Punctuation

Marcial 丨Medina丨Milliam丨BSPT 1-B

 What is a punctuation?

A system of symbols used in

writing to separate sentences and
parts of sentences.

Each symbol is called

“punctuation mark”
 Why do we need punctuation?

Punctuation establishes the

structure and logic of the written
word.

Punctuation makes the meaning

of written words clearer or
unambiguous.
Punctuation 03
Hyphens and dashes

Guide
Terminal points
01
Quotations
04

Pausing points
02
Other punctuations
05
 01
Terminal
points . ? !
Improper use
Terminal points
Period
Used to mark the end of:

Sentences Indirect Commands

questions

Lorna has gone I asked her if she would send me Please read the
on vacation. a gift. letter out loud.
He used to work Before she left, she asked me if I Answer the call.
at Yahoo. could water her plants.
Terminal points
Period
Used to mark the end of:

Requests phrased
as question (Polite Most
requests) abbreviations

Would you please send the letter as Mr.

soon as possible.
Mrs.
May we have your response
tomorrow. Corp.
Terminal points
Period
Proper placements of period with parentheses

placed outside placed inside

the closing the clothing
parentheses parentheses
If the sentence ends with a parenthetical If the parenthetical is itself
that is only a part of a larger sentence. an entire sentence.

Example: Example:

Hotel rooms are likely to be in short Their house was the largest
supply throughout August (the peak one on the village. (It also
travel period). happened to be the most
beautiful one.)
Terminal points
Period
Proper placements of period with quotation marks

placed inside the

closing quotation period is
mark omitted

If the sentence ends with a quoted If the quoted material itself

material even if the period is not part of ends with a question mark or
the original quotation exclamation point..
Example: Example:

The dean’s speech both began and Yesterday he asked, “Why is it

ended with the word “freedom.” so cold in Mars?”
Terminal points
Period .
Using period with abbreviations

use period is
periods omitted

With most lowercase and mixed-case With most uppercase abbreviations

abbreviations
ASEAN FBI CHED
a.m. etc. Inc. Jr. Mrs.

Few uppercase abbreviations Scientific and technical abbreviations

U.S. Ph.D. Na kg 1st
 Terminal points
Question mark ?
Used for asking or inquiring and for expressing uncertainty
Used to mark the end of:

Directly As part
Direct
quoted of a title
questions
questions of work
When will my “Do you mind if I share your Have you read Do
parcel arrive? post?” asked Marcel. Androids Dream of
Electric Sheep?
Are you already a Jack then asked, “How was the
registered voter? trip?” I have read Twain’s
“Is He Living or Is He
Dead?”
Terminal points
Question mark ?
Proper usage of question marks in direct questions within a sentence
Terminal points
Exclamation point !
Used to indicate emphasis or strong emotion
Used to mark the end of:

As part
Sentences Interjections of a title
of work
Stop annoying Stop! Do not even think about His latest story,
me! doing it. “Don’t make a
sound!”, is
Only authorized Boy! Was I frustrated.
suspenseful.
people are
allowed inside! Her first novel,
Excite!, was a hit.
 02
Pausing
points , ; :
Improper use
Pausing points
Comma ,
There are many different ways to use
comma.

● Indicate a pause
● Separates grammatical components
● Mechanical and stylistic uses

An erroneous comma can make a sentence

mean the exact opposite of what the writer
intended
Pausing points
Comma ,
Mechanical uses

GEOGRAPHIC DEGREES AND DIRECT ADDRESS

REFERENCES CERTIFICATIONS
Use commas to Use a comma when a Use a comma when
separate geographic degree is shown after a directly addressing
elements. person’s name someone.

Example: Example:
Example: Tom Roberts Jr., MD, will We could not have done
The company is be the keynote speaker. it without you, Kim.
headquartered in Jane Meyers, PTRP, Thank you, Leni, for
Sydney, New South has joined the board of your immediate
Wales, Australia. directors. response.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Mechanical uses

