronouns do not take apostrophe.
2. To show the plural form of acronyms, initialisms, or abbreviations, except where clarity and sense demand such inclusion.

Question 4

Where can we use apostrophe?

Answer 4

1. Possessive indifinite or impersonal pronouns require an apostrophe.
2. Plural of characters and numbers (T’s, A’s, 7’s)
3. Nouns ending in -s or -ce and followed by a word beginning with s form the possessive by adding an apostrophe only. (for goodness’ sake, For acquaintance’ sake, Mr. Hughes’ service)

Question 5

Where is the colon used?

Answer 5

1. The colon is used before a final clause that extends or amplifies preceding matter.
2. It is used to introduce formally any matter that forms a complete sentence, question, or quotation.
3. It is used in expressing clock time.
4. It is used on title pages after the state of jurisdiction.
5. It is used after the speaker in Colloquy.

Question 6

Uses of comma

Answer 6

1. The comma is used to separate two words or figures that might otherwise be misunderstood. (instead of hundreds, thousands came.)
   2.It is used to indicate the omission of a word or words in transcribed speech; or to record a false start or stutter.
2. A comma is used after each of a series of coordinate qualifying words.
3. It is used to set off parenthetic words, phrases, or clauses.
4. It is used to set off words or phrases in apposition or in contrast.
5. It is used after each member within a series of three or more words, phrases, letter, or figures used with and, or, or nor.
6. It is used before the conjuction in a compound sentence containing two or more independent clauses, each of which could have been written as a simple sentence.
7. It is used after a noun or phrase in direct address.
8. It is used after an interrogative clause, followed by a direct question.
9. It is used after the year in complete dates ( month, date, year) within a sentence.

Question 7

Where do we use ellipses?

Answer 7

They are used to denote an interruption in speech at the beginning or end of an utterance.

Question 8

How do we use hyphens?

Answer 8

1. Hyphen is used between the letters of a word that is spelled out.
2. It is used between the numbers of emergency and information lines.
3. It is used in parenthetical statements with the word “Exhibit.” (Exhibit-1)

Question 9

How do you parentheses?

Answer 9

1. Parentheses are used to enclose Parenthetical Statements. (WHEREUPON, a brief recess was taken.)
2. They are used to enclose the clock time in On/Off the Record Statements during depositions. (On the Record (11:43 a.m.)

Question 10

Where do use periods?

Answer 10

1. The period is used after a declarative sentence or after an imperative sentence.
2. It is used after an indirect question or after a question intended as a suggestion and not requiring an answer.

Question 11

How do you use question marks?

Answer 11

1. It is used to indicate a direct query, even if not in the form of a question or in the middle of a sentence.
2. It is used to express more than one query in the same sentence.