Punctuation marks in English are tools used to separate sentences and elements within sentences, helping to organize and clarify written communication. Each punctuation mark has specific roles that contribute to the readability and effectiveness of writing. Proper use of punctuation marks enhances the writer’s ability to convey thoughts precisely and to maintain the flow and clarity of text.
The Importance of Punctuation Marks with Live and Funny Examples
Eating Grandma?
Without Comma: “Let’s eat grandma!”
With Comma: “Let’s eat, grandma.”
Explanation: The first suggests a horrifying culinary event involving Grandma, while the second is a warm invitation for Grandma to join dinner.
Crafty Kids or Craft Activities?
Without Comma: “We’re going to cut and paste kids.”
With Comma: “We’re going to cut and paste, kids.”
Explanation: The absence of a comma turns a simple classroom activity into a concerning statement about cutting and pasting children, while the correct version clearly addresses the children involved in the crafts
Ending Confusion with period
Without Period: “Slow children are crossing”
With Period: “Slow. Children are crossing.”
Explanation: Without the period, it suggests children who are slow are crossing. With the period, it instructs drivers to slow down because children are crossing.
Clarifying Relationships with the Hyphen
Without Hyphen: “Refrigerator repair man”
With Hyphen: “Refrigerator-repair man.”
Explanation: Without the hyphen, it sounds like a refrigerator is repairing a man. The hyphen clearly identifies the man as someone who repairs refrigerators.
Comprehensive Guide to Punctuation Marks
Period/Full Stop (.)
Explanation: The period/full stop, as one of the punctuation marks in English, signifies the end of a declarative sentence. It represents a full stop and indicates that a complete thought has been expressed.
Rules:
End of Statements: Use a period at the end of complete statements.
Example: The concert starts at eight.
Abbreviations: Use a period with abbreviations, but trends may vary by style guide.
Example: Dr. Smith will see you now.
Avoid with Other End Marks: Do not use a period with other ending punctuation marks like question marks or exclamation points.
Example: Are you coming with us?
Avoid in Titles: Avoid using a period in headings or titles.
Example: Table of Contents
Examples:
The concert starts at eight.
Dr. Smith will see you now.
I love reading history books.
Please close the door.
She moved to Chicago.
Comma (,)
Explanation: Comm, as one of the punctuation marks in English, indicate a pause between elements within a sentence. They organize complex information, separate items in a list, and clarify meaning by setting off non-essential elements.
Rules:
Series Separation: Use commas to separate elements in a series of three or more items.
Example: My brothers, sisters, and cousins attended the family reunion.
After Introductions: Place a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses.
Example: After the show, we went out for coffee.
Before Conjunctions: Use a comma before conjunctions (e.g., and, but, for, nor, yet, or) in compound sentences.
Example: She is smart, hardworking, and reliable.
Non-essential Elements: Use commas to set off non-essential clauses and phrases.
Example: My friend, who enjoys hiking, is visiting next weekend.
Coordinate Adjectives: Insert commas to separate coordinate adjectives that equally modify a noun.
Example: The cake, moist and delicious, was quickly eaten.
Transitional Expressions: Use a comma after a transitional expression (e.g., however, therefore).
Example: He decided, however, not to go.
Avoid with Subject-Verb: Avoid using commas to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its direct object.
Example: She always sings beautifully.
Examples:
My brothers, sisters, and cousins attended the family reunion.
After the show, we went out for coffee.
She is smart, hardworking, and reliable.
Although he was late, he didn’t miss the meeting.
My friend, who enjoys hiking, is visiting next weekend.
Question Mark (?)
Explanation: The question mark , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used at the end of direct questions to indicate a query. It is not used for indirect questions.
Rules:
Direct Questions: Use a question mark at the end of a direct question.
Example: What is your favorite color?
Indirect Questions: Do not use a question mark for statements that report questions indirectly.
Example: She asked what your favorite color was.
Examples:
How are you doing today?
Where will you be traveling this summer?
What time does the movie start?
Can you believe she said that?
Are you okay?
Who wrote this book?
Did you finish the assignment?
Why is the sky blue?
What’s the weather like tomorrow?
Do you know where my glasses are?
Exclamation Point (!)
Explanation: The exclamation point , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to express strong feelings, a high volume (shouting), or to denote emphasis.
Rules:
Strong Emotion or Surprise: Use an exclamation point to express surprise, shock, or strong emotion.
Example: Wow! That’s incredible!
Commands or Warnings: Use it after commands or warnings for emphasis.
Example: Stop! Watch out!
Avoid Overuse: Overusing exclamation points can reduce their impact and make the writing appear unprofessional.
Example: She was very happy.
Examples:
Congratulations! You did it!
Watch out! There’s a car coming!
No way! I can’t believe it!
Help! I need somebody!
That’s amazing! Tell me more!
Stop! That’s dangerous!
Fantastic job! Keep it up!
I love this song!
Hurry up! We’re going to be late!
What a beautiful view!
Semicolon (;)
Explanation: The semicolon , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to link independent clauses without the use of conjunction and can also separate items in a list that contains internal punctuation.
Rules:
Link Independent Clauses: Use a semicolon to connect closely related independent clauses.
Example: I like coffee; my sister prefers tea.
Complex Lists: Use semicolons to separate items in a list where the items themselves contain commas.
Example: We visited Berlin, Germany; Paris, France; and Madrid, Spain.
Avoid with Coordinating Conjunctions: Do not use a semicolon directly before conjunctions like and, but, or.
Example: She likes to swim, and he likes to run.
Examples:
He loves reading; he owns over 300 books.
She’s been to Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain.
I’m not ready to go; I need a few more minutes.
The project was overdue; nevertheless, it was well received.
Our choices define us; our actions reveal us.
She can sing; he can dance.
They weren’t hungry; they had already eaten.
