Homework Help: Punctuation and Grammar

Punctuation and Grammar Help

What is Punctuation?

Punctuation refers to symbols used in writing to let you know how sentences are to be read. Punctuation is an important part of communicating effectively and using correct grammar because it lets the reader know when a sentence has ended, if a question has been asked, the rhythm of the sentence and if certain lines need to be stressed. It also contributes to sentence structure. There are many different types of punctuation, but some of the main ones are explained below.

Periods

Periods (.) are used at the end of complete statements or indirect questions. A period lets you know the current sentence has ended and another sentence or question is about to follow. One important thing to note is that the next word that follows a period always has to be capitalized. Examples are provided below.

• The old building is on fire. Firefighters are on their way.
• He asked where his lunch money was.

Question marks

Question marks (?) are used after direct questions, and are placed at the end of the last word. They are also used when a sentence is half statement and half question. Examples are provided below.

• What are you wearing to the fall dance?
• You are going to the fall dance, aren't you?

Exclamation Points

Exclamation points (!) are used for statements that need to show excitement or surprise. They are placed at the end of the statement. Examples are provided below.

• That is absolutely amazing!
• I can't believe you just said that!

Commas

Commas (,) are used for many different functions, but some basic ones will be described here. First, commas are used to separate a list of three or more things in a sentence. Second, commas are used with conjunctions (e.g., and, but, for, not, yet or so) to separate two independent clauses, which are sentences that can stand alone. Third, commas are used to separate two adjectives that could have the word 'and' between them. Examples of each are provided below.

• Everybody ate pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs at the birthday party.
• I wanted to go to the dance next week, so I decided to find a date.
• The shy, timid boy refused to go up on the stage.