PUNCTUATION MARKS

PERIODS

Rules for Using Periods

Use a period after an initial and after every part of an abbreviation, unless the abbreviation has become an acronym- an abbreviation that is pronounced as a word, such as AIDS- or a widely recognized name ( TV, NASA, PAGASA ). Titles – Mr. Ms. Dr., and so on are also abbreviations that take periods. If the abbreviation comes at the end of a sentence, only one period is needed.

Examples:

•The tour leaves on Mon., Jan. 1,at 3 P.M.

•The book was written by J. O. Wells.

•The suspect was brought to the NBI.

Use a period before a decimal and between dollars and cents, pesos and centavos.

Examples:

• A gallon equals 3.875 liters.

• The new textbook costs 39.50.

• The calendar costs P29.95.

Use a period at the end of a sentence that makes a statement.

Examples:

• The oyster produces a pearl around sand or another particle.

• The pearl formed inside the oyster.

• Pearls can be made into precious pieces of jewelry.

Use a period at the end of the statement that makes a request, gives an instruction, or states of command.

Examples:

• Empty the kitchen trash before you take the garbage out.

• Turn right at the first stop light, and then go to the second house on the left.

Use a period at the end of a sentence that asks an indirect question.

Examples:

• My neighbor asked if we had seen the cat.

[ The direct question was, “ Have you seen the cat?” ]

• Carrie wanted to know how we had arrived at the answer.

[ The direct question was, “How did you arrive at the answer?” ]

QUESTION MARKS AND EXCLAMATION POINTS

Rules for Using Question Marks and Exclamation Points

Use question mark after a word or group of words that asks a question even if it is not a complete sentence.

Examples:

• What did you do last night?

• Will you put out the trash?

Use an exclamation point after a sentence that expresses strong feeling.

Examples:

• Look out for that car!

• I just can’t stand the smell here!

Use an exclamation point after an interjection – a word or phrase expressing strong feelings – when it is written as a single sentence.

Examples:

• Ouch! You’re hurting me.

• Hurrah! We got four gold medals.

Use an exclamation point after a sentence that begins with a question word but does not ask a question.

Examples:

• How nice of you to do it for me!

• What a pleasant surprise that is!

COMMAS

Rules for Using Comma

Use a comma to set off introductory words, phrases, and clauses from the main parts of the sentence. The comma keeps a reader from accidentally attaching the introductory portion to the main part of the sentence and having to go back and reveal the sentence.

Words

Examples:

•Disappointed, we left the movie before it ended.

•Annoyed, the manager returned to his room.

Clauses

Examples:

•If we plan carefully for the grand opening, we can increase sales.

•Because we left before the meeting ended, we were not eligible to win a prize.

REMEMBER:

When the first part of the sentence is a subordinate or independent clause, it is followed by a comma.

When the independent clause is the first clause in the sentence, you would not need a comma.

Examples:

•When I received his e-mail, I replied at once.

•I replied at once when I received his e-mail.

Commas with Appositives

An appositive is a word or group of words that immediately follows a noun or a pronoun. The appositive makes the noun or pronoun clearer or more definite by explaining or identifying it.

Examples:

o Rachel won the first prize, an expense-paid vacation to Hong Kong.

o Nicanor Abelardo, a famous Filipino composer, was a native of Bulacan.

Commas With Independent Clauses Joined By A Conjunction

An independent clause is a group of words that could stand alone as a complete sentence. A conjunction is a joining word : and, but, or, for, nor, so, or yet. Sometimes a writer will combine two or more independent clauses to form a compound sentence. If a conjunction joins the clauses, places a comma after the first clause.

Examples:

•I went to bed early last night, so I felt rested this morning.

•The city’s economic situation has improved, but there are still neighborhoods where many people depend on the generosity of others in order to live.

•Susan worked through lunch, and now she is able to leave the office early.

If the independent clauses are joined without a conjunction, they are separated by a semicolon instead of a comma.

Examples:

• I went to bed early last night; I felt rested this morning.

• Maria worked through lunch; now she is able to leave the office early.

Commas to Separate Items in a Series

Commas are used to separate items in lists of similar words, phrases, or clauses in order to make the material easier for the reader to understand. The last item in a series is also usually preceded by a conjunction. Use a comma before the final conjunction to avoid confusion.

Examples:

•Al, Jane, John, and Mark all applied for the promotion.

•The instructions clearly showed how to assemble the equipment, how to load the software, and how to boot the system.

If each item in the series is separated by a conjunction, no commas are needed.

Example:

•Ryan and Bryan and Ronron performed at the company Christmas party.