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Punctuation rules are essential and it is the way we use signs to show how we're breaking a sentence up into smaller bits. There are four main types of punctuation: end marks, pause marks, question marks and exclamation marks. End marks indicate when a sentence ends, and they're called full stops (.), question marks (?) and exclamation marks (!). Full stops and question marks go at the end of a sentence, while exclamation marks come at the end of a piece of writing that's expressing strong emotion. Pause marks indicate where you take a breath or pause within a sentence. They're called commas (,) semicolons (;) and colons (:). Semicolons go between two main clauses in a sentence or between two items in a list when you want them to be seen as connected ideas. Colons are used before an explanation, list or example that follows from what has already been said.
Punctuation is the way we use signs to show how we're breaking a sentence up into smaller bits.
There are four main types of punctuation: end marks, pause marks, question marks and exclamation marks.There are four main types of punctuation: end marks, pause marks, question marks and exclamation marks.
A comma is used to separate two independent clauses (or parts of sentences) when they're joined together with a conjunction like "and" or "but". For example: "I went to school; I came home." You wouldn't say this without using commas because it would sound weird if you did!Semicolons are similar to commas but used for longer sentences where you want both parts of your sentence joined together but not as closely related as with conjunctions like "and" or "but". For example: "I went shopping yesterday afternoon; then I went home afterwards." Again we wouldn't say this without using semicolons because it sounds weird!Colons are used at the start of lists and explanations where something follows directly from what has come before - usually after an introductory phrase such as 'for example', 'namely' etcetera... For example: 'There were three reasons why I didn't go out last night - my homework was too hard; I didn't feel well enough myself; plus there weren't any good movies showing anywhere near me anyway.' Without those colons, we'd have no idea which part belonged together so clearly those little dots make all difference between confusion and clarity :)End marks indicate when a sentence ends, and they're called full stops (.), question marks (?) and exclamation marks (!).The end marks indicate when a sentence ends, and they're called full stops (.), question marks (?) and exclamation marks (!).A full stop at the end of a sentence is simply called "a period." It looks like this:A question mark indicates that you are asking a question--it looks like this:?An exclamation point shows excitement or surprise--it looks like this:!Full stops and question marks go at the end of a sentence, while exclamation marks come at the end of a piece of writing that's expressing strong emotion.
Colons are used to introduce lists or examples after an independent clause (a sentence with its subject and verb). For example: "I love reading; books are my favourite thing in the world."Semi-colons are used to separate two independent clauses that could have been written as separate sentences but need each other for clarification or emphasis. For example: "I love reading; books are my favourite thing in the world."
Commas (,) are used to separate items in a list. For example, the following sentence uses commas: "I ate an apple, orange and banana."Semicolons (;) are used to separate two main clauses when they're closely related but could stand alone as sentences on their own. For example: "The dog was hungry so I gave him some food; however, he still didn't eat anything."Colons (:) are used before a phrase that explains or gives more information about what you've just said in the previous clause. For example: "I love riding my bike down hills; they make me feel free!"
Semicolons go between two main clauses in a sentence or between two items in a list when you want them to be seen as connected ideas. Colons are used before an explanation, list or example that follows from what has already been said.A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses (i.e., separate sentences). For example, I went home; I had dinner with my family.A colon can also be used as an introductory word for lists or examples, but not always! If you are introducing a list with a colon then it must contain at least two items on the list after this point; otherwise, use another punctuation mark instead!
Question marks come after questions that ask for information or clarification, such as "Is she injured?" or "Can you believe it?!".You can also use them to express strong feelings (shouting!) when there's no real question mark available - but only do this sparingly!Question marks are often used in pairs: one at the end of a sentence, and one above it as part of another punctuation mark, like an exclamation mark. This makes your writing feel more lively and engaging!
The English language is full of surprises, and punctuation marks are no exception. The fact that they can be used in different ways means there's always something new to learn about them! But don't worry if you feel like all this information is a little overwhelming - we've covered all the basics here so that even beginners can understand what each punctuation mark does.
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