Punctuation Marks: Periods, Colons, Semicolons, Question Marks, Exclamation Points, Quotation Marks

Let’s take the easy ones first: a period goes at the end of a sentence and indicates the end of a complete thought. The same is usually true for question marks and exclamation points, except that, as implied, they end a question or an exclamation, respectively.  Question marks and exclamation points, though, don’t necessarily end a sentence. Examples:

This sentence is a simple declaration.

Is this sentence a question?

“Where is your homework?” mom asked.

This sentence is an exclamation of surprise!

“Wow!” Jimmy exclaimed.

Commas separate parallel words in a series. The rule of “serial commas” says that prior to “and,” (a conjunction introducing the last word in the series) a comma is also used. Example:

The correct answer is a, b, and c.

A semicolon separates clauses like a comma separates words. Example:

He knew she was right; he just didn’t want to admit it.

A colon introduces a separate thought within the sentence. Example:

He had everything he needed: looks, charm, and athletic ability.

Quotation marks normally go outside the punctuation only if it pertains to the quoted material. Examples:

He said, “Don’t do that now!”

“Why did that happen?” is what she wanted to know.

We’ll consider other points of English usage in the future.

Sidenote:  If you have questions for Big Den about spelling, grammar, writing, editing, etc…, send them here and he will address them in upcoming blogs!