The offer was tempting; however, I declined.
He missed his flight; as a result, he arrived late.
The cake was delicious; I asked for another slice.
Colon (:)
Explanation: The colon , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to introduce a list, quote, explanation, or a logical consequence.
Rules:
Introducing Lists or Quotes: Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce items.
Example: Here are your options: walk, bike, or drive.
Between Independent Clauses: When the second clause explains or summarizes the first clause.
Example: She has a clear choice: she must speak now or forever hold her peace.
Use Sparingly: Avoid using a colon between a verb and its object or complement.
Example: Incorrect: He likes: apples, oranges, and bananas.
Examples:
He offered a clear choice: resign or be fired.
There are two things I love: music and books.
My grocery list includes: eggs, milk, bread, and cheese.
Remember this rule: safety first.
She has three hobbies: reading, knitting, and painting.
The meeting has one agenda: improve sales figures.
At the end of the day, she felt one emotion: exhaustion.
The recipe calls for the following: flour, sugar, and eggs.
He was faced with two paths: acceptance or denial.
Here are my travel destinations: Japan, Brazil, and Italy.
Dash (—)
Explanation: The dash , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence, add parenthetical statements, or emphasize a conclusion.
Rules:
Parenthetical Statements: Use dashes to insert additional thoughts or comments in a sentence.
Example: My brother—whom you’ve met before—is coming tonight.
Range or Pause: Indicates a range of values or a significant pause.
Example: Read pages 50—100 by tomorrow.
Emphasis: Use a dash to emphasize the conclusion of a sentence.
Example: He finally answered—no.
Examples:
Everyone knows her as a star athlete—a reputation she earns daily.
The plan was simple—find the key, unlock the door, and escape.
She had only one wish for her birthday—to be with her family.
It was a difficult decision, one that would define his career—resign.
There are two people you should meet—Sarah and John.
He promised to call me at nine—now it’s midnight.
The marathon—held annually—was canceled this year.
The answer to the problem was not complex—it was quite simple.
She finally decided to pursue her dream—a trip around the world.
The treasure was hidden between two landmarks—the old mill and the river.
Hyphen (-)
Explanation: The hyphen , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to connect words to make compound terms or to split a word at the end of a line.
Rules:
Compound Words: Use hyphens in compound adjectives before nouns or compound nouns.
Example: Well-known author, part-time job.
Avoid Ambiguity: Use hyphens to clarify meanings that might otherwise be ambiguous.
Example: Re-sign a document (vs. resign from a job).
Line Breaks: Use hyphens to divide words at the end of a line if necessary, making sure to break at syllable boundaries.
Example: Exceptionally long words might need to be hyphen- ated.
Examples:
She has a full-time job but works as a part-time consultant.
This is a well-known fact.
My mother-in-law is visiting next weekend.
It’s a high-quality product.
He lives in a twentieth-century building.
Please re-check the document.
That is a much-needed change.
She took a cross-country flight.
I need an up-to-date report.
The long-term effects are not yet known.
Apostrophe (’)
Explanation: The apostrophe is used to indicate possession or to show the omission of letters.
Rules:
Possession: Use an apostrophe to show ownership.
Example: Jessica’s book, the dog’s bone.
Contractions: Use apostrophes in contractions to indicate omitted letters.
Example: Can’t (cannot), it’s (it is or it has).
Avoid Plurals: Do not use apostrophes to form plurals of nouns.
Example: Incorrect: Apple’s for sale.
Examples:
The cat’s whiskers were unusually long.
I can’t believe you’ve done this.
It’s been a long day.
The teacher’s method was very effective.
My parents’ house is over there.
She’s coming to the party.
Who’s in charge here?
The children’s room is upstairs.
Let’s go to the beach.
The company’s policy is strict.
Quotation Marks (“ ”)
Explanation: Quotation marks are used to denote speech, quotations from other sources, or titles of short works like articles and poems. Double quotation marks are especially used in American English.
Rules:
Direct Speech: Use quotation marks to enclose words that are spoken directly.
Example: He said, “I will be there soon.”
Titles: Use quotation marks around titles of short works or components within larger works.
Example: “The Great Gatsby” is one of the chapters in his book “Literary Wonders.”
Quotes within Quotes: Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes.
Example: She said, “Did he really say ‘I love you’ to you?”
Punctuation with Quotes: Commas and periods go inside quotation marks; colons and semicolons go outside.
Example: “Come here,” she said.
Examples:
“What time will you arrive?” she asked.
He replied, “I am not sure yet.”
“To be, or not to be,” is a famous line from “Hamlet.”
“I just read ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ in our English class,” he explained.
“Can you believe she said, ‘No thank you’ to the invitation?” he murmured.
“Where is ‘The Catcher in the Rye’?” the librarian questioned.
She whispered, “This is perfect.”
“Hurry up!” he shouted.
“I think,” he pondered, “that you might be right.”
“It’s called ‘The Road Less Traveled,’” she noted.
Single Quotation Marks (‘ ’)
Explanation: Single quotation marks are used for quotes within quotes and occasionally for emphasizing particular words or phrases, especially in British English.
Rules:
Quotes within Quotes: Use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks to denote speech or a quote within another quote.
Example: “I heard him say ‘Never give up’ in his speech,” John commented.
Titles: In British English, single quotation marks can be used for titles of articles, poems, and other shorter works.
Example: ‘The Road Not Taken’ is a poem by Robert Frost.
Punctuation with Single Quotes: Follow similar rules as double quotation marks for placing punctuation.
Example: ‘Isn’t it lovely?’ she asked.
Examples:
“Did he really say ‘See you tomorrow’ when he left?” she asked.
“I can’t believe you read ‘War and Peace’ in one week!” he exclaimed.
She mentioned, “My favorite poem is ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn.’”
“It’s called ‘The Theory of Everything,’” he explained.
