End Punctuations (.?!

)
1. Period (.)
Use a period to end a declarative sentence (a statement).

Example: I love reading books.

Use a period to end an imperative sentence (a command or request).
Example: Close the door.
Use periods in abbreviations.
Example: Dr., Mr., Ph.D.

2. Question Mark (?)

Use a question mark to end an interrogative sentence (a question).

Example: What is your favorite book?

3. Exclamation Mark (!)

Use an exclamation mark to end an exclamatory sentence (a statement that
expresses strong emotions).

Example: I'm so excited for the party!

Use an exclamation mark to indicate strong emphasis or importance.
Example: Warning: be careful!

Comma (,)
1. Separating items in a list: Use commas to separate items in a list of three or
more things.

Example: I like apples, bananas, and oranges.

2. Separating clauses: Use commas to separate independent clauses joined by

conjunctions.
Example: I went to the store, and I bought some milk.

3. Setting off nonessential clauses: Use commas to set off nonessential clauses
or phrases.

Example: The book, which is on the bestseller list, is really interesting.

4. Setting off appositives: Use commas to set off appositives, which are nouns or
phrases that rename or explain another noun.

Example: My brother, John, is a doctor.

5. After introductory phrases: Use commas after introductory phrases or words

that begin a sentence.

Example: After breakfast, I went for a walk.

6. Direct address: Use commas to set off direct address, where someone is being
directly spoken to.

Example: John, can you pass the salt?

7. Separating adjectives: Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that

modify the same noun.

Example: The big, red car is mine.

8. Setting off quotations: Use commas to set off direct quotations and indicate
the speaker.

Example: "I'm going to the store," she said.

9. Indicating pauses: Use commas to indicate pauses or changes in thought.

Example: Let's eat, Grandma.

10. Separating dates and addresses: Use commas to separate dates, addresses,
and other similar information.

Example: July 4, 1776, is Independence Day.

11. Setting off parenthetical phrases: Use commas to set off parenthetical
phrases or words that provide additional information.

Example: I'm going to the store, by the way, to buy some milk.

12. Clarifying meaning: Use commas to clarify meaning and avoid ambiguity.

Example: To clarify, the meeting is at 2 PM.

13. Separating numbers: Use commas to separate numbers in the thousands,

millions, or billions.

Example: 1,000, 1,000,000.

14. In letter writing: Use commas after the salutation in informal letters.

Example: Dear John,

15. Setting off contrasting phrases: Use commas to set off contrasting phrases
or words.

Example: I wanted to go to the beach, not the park.

16. Before conjunctions in complex sentences: Use commas before

conjunctions in complex sentences.

Example: I went to the store because I needed milk, and I also bought eggs.

17. After conjunctive adverbs: Use commas after conjunctive adverbs like
however, therefore, and thus.

Example: I wanted to go; however, I couldn't.

18. In a series of phrases: Use commas to separate a series of phrases.

Example: I love reading books, writing stories, and learning new things.

19. To set off a title or degree: Use commas to set off a title or degree after a
person's name.

Example: John Smith, MD, is a doctor.

20. To indicate a speaker change: Use commas to indicate a speaker change in

dialogue.

Example: "I'm going," she said, "and I won't be back."

21. With dates: Use commas to separate the day, month, and year in dates.

Example: July 4, 1776.

22. With addresses: Use commas to separate the street address, city, and state.

Example: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA.

23. To separate clauses with different subjects: Use commas to separate

clauses with different subjects.

Example: I went to the store, and my friend bought milk.

24. To set off nonessential participial phrases: Use commas to set off
nonessential participial phrases.

Example: Walking down the street, I saw my friend.

25. To set off tag questions: Use commas to set off tag questions.

Example: You're going to the store, aren't you?

 Semicolon (;)
1. Separating closely related independent clauses: Use semicolons to
separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning.

Example: I have a big test tomorrow; I'm studying all night.

2. Connecting independent clauses without conjunctions: Use semicolons to

connect two independent clauses without using a conjunction.

Example: I love reading books; my favorite author is J.K. Rowling.

3. Before a conjunctive adverb: Use semicolons before conjunctive adverbs like

however, therefore, and thus.

Example: I wanted to go; however, I couldn't afford it.

4. Separating items in a list with internal punctuation: Use semicolons to

separate items in a list when those items already contain commas.

Example: I've visited many cities; Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain.

5. To separate clauses with different subjects: Use semicolons to separate

clauses with different subjects that are closely related.

Example: I went to the store; my friend bought milk.

6. To indicate a stronger break: Use semicolons to indicate a stronger break

between clauses than a comma would.
Example: I have a lot of work to do; I won't be able to attend the party.

7. In complex lists: Use semicolons to separate items in complex lists where items
already contain commas.

Example: The conference featured many speakers; John Smith, CEO; Jane Doe,
author; and Bob Johnson, scientist.

