Punctuation Consists of Periods, Question Marks, Exclamation Marks, Commas, Colons, Semi-colons and Quotation Marks
Writing a proper sentence involves selecting the correct punctuation. Let the Grammar Detective help find the proper usage for each instance.
What are the steps to Punctuation?
Step
1
Punctuation is a system of marks that indicate what words mean.
The most common punctuation marks are question marks, periods (which have more than one use), and exclamation marks which indicate what kind of sentence you have. There are three types of sentences that go with these marks.
Step
2
Questions ask things.
A question mark (?) is used to show that someone is asking something. It is an interrogatory sentence.
Do you think it will rain today?
Step
3
A period (.) is used at the end of a sentence which is a statement or declaration. It is a declaratory sentence.
e.g. He went to the store and bought groceries.
Step
4
In addition to statements, periods (.) are used at the end of abbreviations.
e.g. Mr. or Mrs. -- abbreviations of Mister and Mistress
cont. -- an abbreviation of continued (note: eHow's spellcheck program doesn't recognize 'cont.' as properly spelled, but it is.)
abbrev. -- an abbreviation of abbreviation
Step
5
Exclamation points show someone is excited and shouting.
An exclamation mark (!) is used to show excitement where there is shock or a shouting of the words. It is an exclamatory sentence.
We won!
Hallelujah!
Mother, come quickly!
Step
6
These three types of sentences form the basis of all writing.
Be a Grammar Detective and look for the different types of sentences and punctuation marks in your reading.
Tips & Warnings
Grammar in little doses can be fun.
Be clear on the basics first and build from there.
The Grammar Detective will be adding more links as soon as they can be written. If you have a question that you want specifically answered, ask me and I'll answer you personally and write an article in response.
A dictionary will have a section on grammar in the front, back or online. Use the resources you have.
People fear grammar sometimes, because there are many rules, but it can be understood when it is broken down into its parts.
If it seems too complicated, break it down into smaller parts.
Correct punctuation shows whether someone knows how to write properly or not. Mistakes are obvious to people who know their grammar.
1
Punctuation is a system of marks that indicate what words mean.
The most common punctuation marks are question marks, periods (which have more than one use), and exclamation marks which indicate what kind of sentence you have. There are three types of sentences that go with these marks.
Step
2
Questions ask things.
A question mark (?) is used to show that someone is asking something. It is an interrogatory sentence.
Do you think it will rain today?
Step
3
A period (.) is used at the end of a sentence which is a statement or declaration. It is a declaratory sentence.
e.g. He went to the store and bought groceries.
Step
4
In addition to statements, periods (.) are used at the end of abbreviations.
e.g. Mr. or Mrs. -- abbreviations of Mister and Mistress
cont. -- an abbreviation of continued (note: eHow's spellcheck program doesn't recognize 'cont.' as properly spelled, but it is.)
abbrev. -- an abbreviation of abbreviation
Step
5
Exclamation points show someone is excited and shouting.
An exclamation mark (!) is used to show excitement where there is shock or a shouting of the words. It is an exclamatory sentence.
We won!
Hallelujah!
Mother, come quickly!
Step
6
These three types of sentences form the basis of all writing.
Be a Grammar Detective and look for the different types of sentences and punctuation marks in your reading.
Tips & Warnings
Grammar in little doses can be fun.
Be clear on the basics first and build from there.
The Grammar Detective will be adding more links as soon as they can be written. If you have a question that you want specifically answered, ask me and I'll answer you personally and write an article in response.
A dictionary will have a section on grammar in the front, back or online. Use the resources you have.
People fear grammar sometimes, because there are many rules, but it can be understood when it is broken down into its parts.
If it seems too complicated, break it down into smaller parts.
Correct punctuation shows whether someone knows how to write properly or not. Mistakes are obvious to people who know their grammar.