Punctuation Flashcards
Period (.)
Definition: Used to mark the end of a declarative sentence or statement.
Example: She went to the store.
Comma (,)
Definition: Used to separate items in a list, or clauses, or to set off introductory elements.
Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
Question Mark (?)
Definition: Used at the end of a sentence to indicate a question.
Example: Where are you going?
Exclamation Point (!)
Definition: Used to show strong emotion or emphasis.
Example: Watch out!
Colon (:)
Definition: Used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.
Example: She brought three things: snacks, water, and a map.
Semicolon (;)
Definition: Connects closely related independent clauses or separates items in a complex list.
Example: I wanted to go; however, I was too tired.
Apostrophe (’)
Definition: Used to show possession or form contractions.
Example: Sara’s book (possession), don’t (contraction)
Quotation Marks (“ ”)
Definition: Used to enclose direct speech, quotes, or titles of short works.
Example: He said, “I’ll be there soon.”
Parentheses ( )
Definition: Used to enclose additional or explanatory information.
Example: He finally answered (after five minutes of silence).
Dash (—)
Definition: Used to add emphasis, an interruption, or a break in thought.
Example: I was going to the store—but I forgot my wallet.
Hyphen (-)
Definition: Connects words in compound terms or splits a word at the end of a line.
Example: well-known author, mother-in-law
Ellipsis (…)
Definition: Indicates omitted text or a trailing thought.
Example: I don’t know… maybe.
Brackets [ ]
Definition: Used to add editorial comments or clarifications within quoted material.
Example: “She [the teacher] was very kind.”
Slash ( / )
Definition: Used to show alternatives or a choice between words.
Example: He/she will attend.
Braces { }
Definition: Primarily used in mathematics or programming, rarely in general writing.
Example: In a math set: {2, 4, 6, 8}
