English Punctuation Marks

Comma

This punctuation mark (,) is used in multiple ways. It indicates a slight pause between parts of a sentence. It is also used to separate items in a list and to mark the place of thousands in a large numeral. There are several comma rules. Examples: - Miss B., my English teacher, helped me improve my SAT score. - Miss B. provided free educational resources, such as Quizlet flash cards, free courses, and free practice tests.

Miss B

The English teacher and Academic Consultant you want by your side throughout your high school career. Message her on Instagram to find out how to score a free session! IG: scholastic_sessions (Miss B)

Apostrophe

The apostrophe has two main purposes: to indicate a possessive and to indicate a missing letter. It's used within words. There are many rules about using the apostrophe correctly. Examples: - Miss B.'s students. - Miss B. won't let me fail.

Colon

A colon can be used to introduce an example or series of items. It can also be used to join two independent clauses (where the second clause explains the first) or introduce a quotation. There are many colon rules. Examples: - Miss B. will provide the following free educational resources: helpful learning websites, Quizlet flash cards, practice tests, and free courses. - Miss B. helps students prepare for their future: she is passionate about student success.

Period (AKA full stop)

A punctuation mark that goes at the end of a sentence. It also goes after or in abbreviations. Examples: - Miss B. helps students prepare for their future. (period at the end of sentence and period after last name initial.) - e.g., i.e., etc., Mr., Ms., Mrs.

Question mark

A question mark goes at the end of a direct question. Example: Does Miss B. provide free educational resources?

Dash

Do not confuse the dash with the hyphen. This punctuation mark that can be used to indicate interruptions or provide emphasis. It can be seen as the opposite of parentheses. Example: Miss B.'s students--100 percent of them--have raised their test scores after working with her.

Hyphen

Do not confuse the hyphen with the dash. A hyphen (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text. Examples: - Self-paced course - Self-respect - sister-in-law - nineteenth-century literature

Quotation marks

Quotation Marks go in pairs and have several uses: 1. to enclose DIRECT quotations. 2. Enclose slang words, technical terms, invented words, dictionary definition of words, any expressions that are unusual in standard English. There are single and double quotation marks. In the U.S., mostly double quotation marks are used. Examples: - "I want you to succeed," said Miss B. - Miss B. wanted me to figure out what my "dream school" is that I would love to attend.

Parentheses

Parentheses are used in pairs to set off information. It's use to provide extra information "on the side," so to speak. Parentheses can enclose a single word, a phrase, or a sentence. Example: - Miss B. provides her students resources. (For free) - Miss B. provides her students (free) resources.

Ellipsis (informally known as "dot, dot, dot")

The ellipsis (...) is used to indicate a pause or gap. It can also be used within quotations to indicate missing words. The ellipsis should consist of three dots, not five or six. There are certain rules about how to use this punctuation. Example: "Hey, Miss B., is it okay if I, umm...never mind, I'll figure it out."

Exclamation point (AKA exclamation mark)

The exclamation point is used to add emphasis or to indicate that words are being spoken in excitement, surprise, or alarm. It goes at the end of a word, phrase, or sentence. Example: - Congratulations on your college admission! - Wow! - So proud of you!

Semicolon

The semicolon is used to join together two independent clauses that could otherwise stand as independent sentences. Sentences joined by a semicolon must have a relationship, be connected in meaning. There are other semicolon uses. Example: Miss B. helps students prepare for their future; she personally stays in touch with each student.