Punctuation is the system of signs or symbols given to a reader to show how a sentence is constructed and how it should be read. Sentences are the building blocks used to construct written accounts. They are complete statements. Punctuation shows how the sentence should be read and makes the meaning clear. Every sentence should include at least a capital letter at the start, and a full stop, exclamation mark or question mark at the end.
This basic system indicates that the sentence is complete. For example, in the following sentence the phrase or clause between the commas gives us more information behind the actions of the boy, the subject of the sentence:. Note that if the phrase or clause were to be removed, the sentence would still make sense although there would be a loss of information.
Alternatively, two sentences could be used:. The shopping trolley was loaded high with bottles of beer, fruit, vegetables, toilet rolls, cereals and cartons of milk. As commas represent a pause, it is good practice to read your writing out loud and listen to where you make natural pauses as you read it. More often than not, you will indicate where a comma should be placed by a natural pause. More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center. Language Learning. Learning English.
Grammar and Punctuation. Enroll for Free Starts Nov Offered By. About this Course , recent views. Course 1: Grammar and Punctuation Do you need to review English grammar? Career direction.
Career Benefit. Flexible deadlines. Shareable Certificate. Academic English: Writing Specialization. Hours to complete. Available languages. Instructor rating. Helen Nam Instructor International Programs. Brad Gilpin.
Offered by. University of California, Irvine Since , the University of California, Irvine has combined the strengths of a major research university with the bounty of an incomparable Southern California location. Week 1. Video 1 video. Course Introduction Video 25s. Reading 2 readings.
Pre-Course Survey 10m. Week 2. Video 6 videos. Introduction to Verbs and Conjunctions 27s. Verb Tenses Video Lecture 8m. Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Progressive 2m. Simple Past 4m. Remember to Answer Classmates' Questions 39s. Conjunctions Video Lecture 11m.
Reading 6 readings. Learning Objectives 10m. When the clauses are merely related, but the second does not follow from the first, use a semicolon. Only a third of Americans have a passport: for most, foreign travel is either undesirable or unaffordable. Never end a sentence with a question mark or exclamation point followed by a period. If a sentence ends with a period that is part of an abbreviation, do not add a second period.
Not all lists should be introduced with a colon. The general rule is that if the introductory text can stand as a grammatically complete sentence, use a colon; otherwise, do not. Please bring the following items: a flashlight, a comfortable pair of hiking boots, and a jacket. Please bring the typical evening hiking gear: a flashlight, a comfortable pair of hiking boots, and a jacket.
Please bring : a flashlight, a comfortable pair of hiking boots, and a jacket. If explanatory matter can be omitted without changing the general meaning of the sentence, it should be set off with commas. If you prefer, you may review the entire punctuation section. Quick Self-Test. Review Punctuation. Toggle Main Navigation Main Navigation.
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