Using the correct punctuation is very important. The meaning of a sentence can change with the use of different punctuation marks.
Punctuation Marks
Uses & Examples
Full stop ( . )
Used at the end of a sentence.
(a) We are going to the beach this weekend.
Comma ( , )
Used to show a short pause.
Used to mark off a series of words.
(a) Oh dear, we need to help that old lady.
(b) I bought some oranges, apples, grapes, and bananas from the market.
Question mark ( ? )
Used after a question.
(a) Where are you going?
Exclamation mark ( ! )
Used to show sudden emotion or surprise.
(a) Wow! That performance was great.
Apostrophe ( ‘ )
Used to show possession.
Used to show the short form of certain words.
(a) This is Ally’s handbag.
(b) I’d (I would) like to have a glass of orange juice.
Quotation marks ( “….” )
Used in direct speech to show the actual words of a speaker.
Used to show the names of books, shows, etc.
(a) Mary asked, “Can you share the reference book with me?”
(b) I read ‘Cinderella’ when I was six years old.
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