NUMBERS DATES

Place a comma after the first Date consisting of the day, the month and the year
digit of a four-digit number. -comma is placed after the day of the month
Exception include years, page The store closed its door for good last June 3, 2008.
numbers, and street addresses. When the day of the week is provided before the month
Example: -comma is placed after the day of the week
She arrived on Monday, May 4, 2020.
They have sold 2,765 necklaces
last month. Date appearing in the middle of a sentence
-comma is placed before and after the year
On page 1246 of the report, his Her arrival on Monday, May 4, 2020, was unexpected.
address is listed as 5255 Ocean NOTE: NO COMMA IS USED BETWEEN THE MONTH
View Drive AND YEAR IF THEY ARE THE ONLY TWO ELEMENTS
Pausing points
Comma ,
Listing comma -comma separates a series of words, phrases, or independent
clauses
-the final comma in the list of items is called Oxford comma
or serial comma
Pausing points
Comma ,
Listing comma
Multiple adjectives that describe or modify the noun

TWO OR MORE ADJECTIVES SEQUENTIAL ADJECTIVES ADJECTIVES OR ADVERBS

INDEPENDENTLY MODIFIES DO NOT INDEPENDENTLY REPEATED FOR EMPHASIS
NOUN MODIFY NOUN
Use commas to separate Adjectives should not be Use commas to separate
adjectives. separated by commas. adjectives or adverbs.

Example: Example: Example:

She received a fragrant, He let go of bright red This was a very, very bold
captivating bouquet. balloon. move.
It was a long, noisy, and She has three furry cats. The situation was really,
nauseating flight. really disturbing.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Setting off nonessential information
-presence or absence of a comma indicates an important function
Pausing points
Comma ,
Setting off nonessential information

APPOSITIVE THAT AND WHICH INTERRUPTING ELEMENTS

Use commas to separate the That - a restrictive pronoun When a nonessential phrases
appositive. and thus do not take a comma occur in the middle of a
Example: Example: sentence, it must be set off
with commas.
Mary Angela, the brother Mike’s cars that are leased are Example:
of Joey, recently moved to never kept clean.
The budget allocation is,
Chicago. Which - a nonrestrictive frankly, not wise.
pronoun and thus require a
My favorite dessert, coffee comma The hotel, once we finally
trifle, is not available. Example: found it, was actually nice.
MIke’s cars, which are leased,
are never kept clean.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Setting off nonessential information

INTRODUCTORY MATTER AFTERTHOUGHTS

When a word or phrase occurs at the When a word or phrase follows the main
beginning of a sentence, a comma should clause at the end of the sentence, it should
usually separate it from the main clause. normally be set off with a comma.

Example: Example:

Yes, we will attend the party. You will participate in the event, won’t you?

To be honest, she does not like it here. Do not romanticize what should not be
romanticized, please.
In my opinion, the book is way better than
the movie adaptation. We will be leaving early, however.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Commas based on sentence structure
Simple sentence - contains only one independent clause
Rule: Do not use comma before a coordinating conjunction
Example:
Are you really hungry or just bored?

She bought the car but not the warranty.

Exception to the rule: If omitting the comma leads to confusion, a comma

may be inserted.
Example:
Their fundraiser was more successful this year than last, and more successful
than expected.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Commas based on sentence structure
Compound sentence - contains two or more independent clauses linked
by a coordinating conjunction.
Rule: Use comma before the coordinating conjunction that joins the clauses
Example:
He lost his job, so they are asking for financial assistance.

She purchased the car, but she declined the extended warranty.
Exception to the rule: When the independent clauses are closely connected
and short, comma may be omitted.
Example:
Eli flew to the conference and Nancy drove.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Commas based on sentence structure
Complex sentence - contains an independent clause and one or more
dependent clauses.
1st Rule: If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause,
separate it with a comma.
Example:
If you are drunk, you must not drive home,
2nd Rule: When a sentence begins with two dependent clauses that both
apply to the subsequent independent clause, insert only a single comma after
the second dependent clause.
Example:
If you know the truth, you are lucky.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Commas based on sentence structure
Complex sentence

3rd Rule: If the independent clause comes before the dependent clause, omit
the comma.
Example:
You should not drive home if you are drunk.
Exception to the 3rd rule: If the dependent clause is not essential to the
meaning of the sentence, it should be set off with a comma.

Example:
I cannot agree with his position on that issue, though I don’t doubt his sincerity.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Commas based on sentence structure
Complex sentence

4th Rule: If the dependent clause occurs in the middle of a sentence, use
commas if it is nonessential; do not use commas if it is essential.
Example:
The guests, who were all close friends of the president, refused to speak about the
events that evening.