8. To clarify meaning: Use semicolons to clarify meaning and avoid ambiguity in

sentences.

Example: I invited my parents, J.K. Rowling, and the Queen; they were unable to
attend.

9. To separate clauses with a twist: Use semicolons to separate clauses that

have a twist or surprise.
Example: I love my job; however, the long hours are taking a toll.

10. To indicate a pause: Use semicolons to indicate a pause or a break in thought.

Example: I need to finish this project; let's discuss it further tomorrow.

11. In formal writing: Use semicolons in formal writing to separate complex

clauses.

Example: The company's mission is to provide excellent service; to innovate and

improve products.

12. To separate clauses with a causal relationship: Use semicolons to separate

clauses with a causal relationship.

Example: I'm tired; I stayed up all night studying.

13. To separate clauses with a contrasting idea: Use semicolons to separate

clauses with contrasting ideas.

Example: I love summer; however, I hate the heat.

14. To separate clauses with a sequential relationship: Use semicolons to
separate clauses with a sequential relationship.

Example: I finished my homework; then I watched TV.

15. To separate clauses with a correlative relationship: Use semicolons to

separate clauses with a correlative relationship.

Example: As the price increases; the demand decreases.

16. To separate clauses with a conditional relationship: Use semicolons to

separate clauses with a conditional relationship.

Example: If I don't finish my project; I'll be fired.

17. In academic writing: Use semicolons to separate complex clauses in academic

writing.

Example: The study found a significant correlation; the results supported the
hypothesis.

18. To add variety: Use semicolons to add variety to your writing and avoid
repetitive sentence structures.

Example: I love reading; my favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird.

19. To separate clauses with a concluding idea: Use semicolons to separate

clauses with a concluding idea.

Example: I've traveled to many countries; in conclusion, I've learned a lot.

20. To separate clauses with a summarizing idea: Use semicolons to separate

clauses with a summarizing idea.

Example: I've studied many subjects; overall, I'm well-rounded.

 Colon (:)

1. Introducing a list: Use a colon to introduce a list of items.

Example: I have three favorite foods: pizza, sushi, and tacos.

2. Introducing a quotation: Use a colon to introduce a quotation.

Example: The CEO said: "We're excited about the new product launch."

3. Introducing an explanation: Use a colon to introduce an explanation or

elaboration.
Example: There's one thing to remember: practice makes perfect.

4. In ratios and proportions: Use a colon to indicate ratios and proportions.

Example: The recipe calls for a 2:1 ratio of flour to sugar.

5. In time: Use a colon to separate hours and minutes in time.

Example: The meeting starts at 2:00 PM.

6. In subtitles: Use a colon to separate titles and subtitles.

Example: "The Great Gatsby: A Novel"

7. To introduce a clarification: Use a colon to introduce a clarification or further

explanation.
Example: I have one goal: to finish the project on time.

8. Introducing a definition: Use a colon to introduce a definition or explanation of a

term.
Example: AI: Artificial Intelligence.

9. In formal writing: Use colons in formal writing to introduce lists or explanations.

Example: The company's mission is: to provide excellent customer service.

10. To introduce a list of benefits: Use a colon to introduce a list of benefits or

advantages.
Example: The new product offers several benefits: increased efficiency, reduced
costs.
11. To introduce a quote or phrase: Use a colon to introduce a quote or phrase that
elaborates on the preceding clause.
Example: The company's motto is: "Innovate, Create, and Inspire."

12. In bibliographies: Use colons to separate titles and publication information in

bibliographies.
Example: Smith, John. The History of Science: A Comprehensive Guide.

13. To introduce an example: Use a colon to introduce an example or illustration.

Example: Here's an example: a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction.

14. To separate titles and names: Use a colon to separate titles and names in formal
or business correspondence.
Example: Dear Mr. Smith:

15. In business writing: Use colons in business writing to introduce lists or

explanations.
Example: Our company values are: innovation, teamwork, and customer
satisfaction.

Quotation Mark (“”)

1. Direct quotes: Use quotation marks to set off direct quotes.
Example: "I love reading books," she said.

2. Titles of short works: Use quotation marks to title short works like poems, short
stories, or articles.
Example: "The Road Not Taken" is a famous poem.

3. Dialogue: Use quotation marks to set off dialogue in fiction writing.

Example: "Hello, how are you?" she asked.

4. Quote within a quote: Use single quotation marks to set off a quote within a
quote.
Example: The teacher said, "The student said, 'I don't understand the lesson.'"
5. Special or technical terms: Use quotation marks to highlight special or technical
terms.
Example: The term "artificial intelligence" refers to machines that can think.

6. Sarcasm or irony: Use quotation marks to indicate sarcasm or irony.

Example: The "great" weather ruined our plans.

