Punctuations Flashcards
Periods (.)
End sentences that state facts or arguments.
Example: The study found a significant correlation between the two variables.
Commas (,)
Separate items in a list.
Example: The participants included students, teachers, researchers, and administrators.
After introductory phrases or clauses.
Example: After reviewing the data, the researchers identified key trends.
Before conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or) in compound sentences.
Example: The results were promising, but further research is required.
Semicolons (;)
Link closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
Example: The hypothesis was proven incorrect; however, the findings were still valuable.
Separate complex list items with commas.
Example: The conference featured speakers from Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
Colons (:)
Introduce lists or explanations.
Example: The research focused on three factors: economic growth, environmental impact, and social welfare.
Emphasize a key point.
Example: The conclusion is clear: policy changes are necessary.
Apostrophes (’)
Show possession.
Example: The professor’s lecture was insightful.
Indicate contractions (but contractions should be avoided in formal writing).
Example: Do not use contractions in academic writing.
Quotation Marks (“ “)
Enclose direct quotes.
Example: According to Smith (2020), “climate change policies must be revised.”
Use single quotes (‘ ’) for quotes within quotes.
Example: He stated, “The researcher noted, ‘The data was inconclusive.’”
Parentheses ( )
Include extra information.
Example: The results (as shown in Table 3) indicate a positive trend.
Hyphens (-) and Dashes (–, —)
Hyphens (-): Connect compound adjectives.
Example: A well-known theory.
En dashes (–): Show ranges.
Example: Pages 10–15.
Em dashes (—): Add emphasis or interruption.
Example: The results—though unexpected—were groundbreaking.
Ellipses (…)
Indicate omitted words in a quote.
Example: “The results suggest…a significant change in policy.”