The guests who arrived more than an hour late were greeted coolly by the host.
Pausing points
Comma ,
Commas based on sentence structure
Compound-complex sentence - contains two or more independent
clauses and at least one dependent clause.
1st Rule: When a sentence begins with a dependent clause that applies to two
independent clauses that follow, insert a comma after the dependent clause,
but do not insert a comma between the independent clauses.
Example:
If you want this to work, you should pour all your effort to it.
2nd Rule: When a dependent clause occurs between two independent clauses
and applies only to the second, the dependent clause should be set off with
commas.
Example:
The prime minister’s plan seemed quickly and sloppily put together, and when they
saw it, the opposition party immediately attacked it.
 Pausing points
Semicolon ;
The semicolon is sometimes described as stronger than a comma but weaker
than a period.

Between independent clauses when a Between independent clauses linked by

coordinating conjunction is omitted a transitional expression
Semicolon is used between two Semicolon is also used between two
independent clauses when a coordinating independent clauses linked by a transitional
conjunction (e.g., FANBOYS) is omitted. expression. (e.g., accordingly, consequently, for
Example: example, nevertheless, so, thus)
The upperclassmen are permitted Example:
off-campus lunch; the underclassmen Heavy snow continues to fall at the airport;
must remain on campus. consequently, all flights have been grounded.
NOTE: the semicolon could be replaced with a period. Hyperinflation makes it difficult to keep track
The semicolon, however, emphasizes the connection of prices; thus a quart of milk might cost $10
between the two clauses. in the morning and $200 in the afternoon.
Pausing points
Semicolon ;

In lists with internal commas In elliptical constructions

Semicolon acts as a sort of super-comma. When combined with a comma, the semicolon
can be used in elliptical constructions. In this
Example: case, the comma serves as an ellipsis,
The new store will have groceries on the eliminating the need to repeat an understood
lower level; luggage, housewares, and portion of the initial clause.
electronics on the ground floor; men’s and Example:
women’s clothing on the second floor; and
Some people brought food; others, clothing;
books, music, and stationery on the third
yet others, merely a willingness to help.
floor.
In 1992, Starbucks had fewer than 200 stores;
in 2002, almost 20,000.
Pausing points
Semicolon ;
NOTE:
See whether a period would be grammatically correct in its place.

Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed.

Do not use and, or, and but after a semicolon.

Pausing points
Colon :
Grammatical uses

Introducing a list Between independent Emphasis

clauses when the second The colon can be used to
Example:
The bookstore specializes in
explains or illustrates the emphasize a phrase or single
three subjects: art, architecture, first word at the end of a sentence.
and graphic design.
The colon is used to separate Example:
two independent clauses
NOTE: Do not use a colon when After three weeks of
when the second explains or
the listed items are incorporated deliberation, the jury finally
illustrates the first
into the flow of the sentence. reached a verdict: guilty.
Example:
Example: I have very little time to learn Five continents, three
The bookstore specializes in the language: my new job dozen countries, over a
art, architecture, and graphic starts in five weeks. hundred cities: this was the
design. trip of a lifetime.
Pausing points
Colon :
Non-Grammatical uses

Time Ratio References

The colon is used to separate The colon is used to express a The colon is used in references,
hours from minutes, with no ratio of two numbers, with no with no space before or after
space before or after the colon. space before or after the colon. the colon.

Example: Example: Example:

9:13 p.m. 3:1 Genesis 1:31
Correspondence
Punctuation Quarterly 4:12-17
The colon is frequently used
in business and personal
correspondence.
Example:
Dear Ms. Rodriguez
 03
Hyphens
and dashes
Hyphens and dashes
Hyphen -
Mostly used to form a certain compound. It can also be used for word division.

COMPOUND COMPOUND
TERMS NOUNS

COMPOUND COMPOUND
VERBS ADJECTIVES
Hyphens and dashes
Hyphen -

COMPOUND Compound terms are those that consist of more than one word but
represent a single item or idea. They come in three styles.
TERMS
1. Open (or spaced) 2. Closed (or solid) 3. Hyphenated
compounds compounds compounds
-are written as -are written as a -use hyphens
separate words single word between words

Example: Example: Example:

printing press earthworm self-esteem
ice cream popcorn merry-go-round
full moon bedtime cloud-lik
Hyphens and dashes
Hyphen -

COMPOUND is a verb that is made up of multiple words. The compound verb can
take on such forms as: prepositional and phrasal verb.
VERBS
Example:

Noun + verb “sky-dive”

