Punctuation marks are symbols used in writing to aid in the clarity and understanding of the text. They help to convey meaning, indicate pauses, separate different parts of a sentence, and provide structure to written language. Here are some common punctuation marks:
1. Period (.) – Used to indicate the end of a sentence.
2. Question mark (?) – Used to indicate a direct question.
3. Exclamation mark (!) – Used to indicate strong emotion or emphasis.
4. Comma (,) – Used to separate items in a list, separate clauses in a sentence, or indicate a pause.
5. Semicolon (;) – Used to join two independent clauses that are closely related.
6. Colon (:) – Used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.
7. Quotation marks (” “) – Used to indicate dialogue, direct quotes, or to highlight specific words or phrases.
8. Apostrophe (‘) – Used to indicate possession or contraction.
9. Dash (-) – Used to indicate a pause or emphasize information.
10. Parentheses ( ) – Used to enclose additional information or clarification.
11. Ellipsis (…) – Used to indicate a trailing off of thought or an omission of words.
12. Brackets [ ] – Used to enclose additional information, often used in citations or editing.
These are just a few examples of punctuation marks. Proper use of punctuation can greatly enhance the clarity and readability of your writing.
- THE QUESTION MARKS (?) – It is used after direct speech. Example: (i) What is your name? (ii) Who are you?
- THE COLON (:) – It is used for introducing quotations, lists etc, examples
(i) In Oke – Odo market, I saw the following: maize, yams, fisher, vegetables and tomatoes.
(ii) My father said: Coming Christmas, he will ride a Toyota Camry car.
- THE SEMI COLON (;) – It is used between two closely joined principal or main clause. Examples
(i) The sun was setting; the shadow were long
(ii) The book is not mine; it is my uncle’s
Assignment
Punctuate the following sentences
Exercise 19D. Page 153
Question No 11 – 20
Reference: Progressive English An Elaborate coverage of Grammar. By J. Addai
See also:
Consonant /m/, /n/ and /⌡/
Punctuation Marks | Full Stop and The Comma
Narrative Essay | MY LAST BIRTHDAY