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Marking Punctuation
What's Ahead
Period
A period is used to end a sentence. It is also used after initials, after abbreviations, and as a decimal point.
At the End of a Sentence |
Use a period to end a sentence that makes a statement, a command, or a request. Taro won the fishing contest. (statement) Take his picture. (command) Please pass the bait. (request) |
After an Initial |
Place a period after an initial in a person’s name. Susan B. Anthony J. R. R. Tolkien |
As a Decimal |
Use a period as a decimal point and to separate dollars and cents. Robert is 99.9 percent sure that the bus pass costs $2.50. |
After Abbreviations |
Use a period after an abbreviation. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Jr. Dr. p.m. |
After Final Abbreviations |
Use only one period when an abbreviation is the last word in a sentence. When Josie is nervous, she whistles, wiggles, winks, etc. |
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Ellipsis
An ellipsis (three spaced periods) is used to show omitted words or sentences and to indicate a pause in dialogue.
Tip When writing an ellipsis, leave one space before, after, and between each period. On a computer, your software may automatically change three dots without spaces to an ellipsis. In that case, leave out the spaces.
To Show Omitted Words |
Use an ellipsis to show that one or more words have been left out of a quotation. Complete Quotation: “Jellyfish have no bones or brains. They are 95 percent water. Their insides hold a thick layer of jellylike stuff.” Shortened Quotation: “Jellyfish . . . are 95 percent water. Their insides hold a thick layer of jellylike stuff.” |
At the End
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If the words left out are at the end of a sentence, use a period followed by an ellipsis. “Jellyfish have no bones or brains. . . . Their insides hold a thick layer of jellylike stuff.” |
To Show a Pause |
Use an ellipsis to indicate a pause in dialogue. “That’s . . . incredible!” I cried. 
© Thoughtful Learning 2024
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Comma
Commas are used to keep words and ideas from running together. They tell your reader where to pause, which makes your writing easier to read.
Between Items in a Series |
Place commas between words, phrases, or clauses in a series. (A series is three items or more in a row.) I know someone who likes pepperoni, onions, and olives on her pizza. (words) During the summer I read mysteries, ride my bike, and play basketball. (phrases) |
In Dates and Addresses |
Use commas to separate items in addresses and dates. We had a huge family reunion on July 4, 2024, at Montrose Beach. Mia’s new address is 3344 South First Street, Atlanta, GA 30200. Tip Do not use a comma between the state and ZIP code. |
To Keep Numbers Clear |
Place commas between hundreds, thousands, millions, and so on. Rodney’s car has 200,000 miles on it. He’s trying to sell it for $1,000. Tip Commas are not used in years: 1776, 2030. |
To Set Off Interruptions |
Use commas to set off a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main thought of a sentence. As it turned out, however, Rodney sold the car for $250. |
To Set Off Dialogue |
Use a comma to set off the exact words of a speaker from the rest of the sentence. The stranded frog replied, “I’m just waiting for the toad truck.” No comma is needed when reporting rather than repeating what a speaker said. Talia said she missed her bus yesterday. |
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Comma (continued)
In Direct Address |
Use commas to separate a noun of direct address (the person being spoken to) from the rest of the sentence. Please, Carla, learn some new jokes. |
Between Two Independent Clauses |
Use a comma between two independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet). Aquarium workers love animals, so they regularly rescue injured ones. The team rehabilitated the injured sea lion pups, and then they released them. Tip Do not connect two independent clauses with a comma only. (See page 468 for more information about independent clauses.) |
In Letter Writing |
Place a comma after the salutation, or greeting, in a friendly letter and after the closing in all letters. Dear Uncle Jim, (greeting) Your niece, (closing) Sincerely, (closing) |
To Separate Adjectives |
Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun. I like the feel of warm, salty water when I go wading. Tip Use these tests to discover if adjectives modify equally:
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To Set Off Interjections |
Use a comma to separate an interjection or a weak exclamation from the rest of the sentence. Wow, look at that sunrise! Hey, why are you up so early! |
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To Set Off Appositives |
Use commas to set off appositives. An appositive is a word or phrase that renames the noun or pronoun that comes before it. My father, a great cook, makes the best egg rolls in town. (an appositive phrase) |
To Set Off Introductory Phrases and Clauses |
Use a comma to separate a long phrase or clause that comes before the main part of the sentence. After checking my knee pads, I skated off. (phrase) If you practice often, skating is easy. (clause) |
Semicolon
The semicolon is sometimes used in place of a period; other times, it works like a comma.