Adjective + verb “double-book”
Verb + verb “freeze-dry”
Hyphens and dashes
Hyphen -

COMPOUND Whether they are hyphenated or not depends on their position within a
sentence. Whether to hyphenate or not is often a matter of style.
ADJECTIVES
1. Two or more words that Example:
collectively act as an
adjective should be Voters are fed up with this
hyphenated when they do-nothing congress.
appear immediately
before the noun they The house comes with a
modify. This helps state-of-the-art security
prevent misreading. system.
Hyphens and dashes
Hyphen -

COMPOUND Whether they are hyphenated or not depends on their position within a
sentence. Whether to hyphenate or not is often a matter of style.
ADJECTIVES
2. The major exception is Example:
when the compound adjective
begins with an adverb ending He followed up with a
in -ly. In that case, since a not-so-poorly-produced
misreading is unlikely, the sequel.
hyphen is unnecessary. If the
-ly adverb is part of a larger
compound adjective, use a
hyphen.
Hyphens and dashes
Hyphen -

COMPOUND Compound nouns are the easiest to deal with. Many compound
nouns start out spaced or hyphenated before eventually becoming
NOUNS solid,

Example:

thirteen-year-old
passer-by
great-grandmother
Hyphens and dashes
Hyphen -
Other uses
1. Compound numbers 3. With prefixes ex-, all-, self-, pro-

Example: Example:

Twenty-eight ex-convict
fifty-three all-star
self-help
2. Fractions pro-choice

Example:

one-quarter
two-fifths
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

The width of an n
– EN DASH
A little longer and wider The width of an m
than hyphen
A little longer and wider
than en dash

EM DASH —
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

1. Span or range of numbers

The en dash is used to represent a span or range of numbers,

dates, or time.

– EN DASH There should be no space between the en dash and the adjacent
material.
Depending on the context, the en dash is read as “to” or
“through.”
Example:
The 2010–2011 season was our best yet.
You will find this material in chapters 8–12.
The professor holds office hours every Wednesday, 11:00
a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

1. Span or range of numbers

NOTE: If you introduce a span or range with words such as from

or between, do not use the en dash.

– EN DASH
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

2. Scores

The en dash is used to report scores or results of contests.

– EN DASH Example:

The president’s nominee was confirmed by the Senate, which

voted 62–38 along party lines.

UCLA beat USC 28–14 in the final game of the regular season.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

3. Conflict or connection

The en dash can also be used between words to represent

conflict, connection, or direction.

– EN DASH Example:

The liberal–conservative debate never ends.

The Perth–Dubai–Boston flight takes more than a day.

There is a north–south railway in the same area as the highway

that runs east–west.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

4. Compound adjectives

When a compound adjective is formed with an element that is

itself an open compound or hyphenated compound, some

– EN DASH writers replace the customary hyphen with an en dash.

Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —
The em dash is perhaps the most versatile punctuation mark. Depending on the context, the
em dash can take the place of commas, parentheses, or colons—in each case to slightly
different effect.
1. Em dashes in place of commas

A pair of em dashes can be used in place of commas to enhance

readability. Note, however, that dashes are always more
empathic than commas.

EM DASH — Example:
And yet, when the car was finally delivered—nearly three months
after it was ordered—she decided she no longer wanted it, leaving
the dealer with an oddly equipped car that would be difficult to
sell.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

2. Em dashes in place of parentheses

A pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses. Dashes
are considered less formal than parentheses; they are also more
intrusive.

EM DASH — HOW TO KNOW WHETHER TO USE EM DASH OR

PARENTHESES?

If you want to draw attention to the parenthetical content, use

dashes.

If you want to include the parenthetical content more subtly, use

parentheses.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

2. Em dashes in place of parentheses

NOTE: When dashes are used in place of parentheses,
surrounding punctuation should be omitted.

EM DASH —
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

3. Em dashes in place of a colon

The em dash can be used in place of a colon when you want to

emphasize the conclusion of your sentence. The dash is less
formal than the colon.

EM DASH — Example:
After months of deliberation, the jurors reached a unanimous
verdict—not guilty.

The white sand, the warm water, the sparkling sun—this is what
brought them to Fiji.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

4. Multiple em dashes
*Two em dashes can be used to indicate missing portions of a
word, whether unknown or intentionally omitted.
Example:
Mr. J—— testified that the defendant yelled, “Die, a——,” before
EM DASH —
pulling the trigger.
*When an entire word is missing, either two or three em dashes
can be used.
Example:
The juvenile defendant, ———, was arraigned yesterday.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

5. Spaces with em dash

The em dash is typically used without spaces on either side. Most

newspapers, however, set the em dash off with a single space on
each side.

