How to Use English Punctuation Correctly

1.End complete sentences with a period (full stop), question mark, or exclamation point

exclamation mark or shout mark).

Use the period (full stop) to denote a full stop at the end of a statement. The period ( . ) is one of the most commonly used punctuation marks.

The accessibility of the computer has increased tremendously over the past several years.

The question mark ( ? ), used at the end of a sentence, suggests an interrogatory remark or inquiry.

The exclamation point (exclamation mark, shout mark)( ! ) suggests excitement or emphasis in a sentence.

2.Use the semicolon and colon properly.

The semicolon ( ; ) has a few uses.

Use a semicolon to separate two related but independent clauses. Note that, if the two clauses are very
wordy or complex, it is better to use a period (full stop) instead.
- People continue to worry about the future; our failure to conserve resources has put the world at
- risk.

Use a semicolon to separate a complex series of items, especially those that contain commas.

I went to the show with Jake, my close friend; his friend, Jane; and her best friend, Jenna.

The colon ( : ) has multiple uses.

Use the colon to introduce a list. Be careful not to use a colon when denoting a regular series. Usually,
the word following suggests the use of a colon. Use only after a full sentence which ends in a noun.
- The professor has given me three options: to retake the exam, to accept the extra credit assignment, or to fail the class.
- INCORRECT - The Easter basket contained: Easter eggs, chocolate rabbits, and other candy.

3. Understand the differences between a hyphen and a dash.

The hyphen ( - ) was once a common punctuation mark on typewriters, when a long word might

have been split between two lines. The hyphen is still used in a number of other areas:

When you use a hyphen, the two words have to rely on each other. Example: re-arrange.

The dash ( -- or — ) should be used when making a brief interruption within a statement, a sudden

change of thought, an additional comment, or a dramatic qualification. It can also be used to add a

parenthetical statement, such as for further clarification, but should still be relevant to the sentence.

Otherwise, use parentheses. Keep in mind that the rest of the sentence should still flow naturally. Try to

remove the statement within the dash from the sentence; if the sentence appears disjointed or does not

make sense, then you may need to revise. There should be spaces before and after the dash in British

English.

An introductory clause is a brief phrase that comes — yes, you guessed it — at the beginning of a sentence.
This is the end of our sentence — or so we thought.

4. Use the double quotation mark and single quotation mark/apostrophe for

different purposes.

The double quotation ( " ) encloses a direct quotation, whether made by a person or taken from a

piece of literature.

"I can't wait to see him perform!" John exclaimed.
According to the article, the value of the dollar in developing nations is "strongly influenced by its aesthetic value, rather than its face value."

The single quotation mark or apostrophe ( ' ) has a variety of uses.

Use the apostrophe together with the letter s to indicate possession. Be aware of the difference in

using an apostrophe with singular or plural nouns. A singular noun will use 's, whereas the plural

version of that singular noun will use s' or s's.

The hamster's water tube needs to be refilled.

CORRECT - apple → apples

INCORRECT - apple → apple's