Punctuation Flashcards
1
Q
What is the function do the comma
A
- to mark a natural pause in a sentence
- after a phrase beginning a sentence
- to mark off an explanation
- to separate names, adjectives, actions etc, when listed as a series
- to separate names of people addressed or spoken to
- after ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when it begins a sentence that answers a question
2
Q
What is the function of quotation marks
A
- to enclose the words actually spoken
- to indicate the title of books, plays, films etc ( use italics when typing )
- to indicate quoted statements such as proverbs or maxims
- when something is given a meaning other than the usual meaning
- to indicate verbal irony
3
Q
What is the function of the dash
A
- to indicate a break or abrupt change of thought in a sentence
- to include matter of secondary importance in a sentence
- to add an afterthought to a sentence
4
Q
What is the difference in the hyphen and the dash
A
Loosely speaking the dash separates while the hyphen joins. The hyphen is also typically smaller than the dash.
5
Q
What is the function of the hyphen
A
- to join two or more words serving as a single adjective before a noun
- to join compound numbers
- to avoid confusion or an awkward combination of letters
- to divide words at the end of a line if necessary, and make the break only between syllables
6
Q
What is the function of the ellipsis
A
- when quoting material and you want to omit some words
- the ellipsis can also be used to indicate a pause in the flow of a sentence and is especially useful in quoted speech
- may be used for dramatic effect in informal writing
- when a sentence trails off
7
Q
What is the function of the brackets
A
- to add extra information to explain sorting said before
- to add extra information as an aside to creat humour
8
Q
What is the function of the semi colon
A
- links two main lapses not joined by a coordinating conjunction
- to separate a statement introduced by the words such as however, therefore, nevertheless etc from the preceding statement
9
Q
What is the function of the colon
A
- to introduce a list
- to introduce a series of ideas
- to introduce a quotation or statement
- between two clauses when the second explains or resolves the first
- placed between the title and the subtitle of a book