To Join Two Independent Clauses |
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses when there is no coordinating conjunction between them. My aunt has a new motorboat; I wish I were old enough to drive it. She takes me fishing in it; however, I still don’t get to drive it. |
To Separate Groups of Words That Contain Commas |
Use a semicolon to separate a series of phrases if any of the phrases already contain commas. We crossed the stream; unpacked our tents, fishing poles, and cooking gear; and finally took time to have lunch. Tip The second phrase contains commas. Therefore, semicolons are used to separate the three main phrases. |
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Colon
A colon is used to introduce a list or to draw attention to the information that follows. Colons are also used in business letters and between the numbers expressing time.
To Introduce a List |
Use a colon to introduce a list following a complete sentence. Snorkelers need the right equipment: fins, masks, and life belts. When introducing a list, the colon often comes after summary words like the following or these things. Scuba divers often see the following: barracuda, eels, turtles, and jellyfish. Tip It is incorrect to use a colon after a preposition or a verb.I made a salad of: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli. (The colon is incorrectly used after the preposition of.) My favorite salad toppings include: bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, and croûtons. (The colon is incorrectly used after the verb include.) |
After a Salutation |
Place a colon after the salutation of a business letter. Dear Ms. Koplin: Dear Chairperson: |
Between Numbers in Time |
Place a colon between the parts of a number indicating time. The race begins at 1:30 p.m. I’ll meet you at 12:00 noon. |
As a Formal Introduction |
Use a colon to introduce an important quotation in a serious report, essay, or news story. President Lincoln concluded the Gettysburg Address with these famous words: “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” |
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Hyphen
A hyphen is used to divide a word at the end of a line. Hyphens are also used to join or create new words. (Note: Your computer may automatically hyphenate words at the end of lines.)
To Divide a Word |
Use a hyphen to divide a word when you run out of room at the end of a line. Divide words only between syllables. (The word en-vi-ron-ment can be divided in three places.) Gaylord Nelson showed concern for the envi- Tip Here are some other guidelines for hyphenating words:
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In Compound Words |
Use a hyphen in certain compound words. double-decker all-star off-key |
Between Numbers in Fractions |
Use a hyphen between the numbers in a fraction. One-fourth of the group gobbled seven-eighths of the cake! |
To Form an Adjective |
Use a hyphen to join two or more words that work together to form a single adjective before a noun. blue-green sea sister-proof closet tooth-filled smile well-worn jeans |
To Create New Words |
Use a hyphen to form new words beginning with the prefixes self, ex, great, all, and half. A hyphen is also used with suffixes such as free and elect. self-made all-purpose fat-free great-aunt half-baked president-elect |
To Join Letters and Words |
Use a hyphen to join a letter to a word. T-shirt T-ball X-ray U-turn |
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Dash
A dash is used to show a break in a sentence, to emphasize certain words, or to show that a speaker has been interrupted.
In a Sentence Break |
Use a dash to show a sudden break in a sentence. The skateboard—if you didn’t notice—has a wheel missing. |
For Emphasis |
Use a dash to emphasize a word, a series of words, a phrase, or a clause. You can learn about many subjects—from customs to careers—on the Internet. |
In Interrupted Speech |
Use a dash to show that one person’s speech is being interrupted by another person. Well, hello—yes, I—that’s right—yes, I—sure, I’d love to—I’ll be there! |
Apostrophe
An apostrophe is used to form plurals, to form contractions, to show that a letter or letters have been left out of a word, or to show possession.