“She kept repeating the phrase ‘time is money’ throughout her presentation,” he noted.
“When I asked him, he said ‘I don’t know,’” she recalled.
He argued, “But ‘The New Yorker’ article titled ‘The Age of Disruption’ disagrees with you.”
“Remember when she said, ‘To each their own’?” he reminded her.
“He shouted, ‘Get out!’ right before the alarm went off,” the witness testified.
“I’m not sure why she was so adamant about the ‘rules are rules’ stance,” he pondered.
Parentheses (( ))
Explanation: Parentheses are used to include supplementary or explanatory material that could be omitted without changing the meaning of the main text. They are also used for clarifications, additional data, or asides.
Rules:
Supplementary Information: Use parentheses to enclose information that clarifies or adds to a part of the main sentence.
Example: He finally answered (after taking a long pause) that he would not participate.
Clarification: Include clarifications that may help the reader understand a reference or term.
Example: She visited the capital of Australia (Canberra).
In Sentences: If the material within the parentheses is not a complete sentence, do not capitalize the first letter or use a period inside the parentheses.
Example: We decided to visit the zoo (which was a great idea).
Full Sentences: If the material inside the parentheses is a standalone sentence, treat it as such.
Example: He didn’t show up. (It was a huge disappointment.)
Examples:
We need to order more paper (both A4 and letter sizes).
She completed the report on time (which was surprising, considering her workload).
He mentioned the historical figure (a renowned philosopher) in his book.
I can attend the meeting on Thursday (if I finish my current project).
Her recommendation (to start the project sooner) was highly beneficial.
The experiment was a success (see Appendix A for detailed results).
They moved to a new city (New York) last year.
Our results suggest a new theory (discussed in the next chapter).
The gift was well received (which made her very happy).
She had to leave early (her son was sick).
Brackets ([ ])
Explanation: Brackets are typically used to make clarifications within quoted material or to indicate editorial insertions in original texts. They help ensure that readers understand context or corrections without altering the original quote.
Rules:
Editorial Comments: Use brackets to include editorial remarks, corrections, or clarifications within quotations.
Example: “He [the CEO] was not available for comment.”
Clarifications in Quotes: Insert additional information within quotes to provide context or correct erroneous details.
Example: “She [Susan] was my best friend in college.”
Technical Explanations: Often used in academic and technical writing to add necessary but non-integral information.
Example: The chemical compound potassium permanganate [KMnO4] is known for its oxidizing properties.
Examples:
The witness stated, “He [the suspect] was acting strangely.”
“I finally finished the book [The Great Gatsby] last night,” she said.
“The results of the study [conducted in 2020] were conclusive.”
He explained, “When I reached there, the place was empty [deserted].”
“The historical account [as recorded in the archives] differs significantly from popular belief.”
“She said, ‘I’ll handle it [the project] tomorrow,’” according to the meeting notes.
The formula [E=mc^2] was introduced by Einstein.
“The document [Appendix C] contains all the references,” the professor noted.
“They [the committee] decided to postpone the decision.”
“This approach [see Chapter 5 for methodology] was crucial for our success.”
En Dash (–)
Explanation: The en dash is slightly longer than a hyphen and is used primarily to indicate ranges of numbers, dates, or scores.
Rules:
Ranges: Use an en dash to connect numbers in ranges, such as dates, pages, or scores.
Example: Read pages 101–150 for tomorrow’s class.
Relationship and Connection: Use it to denote connection or contrast between pairs of words.
Example: The London–Paris flight was delayed.
Examples:
The seminar will be held from March 23–27.
Please read chapters 5–8 before the next meeting.
The game ended with a score of 3–2.
The New York–London route is one of the busiest.
Our forecast for 2020–2025 includes significant growth.
The debate between the optimists–pessimists continues.
Look at items 1–5 on the list.
The teacher–student relationship is fundamental.
He worked at the company from 1998–2004.
The meeting is scheduled for 10:00–11:30 AM.
Em Dash (—)
Explanation: The em dash is the longest dash and is used for emphasis, interruption, or to separate additional thoughts within a sentence. It’s versatile and can replace commas, parentheses, or colons.
Rules:
Parenthetical Replacement: Use an em dash to set off a phrase or clause that adds additional information or an aside that could also be enclosed by commas or parentheses.
Example: My brother—whom you met last year—is visiting us again.
Sudden Breaks: Use em dashes to indicate interruptions or abrupt changes in thought.
Example: I believe—I’m sure of it—she will come.
Series Within a Main Clause: Use em dashes to separate parts of a sentence when commas are already used for other separations.
Example: The best things in life—love, joy, and peace—are free.
Examples:
You are the friend—the only friend—who offered to help.
The secret to success—hard work and dedication—is well known.
He bought everything—the sofa, the table, the rugs—for the new house.
She moved to New York—leaving behind her family—in search of a new life.
What if we could—just imagine—solve all these issues?
The car—a red convertible—was his dream purchase.
There were three people involved—the driver, the conductor, and the passenger.
This is a major problem—one that we have never faced before.
They offer many services—painting, repair, installation—at reasonable prices.
He said he would call—maybe he forgot.
Curly Brackets ({ })
Explanation: Curly brackets, also known as braces, are less common in general prose and are primarily used in specialized fields such as mathematics and computer programming to denote sets or items that are grouped together.
Rules:
Mathematics and Programming: Use curly brackets to define sets of elements or block of code in programming languages.
Example: Let’s consider the set {a, b, c, d}.
Functions and Series: In mathematical functions, curly brackets can organize elements that are part of a sequence.
Example: f(x) = x^2 for x in {1, 2, 3, 4}
Examples:
In the equation, {x | x>0} represents all x that are greater than zero.
Make sure to include your variables in the function {x, y, z}.
The set {2, 4, 6, 8} comprises even numbers up to ten.