EM DASH —
Example:
Most newspapers — and all that follow AP style — insert a space
before and after the em dash.
Hyphens and dashes
Dashes – —

How to type the em dash?

Many word processors will automatically insert an em dash

when you type a pair of hyphens.

Otherwise, look for an “insert symbol” command. If you are

EM DASH — using a typewriter, a pair of hyphens is the closest you can get
to an em dash.
 04
Quotations
Improper use
Quotations
“Quotation Marks”
- are primarily used to indicate material that is being reproduced word for word, as well as
some other important uses.

1. Quotation marks and adjacent punctuation

Commas and All marks other

periods than commas and
periods
Commas and periods that are They are placed outside the
part of the OVERALL SENTENCE quotation marks UNLESS they
go inside the quotation marks are part of the original
EVEN IF they are not part of the quotation.
original quotation
Quotations
“Quotation Marks”

1. Quotation marks and adjacent punctuation

Quotations
“Quotation Marks”

1. Quotation marks and adjacent punctuation

Quotations
“Quotation Marks”
2. Quoting the words of others
Introducing the quoted material

Comma Colon

-the mark most frequently used -the mark most commonly used to introduce a
to introduce quoted material. block quotation.
-used when the text introducing the quoted
material could stand as a sentence on its own.
Example:
Example:
The flight attendant asked, “May I
Michael Pollan summarizes his extensive writing
see your boarding pass?”
about food with seven words of advice: “Eat
food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
Quotations
“Quotation Marks”
2. Quoting the words of others
Introducing the quoted material

Period No punctuation

can be used to introduce a When the quoted material flows directly from your
block quotation when the introductory text, no punctuation should be used
introductory text stands on its before the quotation.
own as a complete sentence. In
such cases, a colon is also
Example:
proper—and sometimes
preferable. The phrase “be that as it may” appears far too
often in this manuscript.
Quotations
“Quotation Marks”
2. Quoting the words of others
Quotes within quotes

When a run-in quotation contains quotation marks within the quoted material itself, use
single quotation marks in their place. When the material being quoted contains a
quotation within a quotation (i.e., something in single quotation marks), use double
quotation marks.

Example:
The author’s final argument is less convincing: “When
Brown writes of ‘interpreting the matter through a
“structuralist” lens,’ he opens himself to the same
criticism he made earlier in his own paper.”
Quotations
“Quotation Marks”
3. Other uses of quotation marks

Writing about
letters and Translations
words

Quotation marks can be used when As an alternative to parentheses,

referring to a specific word or letter. quotation marks can be used to enclose
a translation. In this case, it is necessary
to set the translation off with commas.
Example:
Example:
In the previous sentence, “letter” was
His knowledge of Portuguese is limited
properly spelled with two “t”s.
to obrigado, “thank you,” and adeus,
“goodbye.”
Quotations
“Quotation Marks”
3. Other uses of quotation marks

Scare quotes Nicknames

also known as sneer quotes are when inserted in the middle of a

used to cast doubt on a word or person’s actual name, a nickname
phrase, or to emphasize that the should appear in quotation marks.
word or phrase is being used as a
euphemism.
Example:
Henry M. “Hank” Paulson Jr.
Example: He rarely spoke of the
“incident” that caused him to leave
his previous employer.
Greg “The Shark” Norman
Quotations
Ellipses. . .
-a set of three periods ( . . . ) indicating an omission. Each period should have a single space
on either side, except when adjacent to a quotation mark, in which case there should be no
space.
1. Informal writing

Trailing off of Indicate

thought hesitation

Example: Example:

If only she had . . . Oh, it doesn’t I wasn’t really . . . well, what I

matter now. mean . . . see, the thing is . . . I
didn’t mean it.
Quotations
Ellipses. . .
2. Quoted material

In the middle End of a

of a sentence sentence

When a quotation is included within a larger Sentence-terminating period may be placed

sentence, do not use ellipsis points at the immediately after the last word of the
beginning or end of the quoted material, quotation, even though a period does not occur
even if the beginning or end of the original there in the original material.
sentence has been omitted.

