Tag: Grammar

Link

Period and Comma Period A period [.] is used at the end of complete sentences that: Makes a statement – He is the heart of their defensive line. Gives a command – All assignments are to be handed in no later than noon on Thursday. Makes a request – Please open your textbooks and turn…

Question Mark

Question Mark Question Mark A question mark is used to end a question and in most cases, it immediately follows the question. – What is the verdict? – We all agreed that she was wrong, but, why didn’t you inform her? However, when a question is followed by a clause that modifies it, the question…

Colon and Semi-colon

Colon and Semi-colon Colon The main purpose of the colon is to: Introduce a list This is the instance in which colons are most frequently used. – The reporter asked the Minister the following questions: When are you leaving to attend the international conference? What is your government’s stance on the topic to be discussed?…

Dash and Parenthesis

Dash and Parenthesis These punctuation marks are used when a sentence is ‘interrupted’ to state a fact, share an opinion and or to give an explanation. Since they are used for the same purposes, deciding which of the two to use is usually left to the preference of the writer. – The Miss Jamaica World…

Quotation Marks

Quotation Marks The main use of quotation marks is to set off information which is a direct quote. – “You have no right to take my pen without my permission,” John said. – The author in her first piece wrote, “Success is never ending, failure is never final.” Other uses include: Indicating an ironic word…

Exclamation Mark

Exclamation Mark An exclamation mark is used at the end of a command, interjection and or a declaration. – That is utter rubbish! – “Yes!” he replied, “I want it now!” Exclamation marks are placed inside quotation marks if the information being quoted is an exclamation. Otherwise, the exclamation mark is placed outside the quotation…