In coding, {start; stop; step} is used to define ranges in loops.
Ensure all items {apples, oranges, bananas} are included in the inventory list.
The group {Jane, Bob, Alice} is scheduled for the morning session.
The collection {red, blue, green, yellow} represents primary colors.
In JSON data format, objects are enclosed in curly braces: {“name”:”John”, “age”:30}.
The result set {1 to 50} covers all the numbers we need.
The mathematical model uses {x, y | x^2 + y^2 = z} to solve the equation.
Angle Brackets (⟨ ⟩)
Explanation: Angle brackets are used in mathematical notation to denote vectors, intervals, or as delimiters in various coding languages. They are also used in academic writing to enclose material that is added by someone other than the original writer, such as in translations or transcriptions.
Rules:
Mathematical Vectors: Use angle brackets to denote vectors or inner products in mathematical expressions.
Example: The vector ⟨x, y⟩ represents coordinates in the plane.
Coding and Markup Languages: Use angle brackets to enclose tags in HTML and XML.
Insertions in Translated Text: Use angle brackets to enclose words that are added for clarification in translations.
Example: He said he was happy ⟨satisfied⟩ with the results.
Examples:
To denote a vector, we use ⟨a, b, c⟩ in three-dimensional space.
In HTML, <p> represents a paragraph element.
The function f(x) = ⟨x, x^2⟩ maps x to a pair of x and its square.
The set of all points ⟨x, y | x^2 + y^2 ≤ 1⟩ represents a unit disk.
<header>, <footer>, <section> are all part of HTML5 semantic elements.
Ensure the document includes proper tags such as <body> and <div>.
Translate the sentence as follows: He went home ⟨to his apartment⟩ early.
Use <a href=”url”> to create a hyperlink in HTML.
The matrix ⟨2, 3; 4, 5⟩ represents a 2×2 grid of numbers.
For XML elements, always use closing tags like </name> after opening with <name>.
Slash (/)
Explanation: The slash, or forward slash, is used to denote alternatives, fractions, separations, and in date formats. It is also prevalent in URLs and to separate lines in poetry or song lyrics when written in running text.
Rules:
Alternatives: Use slashes to indicate choices or alternatives.
Example: Each guest should bring a dessert/appetizer.
Fractions: Use slashes to represent fractions in text.
Example: Please cut the cake into 1/4 slices for the guests.
Separations in Dates: Use slashes in dates to separate day, month, and year.
Example: His birthday is on 10/11/2022.
URLs and File Paths: Use slashes in URLs and file paths to separate directories and subdirectories.
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of milk.
Backslash (\)
Explanation: The backslash is used primarily in computing environments as an escape character or to denote file paths in Windows operating systems.
Rules:
Escape Character: Use backslashes in programming and computing to escape special characters that otherwise have a function in code.
Example: To include a quotation mark in a string, write: “He said, \”Hello\”.”
File Paths: Use backslashes in file paths for Windows operating systems.
Example: C:\Users\JohnDoe\Documents\File.txt
Regular Expressions: Use backslashes in regular expressions to denote special sequences or to allow special characters to be used as regular characters.
Example: The regex \d+ matches one or more digits.
Examples:
In JSON strings, use \ to escape special characters, e.g., “{\”key\”: \”value\”}”.
The file can be found at C:\Program Files\MyApp\config.txt.
To search for an asterisk in a text, use the pattern \* in your search query.
In a Windows command prompt, change directory using cd \path\to\directory.
When using PowerShell, you might need to use \ for paths, e.g., cd \path\to\folder.
To include new lines in a string, use \n where you want the line break.
In LaTeX, start new paragraphs with \par or simply \.
To represent a backslash character in many programming languages, double it: \\.
In a regular expression, use \b to find a word boundary.
In the Windows Registry Editor, keys and paths use backslashes, e.g., HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software.
Vertical Bar (|)
Explanation: The vertical bar, also known as the pipe symbol, is used in computing to denote “or” in several programming languages, and in Unix-based systems, it is used to pipe the output of one command as the input to another.
Rules:
Logical OR in Programming: Use the vertical bar to denote logical OR in conditions in programming languages.
Example: if (x == 1 | y == 1) { … }
Piping Commands: In Unix and Linux, use the vertical bar to pass the output of one command to another.
Example: ls -l | grep “test”
Regular Expressions: Use the vertical bar to denote alternatives in regular expressions.
Example: The regex apple|banana matches “apple” or “banana”.
Examples:
To check if a variable is either 0 or 1, use the condition (variable == 0 | variable == 1).
In command line interfaces, list all files and find those containing ‘config’ with ls -a | grep “config”.
Filter errors out of a log file using cat log.txt | grep “ERROR”.
In programming, toggle a feature using flags |= FEATURE_FLAG.
Split data processing in scripts: cat data.txt | sort | uniq.
In a regular expression, match any vowel using the pattern [aeiou].
Set a default value in bash using: ${variable:=default_value} | echo “Value is $variable”.
In data analysis pipelines, use cat data.csv | awk ‘{print $1}’ | sort | uniq to process column data.
Use logical OR in JavaScript conditions like if (user.isAdmin | user.isModerator) { showAdminPanel(); }
Tilde (~)
Explanation: The tilde , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used in mathematics to denote approximation or similarity, and in computing, it can represent the home directory in Unix-based systems or as a negation operator in some programming languages.
Rules:
Approximation: Use the tilde to indicate that one number is approximately equal to another.
Example: The number of participants is ~100.
Home Directory: In Unix-like operating systems, use a tilde as a shorthand for the user’s home directory.
Example: cd ~ takes you to your home directory.
Negation in Programming: Use the tilde in some programming contexts to represent bitwise NOT operations.
Example: ~x represents the bitwise NOT of x.
Examples:
The distance to the moon from Earth is ~384,400 km.
