Photo by Olya Kobruseva
When it comes to writing, students and writers alike fuss over words. However, words have a very essential sidekick that is often overlooked: the different types of punctuation.
By definition, punctuation is the system of symbols that break up parts of a sentence to support its meaning. Punctuation helps a reader understand exactly what you’re saying and how your sentence should be read.
Without our dear friend, punctuation, writing would be oh so confusing! Let’s have a look at the following sentence:
No punctuation: Lets eat grandpa
With punctuation: Let’s eat, grandpa!
As you can see, punctuation matters. Without it, a reader might think you’re about to eat your grandpa!
Learning things like English grammar or punctuation step by step can be difficult. So, to make learning the different types of punctuation a breeze, we’ve split them up into five easy-to-remember groups for you below. Read on to perfect your punctuation.
Photo by Markus Spiske
Type Of Punctuation #1: Sentence Endings
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Full Stop
The full stop ( . ) is added to the end of a sentence that is complete or after an abbreviation (a shortened form of a word or phrase, e.g. doctor is abbreviated to dr.).
At the end of a sentence: Lin went to the grocery store last night.
After an abbreviation: Prof. Dumbeldore is the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
2. Exclamation Mark
An easy way to understand the use of the exclamation mark ( ! ) is by learning the word exclaim. To exclaim is to cry out or express strong emotions like anger, joy, or surprise; and this is exactly when you should be using an exclamation mark.
You can use this type of punctuation at the end of the sentence or after an interjection (a sudden remark or interruption)
At the end of a sentence: I can’t believe I won the lottery!
After an interjection: Careful! There are snakes in that forest.
3. Question Mark
A question mark ( ? ) is typically (and not so surprisingly) used at the end of a sentence that’s asking a question.
Most direct questions often begin with the 4 Wives and 1 Husband (who, what, where, when and how) and end with a question mark.
At the end of a direct question: When does the train leave the station?
At the end of an indirect question: Can you tell me where the bathroom is, please?
Type Of Punctuation #2: Comma, Colon, And Semicolon
The comma, semicolon and colon are some of the trickiest types of punctuation. They are often used incorrectly because they all indicate a pause in a sentence or series of sentences.
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Comma
A comma ( , ) can be used in so many ways. But at its core, the comma is used to separate ideas or elements in a sentence. Here are some common uses of the comma:
To list: I’ve finished my Science, History and English homework.
Joining two separate sentences/clauses: We landed at the airport, and then we went to catch the bus.
When using two consecutive adjectives: The big, scary dog was barking at the children.
To address someone directly: You’re such a good dancer, Liya.
2. Semicolon
The semicolon ( ; ) connects two simple sentences or parts of a sentence. We use a semicolon instead of a full stop when two sentences have a close relationship and should stay together.
Example: The cat looked injured; it limped away from us pitifully.
3. Colon
The colon ( : ) has two common uses that you should know: to introduce additional information and to provide emphasis.
Introducing additional information: He planned on studying four subjects in college: Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
To provide emphasis: There was one person Ali loved more than anyone else: his mother.
Type Of Punctuation #3: Hyphen And Dash
The hyphen and the dash are often both remarks are often referred to as “dashes” because they look similar. However, they’re used for entirely different reasons!
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Hyphen
A hyphen ( – ) joins two or more words together that are not separated by spaces to yield a new meaning. For example, part-time, up-to-date, well-known.
Example: Kamala is having dinner with her mother-in-law.
2. Dash
There are two types of dashes: en dash ( – ) and em dash ( – ).
The en dash looks the same as a hyphen and is used to express a range. An em dash is longer than an em dash and is used to indicate a pause (like a comma) or interrupted speech.
En dash example: The homework Ms Aileen gave us is from pages 18-20.
Em dash example: Chocolate, Strawberry, Caramel – any ice cream tastes good on a hot day!
Fun fact: The em dash is named after its width, which is the length of a capital M. Whereas an en dash is named after the width of a capital N!
Type Of Punctuation #4: Parentheses
Parentheses ( ) are what most students know as brackets, and we’ve used them throughout this article to show you what each punctuation looks like. As you can see, parentheses are used to add additional information to a sentence.
Example: She nodded in agreement (although she didn’t agree) with her friend’s opinion.
Traditionally this type of punctuation is known as parentheses but these days, you’ll hear people refer to them more commonly as round brackets.
Type Of Punctuation #5: Apostrophe And Quotation Marks
The final two punctuation types you need to know are apostrophes and quotation marks.
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Apostrophe
An apostrophe ( ‘ ) is commonly used on two occasions: when we remove one or more letters from a word and to show ownership of something.
Removing letters: I’ve visited Langkawi Island many times but Muthu hasn’t just yet. (shortening of I have to I’ve and has not to hasn’t)
Show ownership: This is Suzie’s cat.
2. Quotation Marks
The easiest way to remember the use of a quotation mark ( “ ” ) is in its name itself – they exist to contain quotations. You use them when you want to use someone else’s words in your writing.
Example: Danial said, “I love spending time with my siblings.”
And, we use single quotation marks ( ‘ ’ ) for quotes within quotes.
Example: Dev explained to his parents, “My sister said to me ‘John stole her crayons’ and I believed her.”