In Contractions |
Use an apostrophe to show that one or more letters have been left out to form a contraction. The list below shows some common contractions. |
Common Contractions
couldn’t (could not)
didn’t (did not)
doesn’t (does not)
don’t (do not)
hasn’t (has not)
haven’t (have not)
I’ll (I will)
isn’t (is not)
it’s (it is; it has)
I’ve (I have)
she’s (she is)
they’ll (they will)
they’re (they are)
wouldn’t (would not)
you’d (you would)
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To Form Plurals |
Use an apostrophe and s to form the plural of a letter or a sign. A’s (letter) +’s (sign) |
In Place of Omitted Numbers or Letters |
Use an apostrophe to show that one or more letters or numbers have been left out. class of ’26 (20 is left out) fixin’ to go (g is left out) |
To Form Singular Possessives |
Add an apostrophe and s to make the possessive form of most singular nouns. My sister’s hobby is jazz dancing. Lucas’s hobby is collecting pencil stubs. Gus’s hobby is fishing. |
To Form Plural Possessives |
Add just an apostrophe to make the possessive form of plural nouns ending in s. the girls’ logrolling team For plural nouns not ending in s, add an apostrophe and an s. children’s books |
To Form Shared Possessives |
When possession is shared by more than one noun, add an apostrophe and an s to the last noun. Jim, Jeb, and Jerry’s fish. 
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Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used to enclose the exact words of the speaker, to show that words are used in a special way, and to punctuate titles.
To Set Off Direct Quotations |
Place quotation marks before and after spoken words. “Rosa Parks is one of our true American heroes,” the teacher reminded her students. |
Placement of Punctuation |
Put periods and commas that come at the end of quoted words inside quotation marks. Trey said, “Let’s make tuna sandwiches.” “I like salami,” replied Richard. Place question marks or exclamation points inside the quotation marks when they punctuate the quotation; place them outside when they punctuate the main sentence. “Will we have chips and pickles?” asked Trey. “Yes!” replied Rich. Did you hear Mom say, “We’re out of pickles”? |
For Special Words |
Quotation marks may be used to set apart a word that is being discussed. The word “scrumptious” is hard to spell. |
To Punctuate Titles |
Place quotation marks around titles of short works: songs, poems, short stories, essays, and chapters of books. Also use quotation marks with articles found in magazines, newspapers, or encyclopedias or on the Internet. Song“America the Beautiful” Short Story“McBroom Tells the Truth” Chapter“Water, Water Everywhere” Tip When you write a title, capitalize the first word, the last word, and every word in between except for articles (a, an, the), short prepositions (by, for, with), and coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but). |
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Question Mark
A question mark is used after a direct question (an interrogative sentence) and to show doubt about the correctness of something.
After a Direct Question |
Place a question mark at the end of a direct question. Would you like to visit other planets? |
To Show Doubt |
Place a question mark in parentheses to show that you aren’t sure a fact is correct. The ship arrived in Boston on July 23(?), 1652. |
Exclamation Point
An exclamation point is used to express strong feeling. It may be placed after a word, a phrase, or a sentence.
To Express Strong Feeling |
Surprise! (word) Happy birthday! (phrase) Wait for me! (sentence) Tip Never use double exclamation points in school writing assignments or other formal documents. |
Parentheses
Parentheses are used around words that add information or help to make an idea clearer.
To Add Information |
Use parentheses to add information. The map (figure 2) will help you understand the explorer’s route. |
To Make an Idea Clearer |
Use parentheses to make an idea clearer. Five of the students provided background music (humming very quietly) for the singer. |
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Italics and Underlining
Italics is a printer’s term for type that is slightly slanted. Italics are used for many types of titles and for special words. (Note: In handwritten material, each word or letter that should be in italics is underlined. If you use a computer, you should use italics.)
For Titles |
Use italics (or underlining) for titles of plays, books, newspapers, magazines, television programs, movies, music albums, and other complete works. PlayThe Wiz or The Wiz BookExploring an Ocean Tide Pool Television ProgramBluey MovieElemental |
For Special Words |
Use italics (or underlining) to indicate names of aircraft and ships. SpacecraftColumbia or Columbia ShipMerrimac Use italics (or underlining) to indicate foreign words. E pluribus unum, meaning “out of many, one,” is written on many US coins. Use italics (or underlining) to indicate words discussed as words, rather than for their meaning. The word freedom means different things to different people. |
Punctuation Marks
é Accent
’ Apostrophe
* Asterisk
[ ] Brackets
^ Caret
: Colon
, Comma
— Dash
/ Diagonal/Slash
. . . Ellipsis
! Exclamation Point
- Hyphen
( ) Parentheses
. Period
? Question Mark
“ ” Quotation Marks
; Semicolon
__ Underscore