March 15, 2008

Punctuations in english

End your sentences with a period (full stop), question mark, or exclamation point (exclamation mark or shout mark).
Use the period (full stop) to denote a full stop at the end of a statement. The period ( . ) is one of the most commonly used punctuation marks.
The accessibility of the computer has increased tremendously over the past several years.
The question mark ( ? ), used at the end of a sentence, suggests an interrogatory remark or inquiry.
What has humanity done about the growing concern of global warming?
The exclamation point (exclamation mark, shout mark)( ! ) suggests excitement or emphasis in a sentence.
I can't believe how difficult the exam was!
Use the semicolon and colon properly.
The semicolon ( ; ) has a few uses.
Use a semicolon to separate two related but independent clauses. Note that, if the two clauses are very wordy or complex, it is better to use a period instead.
People continue to worry about the future; our failure to conserve resources has put the world at risk.
Use a semicolon to separate a complex series of items, especially those that contain commas.
I went to the show with Jake, my close friend; his friend, Jane; and her best friend, Jenna.
The colon ( : ) has multiple uses.
Use the colon to introduce a list. Be careful not to use a colon when denoting a regular series. Usually, the word following suggests the use of a colon. Use only after a noun.
The professor has given me three options: to retake the exam, to accept the extra credit assignment, or to fail the class.

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