Punctuation Marks: Names, Rules, and Useful Examples

If you are looking to understand how to use punctuation marks correctly, this reference is for you. It covers 14 common punctuation marks in English and explains their usage with rules and examples. You will also find a comparison between American and British English punctuation practices, as well as a helpful video. This will make it easier for you to master the correct use of punctuation in your writing.

List of Punctuation Marks

The English language has many punctuation marks, and you will usually learn to use many of them as you master the language. Still, there are some punctuation mark uses you might still not know about despite using and seeing them on a regular basis.

Here are 14 common punctuation marks in English.

1. The Full Stop (.)
2. The Question Mark (?)
3. Quotation Marks/Speech Marks (” “)
4. The Apostrophe (‘)
5.  The Comma (,)
6. The Hyphen (-)
7. The dash (en dash (–) em dash (—))
8. The Exclamation Mark (!)
9. The Colon (:)
10. The Semicolon (;)
11. Parentheses ()
12. Brackets []
13. Ellipsis (…)
14. The Slash (/)

Punctuation Marks with Rules & Examples

Full Stop (.)

A full stop, also known as a period (.) in American English, is one of the most commonly used punctuation marks in the English language. Analysis of texts indicates that approximately half of all punctuation marks used are full stops.

The punctuation rules:

• Mostly used at the end of a declarative sentence, or a statement that is considered to be complete.
• This punctuation mark is also used following an abbreviation.
• A full stop can also show the end of a group of words that don’t form a typical sentence.

The full stop examples:

• My name’s Beth and I was 18 in July.
• Mr. White was talking with Mr. Smith.

Question Mark (?)

We use a question mark (?) after an interrogative sentence in English.

Examples:

• “Have you a pen I can borrow?” she asked.
• Where are you from?

Quotation Marks/Speech Marks (” “)

Apostrophe (‘)

An apostrophe (‘) is used to show that certain letters have been omitted from a word. The punctuation symbol can also be used to show the possessive form of a noun, in addition to indicating the plural form of lowercase letters.

The apostrophe rules:

(1) Use an apostrophe in contractions

• He is = He’s
• I am = I’m
• Do not = Don’t
• They have = They’ve
• It is = It’s
• I would = I’d
• Let us = Let’s
• She has = She’s
• Who is = Who’s

The apostrophe examples:

(1) Add a comma when two separate sentences are combined

Example: We purchased some cheese, and we purchased some fruit.

(2) Use commas between words in a series. Notice that a comma does not follow the last word in the series

Example: He was tall, dark, and handsome.

(3) Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence

Example: As the day came to an end, the firefighters put out the last spark.

(4) Use the comma to set off the words “yes” and “no”.

Example: No, thank you.

(5) Use a comma to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence.

Example: She is your sister, isn’t she?

(6) Use a comma to indicate a direct address.

Example: Is that you, Mary?

(7) Add a comma when a participle phrase clause is used.

Example: Walking slowly, I could see the beautiful flowers.

(8) Use a comma to separate parts of the date.

Example: Tuesday, May 2, 2016, was when I graduated.

Hyphen (-)

A hyphen (–) is a punctuation mark with three main uses. Many people confuse this punctuation mark with the dash, but the two are quite different. The hyphen can be used in compound words, to link words to prefixes, and also as a way to show word breaks.

The hyphen rules and examples:

(1) Use a hyphen to join two or more words together into a compound term. Do not separate the words with spaces.

Examples:

• My eight-year-old boy loves reading.
• I work part-time.
• Self-expression
• Self-confidence
• Self-consciousness
• Nineteenth-century history
• Old-furniture salesman
• Off-the-peg suits
• Self-paced learning exercises

(2) To link prefixes to words.

For example: These things happened before the pre-enlightenment era.

(3) To indicate word breaks

For example: Unlike what some people might think, the twentieth-century was very different from other preceding time periods. 

Dash

The dash is used to separate words into statements.

There are two kinds of dashes, the en dash, and the em dash. The en dash shows range or connections. On the other hand, the em dash is used in places where a comma could also be used. The dash can also be used to mark off words or statements that are not important to the meaning of the statement. The dash can also be used in places where a comma would be typically used.

