Explanation

Punctuation helps show meaning when words alone can't. It helps to clarify meaning.

Some commonly used punctuation marks are periods (.), commas (,), question marks (?), exclamation points (!) and apostrophes (').

Example

How old are you?
I'm 20 years old.
No way!

Common mistakes

Questions finish with a question mark.

Explanation

Punctuation refers to special marks or characters that are used when writing to separate sentences or parts of sentences. They help to clarify meaning.
Some commonly used punctuation marks are periods (.), commas (,), question marks (?), exclamation points (!), apostrophes ('), parentheses (()), and quotation marks
(" ").

Example

Oh, you must be a good swimmer, then.
Will you need extra towels?
She's very sick. She has to go to the doctor now!
We are almost done; however, we are waiting on supplies now.
He shouted, "Boo!"

Common mistakes

An apostrophe is used in contractions.

Explanation

A comma can mark a separation between parts of a sentence, separating clauses, phrases, lists, etc.



With Oxford comma: noun, noun, and noun
Without Oxford comma: noun, noun and noun


adverbial clause, + main clause
independent clause, + coordinating conjunction + independent clause

Example

I watched it yesterday, so I remember all the details.
It was full of action, yet the story was good, too.
I like fish, and Anna likes fruit.
Let's buy apples, oranges and pears.
They bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Common mistakes

A comma separates 2 independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Explanation

A period (.) marks the end of a sentence. A sentence is a complete clause containing a subject and a verb.

Example

The furniture needs to be replaced. Also, we'll want to repaint the walls.
Accepting a job in the US was easy; however, the work visa process was very detailed.

Common mistakes

2 independent clauses cannot be linked with a comma. They need to be joined by a semicolon or be punctuated with periods as 2 separate sentences.

Explanation

A semicolon (;) marks a separation and makes a connection between 2 independent clauses. Most people advise limited use of semicolons; however, they are a good choice when showing that the ideas in 2 independent clauses are tightly connected.

Example

Accepting a job in the US was easy; however, the work visa process was very detailed.
Let's go to the library to work on our research project; Fridays aren't too busy there.

Common mistakes

A comma should not appear before a conjunctive adverb that connects 2 independent clauses. Instead, use a semicolon.