Example: Example:

When Thoreau argues that by simplifying one’s Thoreau argues that by simplifying one’s life,
life, “the laws of the universe will appear less “the laws of the universe will appear less
complex,” he introduces an idea explored at complex. . . .”
length in his subsequent writings.
Quotations
Ellipses. . .
2. Quoted material

Single-sentence Multiple
omissions sentence
omissions
Use ellipsis points to show omission within When quoted material is presented as multiple
the quotation. Omit any punctuation on sentences, four dots should be used for
either side of the ellipsis, unless the omissions between two or more original
punctuation is necessary to make the sentences;
shortened quotation grammatically correct.

Example: Example:

“I learned this . . . : that if one advances Thoreau notes: “I learned . . . that if one
confidently in the direction of his dreams, . . . he advances confidently in the direction of his
will meet with a success unexpected in common dreams, . . . he will meet with . . . success. . . .”
hours.”
Quotations
[Brackets]
Brackets allow the insertion of editorial material inside quotations.

1. Clarification
If the original material includes a noun or pronoun that is unclear, brackets can be
used for clarification.

Example: The president stated that he “will not sign the bill they [Republican
members of the House] have been talking about.”
2. Translation
If a quotation includes a foreign word or phrase that might not be understood,
provide a translation in brackets.

Example: Smith writes in his autobiography: “I seldom spoke in French class. When
I did, I usually just said je ne sais pas [I don’t know].”
3. Emphasis
If you use italics to emphasize a portion of the quotation, indicate the change in brackets.
Example: She said she would consider “a very short extension of the deadline, but
only under the most extraordinary circumstances [emphasis added].”
Quotations
[Brackets]
4. In
Indicating changeit in
most contexts, capitalization
is acceptable to silently change the first letter of quoted material
from uppercase to lowercase, or vice versa. In certain contexts, such changes must
be indicated with brackets.

Example: Under the terms of his employment contract, his “[p]erformance-based

stock options shall not vest until December 31, 2025.

5. Indicating errors
The Latin term sic, meaning “so” or “thus,” is used to indicate an error or confirm an
unusual usage in the original material. Without the sic, a reader might wonder if the
error was made by the writer offering the quotation. Note that sic, as a foreign term,
should be italicized, but the brackets containing it should not.

Example: The final report indicated that “pilot error ways [sic] the most likely cause
of the crash.”
Quotations
[Brackets]
6. Censoring objectionable
If the original content
material contains language you deem inappropriate for your audience,
brackets can be used to remove it.

Example: He told them to “sit the [expletive] down.”

7. Parenthetical within parenthetical

In the rare event that parentheses are required within parentheses, use brackets
instead. This is one of the few uses of brackets outside of quotations.
 05
Other
punctuations
Other punctuations
(Parentheses)
Parentheses (always used in pairs) allow a writer to provide additional information. The
parenthetical material might be a single word, a fragment, or multiple complete sentences.
1.Placement of other punctuation
When a parenthetical sentence stands on its own, punctuation is placed inside.
Example. The idea that theoretical physics can be taught without reference to
complex mathematics is patently absurd. (But don’t tell that to the publishers
of such mathematics-free books—or the people who buy them.)

When a parenthetical content occurs at the end of a sentence, punctuation is

placed outside.
Example. After three weeks on set, the cast was fed up with his direction (or,
rather, lack of direction).
Other punctuations
(Parentheses)

1.Placement of other punctuation

When parenthetical content occurs in the middle of a larger sentence, the surrounding
punctuation should be placed outside.
Example. We verified his law degree (Yale, class of 2002), but his work history
remains unconfirmed.

When a complete sentence occurs in parentheses in the middle of a larger

sentence, it should neither be capitalized nor end with a period—though a
question mark or exclamation point is acceptable.
Example. We verified his law degree (none of us thought he was lying about
that) but not his billion-dollar verdict against Exxon (how gullible did he think
we were?).
Other punctuations
(Parentheses)
2. Specialized uses

Numbered or lettered lists should use a pair of parentheses to enclose the numbers or
letters.
Example. Please submit the following four items with your application: (1) a
cover letter, (2) a resume, (3) a college transcript, and (4) a list of professional
references.

Time zones are usually enclosed in parentheses following the time.

Example. The conference call will be held at 9:00 a.m. (EST).

Area codes are sometimes enclosed in parentheses.