Access files in your home directory using cd ~/Documents.
Estimate costs as ~$50 for budget planning.
In JavaScript, use ~index to convert truthy/falsy values to boolean.
Open configuration files in your home with vim ~/.bashrc.
Calculate the approximate area of a circle with radius 10 as ~314 sq units.
Use ~ to denote negation in bitwise operations, e.g., ~0x0F results in 0xF0 in hexadecimal.
In typography, use a tilde for decorative purposes between dates, e.g., 1990~1995.
Refer to your user profile in Unix systems with cd ~/.
Describe similar features in products as model X ~ model Y in similarity.
Ampersand (&)
Explanation: The ampersand , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used as a shorthand for “and” in informal writing, names of businesses, and in legal documents. It is also used in programming to denote address-of operations and logical AND operations.
Rules:
Conjunction Replacement: Use an ampersand to replace “and” in company names or where space is limited.
Example: Procter & Gamble, Barnes & Noble.
Programming Use: In languages like C and C++, use an ampersand for address referencing and bitwise AND operations.
Example: int& ref = var; // reference to var
Examples:
I need to buy apples & oranges from the market.
The law firm Dewey, Cheatem & Howe is handling the case.
Combine multiple conditions in C++ using bitwise & operator: if (flags & MASK).
Save time & money with our new app.
The meeting is scheduled for Smith & Wesson’s boardroom.
Access the address of a variable with & in C: printf(“%p”, &variable);
Use & to link related concepts in graphic designs or presentations.
Check for multiple permissions in software: if (permission & READ && permission & WRITE).
Johnson & Johnson is a well-known pharmaceutical company.
In HTML, use & to display an ampersand.
Asterisk (*)
Explanation: The asterisk , as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to indicate footnotes in texts, to denote multiplication in mathematics, and as a wildcard character in computing for pattern matching.
Rules:
Footnotes: Place an asterisk next to text that has supplementary information at the bottom of the page or at the end of the document.
Example: This statement needs further clarification.*
Multiplication: Use an asterisk to represent multiplication in mathematical expressions and programming.
Example: The area of a rectangle is length * width.
Wildcard: In file searches and some programming languages, use an asterisk to represent any number of characters.
Example: In file searches, *.txt represents all files with a .txt extension.
Examples:
Read the instructions carefully before assembly.*
For multiplication, use 7 * 6 = 42.
List all JPEG images in a directory with the command: ls *.jpg.
Increase quantities by a factor of ten: price * 10.
Search for any word ending in ‘ing’ using the regex .*ing.
The formula for area is A = π * r^2, where r is radius.
Use asterisks to denote significant results in scientific papers.
Match filenames with multiple extensions in bash using: *.docx *.pdf.
In spreadsheets, calculate total cost as =quantity * unit_price.
Asterisks are often used to censor offensive words: f***, s***.
Dagger (†)
Explanation: The dagger, also known as the obelisk, is used in typographic texts primarily as a reference or footnote marker, especially when asterisks are already in use. It can also signify death or the date of death when placed next to a name.
Rules:
Footnote Marking: Use a dagger to indicate a footnote, especially if multiple symbols are needed and the asterisk is already used.
Example: See additional details.†
Historical and Religious Texts: In historical or religious contexts, use a dagger to indicate a deceased person when placed next to their name.
Example: Queen Victoria †1901
Examples:
The theory was later disproved†.
Refer to the bottom of the page for more information†.
Leonardo da Vinci †1519 was a master of the arts and sciences.
The ingredient list has specific annotations† concerning allergens.
For further readings, see the references marked with a dagger†.
The text discusses various historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte †1821.
Annotations† in the document explain the corrections made.
The novel includes several characters who are historical figures†.
Additional experimental data can be found in the appendix†.
The biography lists several kings and queens with their dates of death†.
Double Dagger (‡)
Explanation: The double dagger, or diesis, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is a typographical symbol used primarily as a third-order reference mark in detailed scholarly texts, particularly when the asterisk and single dagger have already been employed.
Rules:
Multiple Footnotes: Use double daggers for additional footnotes or comments in dense academic or detailed legal documents.
Example: Further exceptions apply.‡
Layered Commentary: In critical editions of texts or detailed analytical work, use double daggers to provide layered commentary or multiple layers of footnotes.
See the secondary sources for more in-depth analysis‡.
The manuscript has several readings at this line‡.
Modifications to the procedure are noted in the sidebar‡.
The original text differs from the author’s later revisions‡.
Cross-references within the document highlight related topics‡.
Some scholars disagree with this interpretation‡.
The experiment has specific parameters not listed here‡.
Additional citations can be found marked with double daggers‡.
Legal documents often use double daggers for additional references‡.
Section Sign (§)
Explanation: The section sign, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used in legal and statutory documents to refer to specific sections within legislation or in formal documents. It is also used in academic writing to refer to divisions within books or articles when multiple citations are necessary.
Rules:
Legal References: Use the section sign to denote specific sections in legal codes and statutes.
Example: Refer to §5 of the Civil Rights Act.
Academic Citations: In academic papers, use the section sign to refer to specific sections or parts of a source.
Example: As discussed in §2.3 of the study.
Examples:
According to §8 of the company policy, employees must adhere to these guidelines.
The constitution, especially §14, outlines the rights of citizens.
In his book, see §4.5 for a detailed discussion of the topic.
The legal framework is explained in §3 of the document.
Students should read §2.1 through §2.3 before the next lecture.
Refer to §7.2 for the technical specifications.
The guidelines in §15 must be followed precisely.
For further clarification, see §11 of the handbook.
The terms defined in §9 apply to the entire contract.
As per §22, the regulations take effect immediately.
Paragraph Sign (¶)
Explanation: The paragraph sign, or pilcrow, is used to denote individual paragraphs in text, particularly in legal documents or during the editing and proofreading stages of document preparation. It is useful for pointing out where new paragraphs should begin or for referencing specific paragraphs in dense texts.