En Dash (–)

Slightly wider than a hyphen, the en dash is a symbol (–) that is used in writing or printing to indicate a range or connections.

Examples:

• 1880 –1945
• Princeton–New York trains

Em Dash (—)

Twice as long as the en dash, the em dash (—) can be used in place of a comma, parenthesis, or colon to enhance readability or emphasize the conclusion of a sentence.

Example: She gave him her answer—No!

Exclamation Mark (!)

An exclamation mark is used to show emphasis. It can be used in the middle of a sentence or at the end of a sentence. When used at the end of a sentence, it also takes on the role of a full stop or a period.

We often use an exclamation mark (!) to show strong emotion or give a command.

Examples:

• Stop!
• Yeah!
• Sit down!
• What a lovely view you have here!
• That’s fantastic!
• Johnny, don’t touch that!
• Help!
• Good heavens!
• Aaarrgh!

Colon (:)

A colon (:) is a fairly common punctuation mark with a varied number of uses. It can be used to introduce a quotation, an example, a series, or even an explanation. Secondly, it can be used to separate two independent clauses. Finally, a colon can be used to show emphasis.

Examples:

• You have two choices: finish the work today or lose the contract.
• That’s because we have one goal: for you to consider your website a success.
• John has all the ingredients: minced clams, milk, potatoes, and onions. 

Semicolon (;)

A semicolon (;) is used to separate two independent clauses while still demonstrating that a close relationship exists between them. The semicolon does a better job of showing the connection between two statements than a full stop would.

Examples:

• My daughter is a teacher; my son is a doctor.
• There are eight members in the team: two from China, Japan; three from France, Spain; two from Brazil; and one from India. 
• Richard always slept with the light on; he was afraid of the dark.

Parentheses ( )

Parenthesis, ( () ) are quotation marks that show additional thoughts about a statement. In many scenarios, they can be replaced by commas without any changes to the meaning of the sentence.

We also often use parentheses to set off less important details.

Example: The two brothers (Richard and Sean) were learning how to play guitar.

Brackets [ ]

Brackets are squared off quotations ([]) that are used to show information of a technical nature. Even if this information is omitted entirely, the sentence would still make sense.

For example: Was he [the defendant] there when you arrived?

Ellipsis (…)

An ellipsis is usually represented by three dots (…), although it can also be represented by three asterisks (***). This punctuation symbol is used to show that there has been an omission of some letters or words. In many cases, ellipses are used to cut statement short to avoid unnecessary or irrelevant words that have no impact on the meaning of the statement being made.

We often use an ellipsis to show that parts of sentences are left out.

Examples:

• To be continued…
• You’ll never believe what I saw…

Slash (/)

A slash, which is also known as a forward slash, a virgule, or even an oblique dash, has a number of uses. The slash can be used to separate lines in a song or poem when they are written in a continuous line. The slash (/) is also used in place of the word or. The slash can also be used to show two contradictory notions.

The slash punctuation rules and examples:

(1) Use slashes to separate parts of the internet (web) addresses and file names for some computer programs.

Example: http://www.example.com/

(2) Use slashes for fractions

Example: 1/3 = one-third

(3) Use a slash to separate the day, month, and year in date.

Examples:

• w/o = without
• n/a or N/A = not applicable or not available
• R/C = radio control

(4) Use a slash to show the word “per” in measurements.

Example: 80 miles/hour = 80 miles per hour

(5) Use a slash to separate lines of poetry or rhymes in regular text.

Example: Twinkle, twinkle, little star, / How I wonder what you are. / Up above the world so high, / Like a diamond in the sky.

(6) Use a slash to show alternatives in a sentence.

Example: Please press your browser’s Refresh/Reload button.

The Roles of Punctuation Marks

Punctuation marks are vital for clarifying meaning, indicating pauses and intonation, and separating elements in writing.

Clarifying Meaning

Punctuation marks help readers understand the intended meaning of a sentence. For example, a comma can change the meaning of a sentence like “Let’s eat, grandma” versus “Let’s eat grandma.”

Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech or quotations, making it clear when someone is talking or when a text is being referenced.

Question marks and exclamation points show that a sentence is a question or an exclamation, respectively, adding to the clarity.

Common Tools for Clarifying:

• Commas (,)
• Quotation Marks (“” “”)
• Question Marks (?)
• Exclamation Points (!)

Indicating Pauses and Intonation

Punctuation marks signal where a reader should pause or change their tone of voice. A period indicates a full stop, signaling the end of a thought or statement.

Commas provide shorter pauses within a sentence, helping to break up longer thoughts into easy-to-read segments. Dashes and ellipses can create longer pauses or indicate a trailing off of thought.

Key Symbols:

• Periods (.)
• Commas (,)
• Dashes (—)
• Ellipses (…)

Separating Elements

Separating different elements in a sentence is crucial for keeping information organized. Colons introduce lists or explanations, ensuring that readers know what’s coming next.

Semicolons link closely related independent clauses, helping to connect ideas within a sentence. Parentheses add additional information without interrupting the flow of the main sentence.

Important Separators:

• Colons (:)
• Semicolons (;)
• Parentheses (())

Punctuation marks play distinct roles in writing, and each one contributes to making text clearer and more effective.

Punctuation in Different Contexts

Punctuation varies depending on the context, influencing clarity and tone in writing. Each setting, from literature to digital communication, uses punctuation marks with different rules and effects.

Literary Usage

In literature, punctuation shapes rhythm and mood. Authors use commas, semicolons, and periods to create pauses and cadence. For example, an ellipses can suggest a trailing thought, while an em dash can create a dramatic pause or indicate a sudden interruption. Quotation marks signal dialogue, helping to distinguish between characters’ speech and the narrative. Proper punctuation enhances readability, making the text engaging and clear.

Examples:

1. Comma: Adds a brief pause in sentences.
2. Em Dash: Used for emphasis or interruption.
3. Ellipsis: Indicates omission or a trailing thought.

Academic Writing

In academic writing, punctuation follows strict rules to ensure precision and clarity. Citations often require specific punctuation like parentheses and punctuation within quotes. Commas and semicolons separate complex ideas logically. For instance, using a semicolon connects closely related independent clauses. Colons introduce lists or explanations, helping to organize information systematically.

Key Points:

• Parentheses: For in-text citations.
• Semicolon: Links related independent clauses.
• Colon: Introduces lists or clarifications.

Journalism and Media

Journalism requires punctuation that maintains clarity and conciseness. News articles avoid complex punctuation to keep sentences short and straightforward. Periods and commas are essential for breaking up sentences, while quotation marks are critical for citing sources and direct speech. Headlines often omit punctuation entirely for brevity and impact.

Common Practices:

• Periods: End concise statements.
• Quotation Marks: Attribute quotes.
• Minimal Punctuation: For clear and direct headlines.

Digital Communication

In digital communication, punctuation influences tone and readability. Informal contexts like texting or social media often use exclamation points and emojis to convey emotion. Periods might seem abrupt, while combining ellipsis or capital letters can imply different tones. Correct use ensures messages are understood as intended, avoiding misinterpretation.

Usage Examples:

• Exclamation Point: Shows excitement or emphasis.
• Ellipsis: Indicates a pause or unfinished thought.
• Emojis: Convey emotions directly.

American vs British English

Though British and American English have lots of similarities, when it comes to punctuation styles, there are some differences.

Punctuation symbols	British English	American English
.	a full stop	a period
!	an exclamation mark	an exclamation point
( )	brackets	parentheses
[ ]	square brackets	brackets
Time	11.30	11:30
Titles	Mr, Ms, or Mrs	Mr., Ms., Mrs.
Quotations	‘I can’t go out tomorrow’, John sighed, ‘because, as my dad said, “you’ll go out when hell freezes over”‘.	I can’t go out tomorrow,” John sighed, “because, as my dad said, ‘you’ll go out when hell freezes over.'”

 

Punctuation Marks | Punctuation Video

Learn how to pronounce 14 common punctuation marks with American English pronunciation.