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PUNCTUATIONS
What are punctuation marks?
Getting to Know Punctuation Marks 1. Periods . or full stops
A period is used to note the end of a declarative sentence or at the end of a complete sentence statement.
Examples: I see the house. I know that you would never break my trust intentionally.
Exercise 2 | Correct the sentences by putting the appropriate mark.
a. I am typing a letter, and she is talking on the phone b. She finished her work and then took a long lunch
2. Commas ,
A comma is used to separate phrases or items in a list, and to separate a statement from a question.
Examples: She bought milk, eggs, and bread. I can go, can’t I?
Exercise 3 | Correct the sentences by putting the appropriate mark.
a. I need sugar, butter, and eggs, from the grocery store. b. To apply for this job you must have a Social Security card.
? . , ‘ “ - :
Punctuation marks are symbols that are used to aid the clarity and
comprehension of written language.
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3. Question mark ?
A question mark is used at the end of a direct question, and it is used when a sentence is half statement and half question.
Examples: When are we going? Will you go with me?
You do care, don’t you?
Exercise 4 | Correct the sentences by putting the appropriate mark.
a. Are you an engineering …
b. Is it your shirt …
4. Exclamation mark An exclamation point is used to show surprise, excitement or emphasis.
Examples: It is cold I’m truly shocked by your behavior
Exercise 5 | Correct the sentenses by putting the appropriate mark.
a. Watch out b. Shut up
c. That dog is going to bite me 5. Apostrophes
’
Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letters has been removed.
Examples: D on’t, isn’t
She’s a great teacher. Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the
‘s’ to show singular possession.
Examples: O ne boy’s hat
One woman ’s hat
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To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.
Examples: - T
wo boys‘ hats -
Two women’s hats -
Two actresses’ hats Examples:
Correct: This book is hers, not yours. Incorrect: Sincerely your’s.
Exercise 6 | Correct the sentences by putting the appropriate mark. a. Her husbands wallet was full of curious, little items.
b. I went to my mother-in-law house for dinner last night. c. You may not enter Mr. Harris office without his permission.
6. Hyphens -
Hyphens between words: To check whether a compound noun is two words, one
word, or hyphenated, you may need to look it up in the dictionary. Examples: Eye-witness
Eye-opener
Hyphens with prefixes: ex, self
Examples: His ex-wife sued for nonsupport. Self-assured
Self-respect Exercise 7 | Correct the sentences by putting the appropriate mark.
a. Ex Marine b. Self satisfied
c. Co operation
Note: Do not use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns: his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours,
whose. They already show possession so they do not require an apostrophe.
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7. Parentheses