Rules:
New Paragraphs: Use the paragraph sign to indicate the start of a new paragraph, especially in legal texts or in manuscript editing.
Example: ¶ This marks the beginning of a new section.
Reference Specific Paragraphs: In documents where specific paragraph referencing is necessary, use the paragraph sign for clarity.
Example: As noted in ¶5, the guidelines are clear.
Examples:
¶ The first point addresses compliance with standards.
Please insert a new sentence at the beginning of ¶7.
The arguments are further elaborated in ¶12 through ¶15.
¶ This paragraph explains the procedure in detail.
As mentioned in ¶9, there are exceptions to this rule.
The summary can be found starting at ¶20.
Corrections should be made to the text starting from ¶3.
The historical background is given in ¶4.
For more information, refer to ¶8 on page 102.
The revised terms are effective as of ¶2.
Ellipsis (…)
Explanation: Ellipses are used to indicate the omission of words or to suggest that the speaker’s voice is trailing off in written dialogue. They are also employed in quotations to signify skipped content or in texts to imply ongoing lists or ideas.
Rules:
Omission of Words: Use ellipses to indicate that parts of a text have been omitted, especially in quotes where not all the original material is needed for the reader’s understanding.
Example: “To be, or not to be, that is the question…whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer.”
Trailing Off: Use ellipses to show a thought or voice trailing off in informal writing or dialogue.
Example: I’m not sure what to do…
Unfinished Actions or Thoughts: In narrative writing, use ellipses to indicate interrupted actions or unfinished thoughts.
Example: He opened the door but then…
Examples:
Well, I thought maybe we could…
The list of items includes apples, oranges, bananas…
“When in the course of human events…it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve.”
She paused, unsure…then walked away.
If you could just help me with this one thing…
The data from the experiments…indicates a need for further analysis.
What if…no, never mind.
His voice trailed off, “I never meant to…”
In the document, several sections have been omitted for brevity…
“Are you…are you sure?” he stammered.
Guillemets (« »)
Explanation: Guillemets, the punctuation marks in English, are used primarily in non-English languages as quotation marks. In English, they may be used in certain contexts to denote specific types of quotes or for stylistic purposes, especially in literary and philosophical texts.
Rules:
Non-English Quotation: Often used in French, Russian, and other languages to indicate direct speech.
Example: « Quelle heure est-il? » asked Pierre.
Stylistic Use: In English, guillemets may be used for stylistic differentiation in texts involving multiple layers of quoting or in creative typography.
Example: He read aloud, « ‘To be, or not to be,’ that is the question. »
Examples:
« I told you, I am busy, » he replied.
In her letter, she wrote, « ‘Come at once,’ she demanded. »
The philosopher writes, « Existence precedes essence. »
« Do you realize what you are saying? » he questioned.
She smiled and said, « ‘Life is beautiful,’ don’t you think? »
« At the end of the day, » he sighed, « ‘all is well that ends well.’ »
The text reads, « ‘Freedom,’ he called it. »
« ‘Where are you going?’ she asked. » he narrated.
In the manuscript, the dialogue was formatted with guillemets: « Is it really over? »
« ‘No, it cannot be!’ he exclaimed, » she recounted.
Interrobang (‽)
Explanation: The interrobang, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is a non-standard punctuation mark used to combine the question mark and exclamation point, expressing both inquiry and exclamation. It is often used in informal writing and graphic design to convey excitement or disbelief in the form of a question.
Rules:
Expressing Disbelief or Excitement: Use the interrobang to end sentences that are both exclamatory and interrogative.
Example: You’re moving to Antarctica‽
Informal Use: Best used in informal contexts or in graphic designs where a playful, informal tone is desired.
Example: She did what‽
Examples:
You won the lottery‽
They actually said that‽
How could you do this to me‽
You’re going to jump out of a plane‽
He’s how old‽
They got back together‽
You finished the entire project overnight‽
You’re kidding me‽
She’s the new CEO‽
What on earth were you thinking‽
Caret (^)
Explanation: The caret, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used in proofreading and editing to indicate where additional or missing text should be inserted. In digital writing, it’s often used in superscripting text or in mathematical expressions to denote exponentiation.
Rules:
Insertion in Texts: Use the caret in handwritten proofs to show where to add text.
Example: Please add an example here^.
Mathematical Exponentiation: Use the caret in mathematical expressions to indicate exponentiation in programming and digital text.
Example: In programming, 2^3 means 2 raised to the power of 3.
Examples:
Make sure to include^ price details here.
He wrote, “I love this city^ its people, and its culture.”
Calculate the area of a circle with radius r using the formula πr^2.
The graph shows the growth of bacteria at 2^t where t is time in hours.
Insert a citation after the quote^.
In digital typesetting, use the caret for simple formulas like E=mc^2.
To correct the document, insert the missing word^.
The population doubles every year, so model it as 2^year.
She noted, “Add a concluding sentence here^.”
In LaTeX, type \hat{A} to put a caret symbol above the letter A.
Underscore (_)
Explanation: The underscore, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used in digital contexts primarily to create space in usernames, email addresses, and social media handles where spaces are not permitted. It is also used in programming to separate words in variable names for readability.
Rules:
Digital Identifiers: Use underscores to connect words in electronic addresses and usernames.
In Python, private variables are often denoted with a leading underscore, e.g., _priv_var.
Use employee_record_finder as a function name for clarity.
Check the log file located at /var/log/user_activity_2023/.
The Instagram handle for the event is event_name_2023.
To keep track of versions, use file_name_v2_1_3.
In HTML, use class names like main_container or footer_text.
Percent (%)
Explanation: The percent sign, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to indicate a percentage or proportion out of a hundred. It is widely used in financial reports, statistical data, and everyday calculations.
