Punctuation marks

• Punctuation marks are symbols used to add structure and clarity to writing.

Period .

• Used to mark the end of a declarative sentence.
• Signals a full stop, indicating the completion of a thought.
• Also used in abbreviations.

Question Mark ?

• Used at the end of an interrogative sentence.
• Indicates that the sentence is a question.

Exclamation Point !

• Used to express strong emotion or emphasis.
• Can indicate excitement, surprise, or urgency.

Comma ,

• Used to separate elements in a list.
• Indicates a brief pause within a sentence.
• Used to set off introductory phrases, clauses, and nonessential information.

Colon :

• Used to introduce a list, explanation, or example.
• Signals that what follows will further clarify or expand on what precedes it.
• Can connect two independent clauses when the second explains the first.

Semicolon ;

• Used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related.
• Can replace a conjunction like "and," "but," or "so."
• Used to separate items in a list when those items already contain commas.

Parentheses ()

• Used to add extra information or clarification.
• The information inside is nonessential; the sentence should still make sense without it.
• Can be used for citations or references.

Brackets []

• Used to add editorial comments or corrections within a quote.
• Used to clarify or provide context that was not in the original text.
• Used in mathematical or programming contexts to group expressions or array elements.

Dash -

• Used to indicate a sudden break in thought or speech.
• Can be used to set off a nonessential clause or phrase, similar to parentheses or commas.
• Used to create emphasis or draw attention to specific information.

Ellipsis ...

• Used to indicate missing words or a trailing off of thought.
• Can show a pause, hesitation, or incomplete statement.
• Used to shorten quotations, removing irrelevant or redundant parts.