Punctuation refers to marks such as full stops, commas and brackets that are used to separate sentences and their parts. For example, the comma in this sentence is a punctuation mark.
Full Stop - definition
A full stop is a dot used at the end of a sentence. It represents a long pause and separation between sentences. For example: Joseph is going to the party. Mary will be there too.
Comma - definition
A comma is in the shape of an apostrophe but is placed on the baseline of the text. It usually represents a short pause and is used to separate words, clauses, or ideas in a sentence. For example: I wanted to meet her at the park, but she was busy.
Semicolon - definition
A semicolon represents a pause of greater importance than that which is indicated by a comma. It is used to connect independent clauses of equal importance in a sentence. For example: Some students went directly to the campsite; others went to the waterfall.
Colon - definition
A colon represents a pause even longer than that of a semicolon. It is used to separate two main clauses when the second clause follows or explains the first. It is also used to introduce a list or a quotation. For example: The bakery had many delicious dishes: pies, cakes, muffins, and tarts.
Question Mark - definition
A question mark is used at the end of a sentence that is a question or is in interrogative form. For example: Where is the library?
Exclamation Mark - definition
An exclamation mark is used after a sentence that is an interjection or exclamation. For example: How hot is is today!
Inverted Commas - definition
Inverted Commas are used at the beginning and end of a quotation. For example: He said, "I will see you tomorrow."
Dash - definition
A dash is used to indicate a stop or change of subject within a sentence. For example: The three brothers—Joe, Sam, and Tom—still live in the same house.
Hyphen - definition
The hyphen is a shorter horizontal line than the dash. It is used to connect the parts of a compound word. For example: He was a well-known cardiologist.
Parentheses - definition
Parentheses are brackets used to provide extra information. They separate a clause from the main part of the sentence. For example: The manager (and his secretary) traveled by a private jet.
Apostrophe - definition
An apostrophe shows the omission of a letter. It is also used in the possessive or genitive case. For example: Give Amy's book back to her.
Capital Letters - definition
Capital letters are upper case letters used at the beginning of sentences. It is also used in other instances like at the start of proper nouns. For example: They have been planning their trip to France since September.
Ellipsis - definition
An ellipsis refers to a set of three dots at the baseline of the text that indicates the omission of words in the sentence. It is also used to indicate a brief pause or an unfinished thought. For example: I'm not sure...I might be busy tomorrow.