Punctuation Matters Flashcards
A ______________ are individual symbols used for this purpose, such as a full stop or period, comma, or question mark. It is the specific symbol used within it.
Punctuation mark
This is a system of symbols that we use when writing to clarify meaning and indicate pauses or emphasis.
Punctuation
This is used after an abbreviation, after numbers and letters in outlines, after a declarative sentence, an imperative sentence, or an indirect question.
Period
Examples:
They will join the game.
Clean the room.
I just asked why you were late.
This is a punctuation mark usually used after an interjection or exclamation to indicate strong feelings or to show emphasis.
Exclamation point
Examples:
Oh! That is a gorgeous dress!
Wow! I can’t believe I ran into you here.
This is used to end a question or to end a statement intended as a question.
Question mark
Examples:
Did you read the essay?
They joined your team?
This is used to separate three or more items in a series. It is also used after salutation in friendly letters, in addresses, in large numbers, in dates, and between a name and title.
Comma
Examples:
I will buy pencils, papers, and crayons.
Dear Jeff,
Block 1, Lot 3, Josefina Subdivision
2,657 volunteers
February 21, 1993
Jane Martin, Ph.D.
It is used to separate the beginning word, phrase, or clause. It is also used to separate independent clauses in compound sentences.
Comma
Examples:
Yes, I will get it for you.
I cannot carry these boxes, so I need someone to help me.
This is used in appositives.
Comma
Example:
Althea, a famous dancer, will conduct free dance lessons next week.
This replaces a comma in introducing a quotation. Gives emphasis or directs attention to an explanation.
Colon
Examples:
She said: “I believe the time is now or never.”
He has only one goal in mind : to gain more power and honor.
This is after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items, or after the greeting of the person’s name in a business letter.
Colon
Examples:
On my trip I will bring: clothes, a pillow, a sleeping bag, a toothbrush, and my teddy bear.
Dear Ms. Jazmine:
This is used to connect related independent clauses and is also used together with conjunctive adverbs like moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, consequently, etc.
Semicolon
Examples:
Martha has gone to the library; her sister has gone to play soccer.
I’m not all that fond of the colors of tiger lilies; moreover, they don’t smell very good.
This is used in contractions, to show possession, numbers and omissions.
Apostrophe
Examples:
I’ve seen that movie several times. She wasn’t the only one who knew the answer.
High school students’ scores have been gradually improving over the last several years.
They witnessed many events in the ’60s.
This is used to form compound words.
Hyphen
Example:
I went to lunch with my father-in-law.
This is used to express ranges.
En dash
Example:
The homework exercises are on pages 20–27.
This is used to indicate a pause or interrupted speech.
Em dash
Example:
The thief was someone nobody expected — me!