Example. If you have any questions, please call me at (212) 555-7875.
Other punctuations
(Parentheses)
2. Specialized uses

Short translations in unquoted text can be placed in parentheses. (Use brackets for
translations in quoted text.)
Example. His knowledge of Portuguese is limited to obrigado (thank you) and
adeus (goodbye).

In some writing, a person’s year of birth and year of death are provided in
parentheses when the person is first mentioned. If there is uncertainty about the
year, a question mark should follow it. Note that an en dash, rather than hyphen, is
used between the years.
Example. Guido Cavalcanti (1255?–1300) had a profound influence on the
writings of Dante.
Other punctuations
(Parentheses)
3. Abbreviations and acronyms

On the first use of an abbreviation or acronym that might not be understood by your
readers, the full term can be provided in parentheses.
Example. John Smith has been appointed CKO (chief knowledge officer) of
the merged company.

In reverse, an acronym or abbreviation can be provided in parentheses upon its

first use, and then used in place of the full term in the remainder of the
document.

Example: In conducting the study, researchers relied on positron emission

tomography (PET) and, to a lesser extent, functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI).
Other punctuations
Apostrophe’

1.Contractions 2. Possessive

The employer’s fired. The employer’s opinion.

contraction of “employer is” whose opinion? The employer’s

Considered an informal Singular noun - add apostrophe and s,

writing whether it end in s or not

Other example: Example: Jesus’s Texas’s child’s

Let’s - let us Plural noun- add apostrophe and s

when it does not end with s, add
They’re - they are apostrophe only when it ends with s

Example: girl’s girls’ xerox’s

Other punctuations
Apostrophe’

3. Plurals
The apostrophe is seldom used to form a plural noun.

Example: Since the 1980s, the Thomases, both of whom have multiple PhDs, have
sold old books and magazines at the fair on Saturdays and Sundays.

Exceptions: when certain abbreviations, letters, or words are used as nouns, .

Unless the apostrophe is needed to avoid misreading or confusion, omit it.

Example:

He received four A’s and two B’s.

Do we have more yes’s than no’s?

Other punctuations
Slash/
The slash ( / ), also known as the virgule, has several uses, most of which should be avoided in
formal writing. Never use a backslash ( \ ) in place of a slash.
1.Poetry
The one inarguably acceptable use of the slash in formal writing pertains to poetry.
The slash, with one space on either side, indicates a line break.
Example. In choosing your path in life, you might consider the words of Robert Frost, in
his poem “The Road Not Taken”: “I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made
all the difference.”
2. Meaning per
The slash sometimes serves as shorthand for per.
Example.

An Php 800/week salary.

A top speed of 250 km/h.

Other punctuations
Slash/
3. Meaning and
The slash sometimes serves as shorthand for and.
Example: He is enrolling in the JD/MBA program at Harvard.

4. Meaning or
The slash sometimes serves as shorthand for or.
Example: Each guest must present his/her ticket prior to entry.

5. In place of the Latin preposition cum

The Latin preposition cum means “combined with,” “also used as,” or “along with
being.” The slash is sometimes used to convey the same meaning.

Example: He worked in his office/dining room.

Other punctuations
Slash/
6. Abbreviations
Certain abbreviations are formed with a slash.
Example: c/o (care of) w/ (with)

7. Fractions
The slash is used to separate the numerator from the denominator in fractions.
Example: ¾ ½

8. Conflict or connection
The slash is sometimes used to represent a conflict or connection between two things.
Example: The Paris/London train leaves in an hour.
This perfectly illustrates the nature/nurture debate.
9. Two-year span
The slash is sometimes used to indicate something spanning two years.
Example: Everyone is still talking about the 1995/96 winter windstorm.
Other punctuations
<Angle brackets>
In ordinary writing, angle brackets < > are rarely used.

Example:

In the early days of the internet, angle brackets were sometimes used to enclose an
email or web address.

This was thought to avoid confusion about whether certain punctuation marks
belonged to the address or to the surrounding sentence.

For a thorough guide to punctuation, please visit my website:

<www.thepunctuationguide.com>.
Other punctuations
{Braces}
Braces { }, also known as curly brackets, are used in various programing languages,
certain mathematical expressions, and some musical notation.

They should never be used in place of parentheses ( ) or square brackets [ ].

Example:

{red, blue, yellow, white}

{2, 4, 6, 8, 10}
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Punctuation 03
Hyphens and dashes

Guide
Terminal points
01
Quotations
04

Pausing points
02
Other punctuations
05