1/6/2024 0 Comments Namely punctuationQuotation marks enclose words that are a direct quotation. If you do this, you should put spaces around the en-dash.Ī Guide to Hyphens and Dashes #8: Quotation Marks Some publications, such as the Guardian, use the en-dash in place of the em-dash. The en-dash is used to indicate a span of time or a range of numbers: In American English, the em-dash is normally used in sentences, as in the example above. It can also be used to indicate an interruption (e.g. The dash (not to be confused with the hyphen) is a handy punctuation mark that can often be used to replace parentheses or a colon. I plan to visit: France, where I’ll see the Eiffel Tower England, where I’ll see Buckingham Palace and Germany, where I’ll see Neuschwanstein Castle.ģ Examples of How Semicolons Strengthen a Sentence #7: Dash Semicolons can also be used in place of commas in a list that has commas within the list items. My friends caught the bus without me I was left standing around on my own. Both these examples are grammatically correct: The semicolon (sometimes written as semi-colon) is used to join together two independent clauses that could otherwise stand as independent sentences. I went home : there was no point staying after Sally had gone. It can also be used to introduce a quotation, though it isn’t always the best choice of punctuation mark for that. The Rationale for the Serial Comma #5: ColonĪ colon can be used to introduce an example or series of items, or to join two independent clauses (where the second clause explains the first). When to Use a Comma: 10 Rules and ExamplesĪ Comma (or Its Absence) Can Change a Sentence’s Message Note that commas aren’t used when giving a year in numerals: it’s 2019 nor 2,019. Peter found a marble, a button, and a piece of string.Ĭommas can also be used within large numbers to make them easier to read: They’re also used to separate items in a list: They’re used after a subordinate clause at the start of a sentence: You should only use one exclamation point unless you’re writing something very informal (such as a text message to a friend).Ī Guide to Terminal Punctuation Punctuation Marks Within Sentences #4: CommaĬommas can be used in a number of ways, including to separate elements of a sentence, or to separate items in a list. “Oh no ! ” She stared at the mess in dismay.Įxclamation points are not normally appropriate in formal writing, such as academic essays or business reports. I just heard the news – congratulations ! The exclamation point (or “exclamation mark” in British English) is used to add emphasis or to indicate that words are being spoken in excitement, surprise, or alarm. When Is a Question Not a Question? #3: Exclamation Point If a sentence poses a direct question, it should end with a question mark. Punctuation Review #2: Honorifics #2: Question Mark Note, however, that British English normally omits the period after Mr, Mrs, and Ms. It’s also used after (and sometimes in) many abbreviations: This is the first punctuation mark that children learn: the period (or, if you’re British, “full stop”) at the end of a sentence. Punctuation Marks That End Sentences #1: Period Note: We’re going to focus on American English punctuation, but when there’s a difference in British English usage, I’ll explain that too. You’ll find “further reading” suggestions for each punctuation mark, if you want to explore it in more detail. The 14 English Punctuation Marks With Examples By Ali Haleĭo you know how to use punctuation marks correctly in English? While some might seem straightforward, you may come across punctuation marks that you’re unsure about … so this post is designed to serve as a handy reference.
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