Rules:
Indicating Proportions: Use the percent sign to denote ratios as percentages.
Example: 50% of the company’s profits were reinvested.
Formatting: In scientific and statistical writing, ensure clarity by using the percent sign directly after numbers without a space.
Example: The growth rate was 5% last year.
Examples:
About 25% of the market is controlled by our company.
The solution contains 10% glucose.
She scored 95% on her math exam.
Approximately 60% of the body is water.
The interest rate increased by 0.5% this quarter.
He completed 75% of the project so far.
The battery is currently at 20% capacity.
The discount rate for this sale is 30% off the original price.
Our goal is to reduce errors by at least 15%.
The humidity level is expected to reach 90% tonight.
Plus (+)
Explanation: The plus sign, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is primarily used in mathematics to indicate addition. It is also used in various contexts to show positive values, increments, or features.
Rules:
Addition: Use the plus sign to denote the addition of two or more numbers.
Example: 2 + 2 = 4
Positive Values: In contexts where values can be negative, use the plus sign to explicitly indicate positive numbers.
Example: The temperature rose by +5 degrees.
Incremental Changes: Use the plus sign to indicate increases in data or benefits.
Example: Subscribe now and get +2 months free.
Examples:
Add the expenses: $50 + $25 + $75.
The stock market closed at +150 points today.
To improve your health, consider walking +10,000 steps a day.
The new policy will result in an income gain of +$300 for employees.
His bank account shows a balance of +$500.
Adjust the solution volume to +500 mL.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with +95% approval.
Increase the recipe ingredients by +50% to serve more people.
The reaction to the news was positive, with comments like “+1” or “I agree”.
Press the + button to add another field to the form.
Minus (−)
Explanation: The minus sign, as one of the punctuation marks in English, is used in mathematics to indicate subtraction or negative values. It is also employed to denote reductions, decreases, or deficits in various contexts.
Rules:
Subtraction: Use the minus sign for arithmetic operations involving subtraction.
Example: 10 − 6 = 4
Negative Values: Indicate negative quantities, temperatures, or other measures.
Example: Temperatures can drop to −10 degrees in winter.
Decreases and Discounts: Use the minus sign to show reductions in prices or quantities.
Example: The product is available at −15% off.
Examples:
The account balance went from $200 to −$50 due to overdrafts.
Subtract the values: 100 − 35 = 65.
The temperature adjustment must be −5°C for the process.
The stock value decreased by −2.5% this quarter.
The elevation here is −200 meters below sea level.
To correct the error, decrease the input value by −0.75.
The budget deficit is projected to be −$1 million.
Apply a −10% discount to all clearance items.
His score on the test was −3 points from perfect.
Adjust the recipe by −1 teaspoon of salt to reduce sodium.
Equals (=)
Explanation: The equals sign, one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to signify equivalence or equality between two expressions. It is a fundamental symbol in mathematics, programming, and various technical fields to denote that the values on either side of the sign are identical.
Rules:
Denoting Equality: Use the equals sign to show that two quantities or expressions are the same.
Example: 2 + 2 = 4
Assigning Values: In programming, use the equals sign to assign values to variables.
Example: x = 5
Comparative Statements: Use in statements to compare data, results, or properties.
Example: The output of A equals the input of B.
Examples:
The sum of the angles in a triangle equals 180 degrees.
In the equation, E = mc², E equals mass times the speed of light squared.
Ensure that the total credits equals the total debits in your account.
In Python, setting a variable looks like this: variable_name = “value”.
The cost equals the sum of materials, labor, and overhead.
The number of applicants this year equals last year’s total.
The experimental results equals the theoretical predictions.
His salary as manager equals what two entry-level employees earn.
The capacity of the stadium equals 50,000 spectators.
The amount of imported goods equals the exports last quarter.
Number Sign (#)
Explanation: The number sign, or hashtag, one of the punctuation marks in English, is used to indicate numbers or to tag content in social media for better searchability and linking. In programming, it can denote special directives or comments depending on the language.
Rules:
Indicating Numbers: Traditionally, use the number sign to precede figures, especially in contexts like apartment numbers or issue numbers.
Example: Apartment #405
Social Media Tagging: Use hashtags on social media to categorize posts, making them discoverable by others interested in the same topics.
Example: #ThrowbackThursday
Programming Comments: In languages like Python, use the number sign to start a comment line.
Example: # This is a comment
Examples:
She posted the photo with the hashtag #SunsetLovers.
Refer to rule #34 in the manual for further details.
The parcel was left at door #201.
In the script, disable the function with # Disable function below.
Use the promo code #SALE2023 for a discount.
The athlete is ranked #1 in the world.
Find all posts related to the event with #Event2023.
In coding, #include <stdio.h> includes standard input-output functions.
For billing issues, reference invoice #12345.
Track the campaign’s progress with #CampaignName.
Currency Symbols ($, €, £, ¥)
Explanation: Currency symbols, the punctuation marks in English, are used to denote monetary units in financial transactions, pricing, and economic contexts. Each symbol represents a specific currency, such as the US dollar, Euro, British pound, or Japanese yen.
Rules:
Denoting Currency: Place the currency symbol before the amount to indicate the type of currency.
Example: $100, €150, £75, ¥1000
Financial Documents: Use currency symbols in financial reports, pricing lists, and invoices to clarify the currency being discussed or used.
Example: Total: $450.00
International Transactions: Specify the currency symbol to avoid confusion in transactions involving participants from different countries.
Example: The price is €299 for participants paying from Europe.
Examples:
The price of the computer is $899.99.
They exchanged €500 for local currency.
The book costs £20 in the UK.
Total earnings for the quarter were ¥2,000,000.
The donation was made in the amount of £500.
Prices in the European market start at €45.
The budget was set at $5,000 for the project.