7.1 Quote placement: Place commas and periods inside quotation marks.
Example: "I'm going to the store," she said.

7.2 Other punctuation: Place other punctuation marks (like colons, semicolons, and
question marks) inside quotation marks if they're part of the quote and if not, place
them outside.
Example: She asked, "What's your name?"
Example: Did she say, “What's your name”?

8. Short passages: Use quotation marks to enclose short passages being quoted.
Example: “Be as you wish to seem”
—Socrates

Apostrophe (’)
1. Possessive nouns: Use an apostrophe to show possession with singular nouns.
Example: The cat's toy.

2. Plural nouns: Use an apostrophe after the "s" to show possession with plural
nouns that end in "s".
Example: The students' books.

3. Irregular plural nouns: Use an apostrophe and "s" to show possession with
irregular plural nouns that don't end in "s".
Example: The children's playground.

4. Singular nouns ending in "s": Use an apostrophe and "s" to show possession with
singular nouns that end in "s".
Example: Charles's car.
5. Joint possession: Use an apostrophe and "s" after the last noun to show joint
possession.
Example: John and Mary's house.

6. Contractions: Use an apostrophe to form contractions.

Example: don't (do not), won't (will not).

7. Plural forms of letters and numbers: Use an apostrophe to form the plural of
letters and numbers.
Example: Mind your p's and q's.

Hyphen (-)

1. Compound adjectives: Use a hyphen to join two or more words that work together
as a compound adjective before a noun.
Example: well-known author, self-made millionaire.

2. Compound numbers: Use a hyphen to join compound numbers between 21 and

99.
Example: twenty-one, forty-five.

3. Prefixes: Use a hyphen with certain prefixes like self-, all-, ex-.
Example: self-portrait, ex-husband.

4. Avoiding confusion: Use a hyphen to avoid confusion between words.

Example: re-cover (to cover again) vs. recover (to get better).

5. Line breaks: Use a hyphen to divide a word at the end of a line.

Example: un-necessary.

6. Compound words: Use a hyphen in certain compound words.

Example: merry-go-round.

7. Age: Hyphenate ages when they're used as compound adjectives before a noun.
Example: a five-year-old child.
8. Fractions: Hyphenate fractions when they're used as compound adjectives before
a noun.
Example: a three-quarter share.

En-Dash (–)
1. Ranges of numbers
Use an en dash to indicate a range of numbers, dates, or times.
- Example: Monday–Friday (days of the week), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (time range), pages
10–20 (page range).

2. Connections or relationships
Use an en dash to indicate a connection or relationship between two things.
- Example: The London–Paris train (train route between two cities), the teacher–
student relationship (relationship between two groups).

3. Scores or versus
Use an en dash to indicate scores or versus in sports or competitions.
- Example: The final score was 5–3 (score in a game), Federer–Nadal (versus in a
match).

4. Directions or relationships
Use an en dash to indicate directions or relationships between two things.
- Example: The north–south highway (directional relationship), the parent–child
bond (relationship between two groups).

5. Dates or periods
Use an en dash to indicate a range of dates or a period of time.
- Example: The years 2010–2015 (range of years), the 18th–19th centuries (range of
centuries).

6. Contrasting ideas
Use an en dash to indicate a contrast or a distinction between two ideas or
concepts.
- Example: The difference between public–private partnerships (contrast between
two concepts), the boundary between work–life balance (distinction between two
areas).
 Em Dash (—)
1. Pause or break in thought: Use an em dash to indicate a pause or break in
thought.
Example: I was going to the store—but I forgot my wallet.

2. Emphasis: Use an em dash to add emphasis or draw attention to a particular

point.
Example: There's only one thing to say—thank you.

3. Parenthetical remarks: Use em dashes to set off parenthetical remarks or

additional information.
Example: The manager—the one with the red tie—is very friendly.

4. Abrupt change in thought: Use an em dash to indicate an abrupt change in

thought or tone.
Example: I was going to go to the party—but then I realized I wasn't invited.

5. To set off a list: Use an em dash to set off a list or a series of items.
Example: There are three things I need to do today—finish my project, call my
mom, and go to the gym.

6. To indicate a range of thought: Use an em dash to indicate a range of thought or

a spectrum of ideas.
Example: The company's mission—innovation, creativity, and excellence—guides
our decision-making.

7. To create a dramatic effect: Use an em dash to create a dramatic effect or add

surprise.
Example: And then it happened—the power went out.

8. To indicate an interruption: Use an em dash to indicate an interruption or a

sudden change.
Example: I was about to say something—but then I saw her face.

9. To add a commentary: Use an em dash to add a commentary or a remark.

Example: I'm not sure what to do—and I don't think anyone else does either.
10. To indicate a range: Use an em dash to indicate a range or a span.
Example: Monday—Friday, 9am—5pm.