Punctuation Marks

1. Punctuation Marks Punctuation is very important in writing. Missing or incorrect punctuation marks can make your writing confusing for the reader. Punctuation Marks

2. Punctuation Marks Punctuation Marks in Writing Let’s look at how to use punctuation to improve your writing.

3. Punctuation Marks Use a period at the end of a declarative sentence. Austin is the capital of Texas. Use a period at the end of an imperative sentence. Hand me those scissors.

4. Punctuation Marks Use a question mark at the end of an interrogative sentence. When was the American Revolution?

5. Punctuation Marks Use an exclamation point at the end of an exclamatory sentence. Look at the size of that turtle!

6. Punctuation Marks Use a comma to separate the items in a series. We ate chicken, rice, and carrots for dinner. Use a comma to separate an introductory word from the rest of the sentence. Yes, your backpack is in the car.

7. Punctuation Marks Use a comma to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence. We ate at noon, but we are hungry again. Use a comma to separate a noun of direct address from the rest of the sentence. Christopher, are you late for class?

8. Punctuation Marks Add an apostrophe (’) and s to form the possessive of a singular noun. I grabbed Rae’s jacket and ran outside. Add an apostrophe to form the possessive of plural nouns that end in s. The frogs’ bodies gleamed in the sun. Add an apostrophe and s to form the possessive of plural nouns that do not end in s. I picked up the children’s toys off the floor.

9. Punctuation Marks Use apostrophes in contractions, or two words that have been shortened and combined. can’t won’t didn’t let’s would’ve

10. Punctuation Marks Use quotation marks around the beginning and end of a direct quotation. Use a comma to separate the speaker’s exact words from the rest of the sentence. Jackie said, “I’m hungry.” “Let’s order pizza,” Keisha said. “Hold on,” Alan said. “Do we have any money?”