Tourists should exchange their money into ¥ before traveling.
The fee for the service is €15 per hour.
The investment required is initially £10,000.
Prime (′)
Explanation: The prime symbol, one of the punctuation marks in English, is used in various scientific fields, especially in mathematics and physics, to denote derivatives or minutes in measurements. In typography, it can also indicate feet.
Rules:
Mathematical Derivatives: Use the prime symbol to denote the derivative of a function.
Example: f′(x) denotes the first derivative of the function f with respect to x.
Measurements in Time and Space: Use the prime symbol to denote minutes (angular measurement) and feet.
The function g′(x) represents the rate of change at point x.
He is 6′2″ tall.
The coordinate was marked at 30° 15′ 22″.
Measure the room’s length as 12′ and width as 10′.
The angle of elevation is approximately 5° 20′.
For higher derivatives, use f″(x) and f‴(x) for the second and third derivatives.
The prime meridian is at 0° 0′ 0″ longitude.
The small craft moved 15′ northward.
Set the telescope to 40′ for fine adjustments.
Mark the field at intervals of 10′.
Double Prime (″)
Explanation: The double prime symbol, one of the punctuation marks in English,is used primarily to indicate seconds (both time and angular measurements) and inches in measurements, following the prime symbol which denotes minutes or feet.
Rules:
Seconds in Time and Angular Measurements: Use double primes to denote seconds in time and degrees.
Example: The event starts at 12h 15m 30s (12 hours 15 minutes 30 seconds).
Inches in Measurements: Use double primes to denote inches when measuring length.
Example: The board needs to be cut to 10′ 6″ (ten feet six inches).
Examples:
The observation was recorded at 2° 5′ 30″.
She cut the fabric to 5′ 8″ in length.
The race starts at 3:00:00 and ends at 3:45:30″.
Adjust the microscope to 2″ to the left.
The building is 120′ high and 75′ 8″ wide.
Set the timer to 15′ 30″ for the experiment.
He finished the marathon with a time of 3h 5m 2s.
The artwork measures 11″ by 14″.
The gap should be less than 1″ for safety reasons.
The photograph was framed in an 8″ x 10″ frame.
Obelus (÷)
Explanation: The obelus, one of the punctuation marks in English, is used primarily in mathematics to denote division. It is also known historically for marking questionable passages in manuscripts, but this use is largely obsolete.
Rules:
Mathematical Division: Use the obelus to indicate division operations in mathematical expressions.
Example: 8 ÷ 2 = 4
Avoid in Running Text: Do not use the obelus in running text; it is primarily for mathematical or symbolic notation.
Example: Incorrect: Four ÷ two = two.
Examples:
Calculate the result of 45 ÷ 9.
The division of 100 ÷ 5 yields 20.
Each participant gets 60 ÷ 4 pieces.
Divide the total amount, 200, by 25 using 200 ÷ 25.
What is 150 ÷ 3 in terms of units?
She split the bill by 4 using 120 ÷ 4.
For the recipe, divide 2 liters of water ÷ 8.
The calculation of area requires 50 ÷ 2 square meters.
He taught them simple division like 16 ÷ 2.
The ratio was determined by the formula 180 ÷ 60.
Multiplication Sign (×)
Explanation: The multiplication sign is used in mathematics to indicate the multiplication operation between numbers, variables, or expressions.
Rules:
Indicating Multiplication: Use the multiplication sign to show that two numbers or variables are to be multiplied.
Example: 3 × 5 = 15
Avoid in Text: Do not use the multiplication sign as a replacement for the word “by” in text descriptions.
Example: Incorrect: The room is 10 × 20 feet. (Use “10 feet by 20 feet” in running text.)
Examples:
The area of a rectangle is length × width.
Multiply 7 × 8 to get 56.
The formula for the volume of a box is length × width × height.
In algebra, x × y represents the product of x and y.
She bought five boxes, each containing 6 items, totaling 5 × 6 items.
Calculate the force using mass × acceleration.
The growth over three years at a rate of 5% per year compounds to 1.05 × 1.05 × 1.05.
For each dimension increase, multiply the previous value by 2, i.e., 2 × 2 × 2.
In matrix operations, matrix A × matrix B is not necessarily the same as B × A.
The recipe calls for doubling the ingredients, so use 2 × the original amounts.
Per Mille (‰)
Explanation: The per mille sign is used to denote parts per thousand, similar to how the percent sign denotes parts per hundred. It is commonly used in fields like statistics, chemistry, and documents where precise measurements are needed.
Rules:
Parts Per Thousand: Use the per mille sign to indicate a quantity out of a thousand.
Example: 5‰ of the substance is pure.
Scientific and Financial Documents: Employ per mille in contexts requiring high precision, such as population studies or interest rates in finance.
Example: The loan has an interest rate of 12.5‰ per annum.
Examples:
The solution contains 3‰ salt.
The mortality rate was 8‰ last year.
He found that the metal content was 5‰ of the soil sample.
The alcohol content in the mixture is about 2‰.
The population growth rate is approximately 1‰ per year.
The incidence of the disease is 4‰ of the population.
The purity of the material is certified at 1.5‰.
The water salinity was measured at 12‰.
In legal terms, the permissible error is 0.5‰.
The document specifies a tolerance level of ±0.3‰.
Bullet (•)
Explanation: Bullets are used to organize items in a list format, especially in contexts where the sequence of items is not critical. They help to clearly separate points or actions for better readability and presentation.
Rules:
List Items: Use bullets to list items when order does not need to be indicated.
Example: • Apples • Oranges • Bananas
Presentation Slides and Documents: Employ bullets in presentation materials and documents to highlight key points or steps.
Example: • Ensure completeness • Check for accuracy • Submit by Friday
Examples:
To prepare the cake, you will need: • Flour • Sugar • Eggs • Butter
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Punctuation Marks in English
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