We often underestimate the power of punctuation. In English, the meaning of a sentence can totally change with different punctuation! Let’s review our punctuation in English.
A Video Summary About Punctuation in English
What is punctuation in English and why is it so important?
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
A Video Summary About Punctuation in English
What is punctuation in English and why is it so important?
Punctuation consists of a set of symbols, which we use in our writing. The symbols allow us to convey certain meanings and make our text flow smoothly.
Punctuation also provides additional information about a text, such as telling us when what we are reading is a direct quote from someone else.
Punctuation is not only important for our written English, but also for our spoken English. It also helps us know when to pause and separate ideas during a presentation, for example
Here is a list of the NINE most common punctuation symbols,
1. Comma (,)
To pause before proceeding
To add a phrase that does not contain any new subject
To separate items on a list
To use more than one adjective
2. Full stop (.)
To indicate the end of a sentence
Also used to indicate the abbreviation of commonly used words
3. CAPITAL LETTER
Used at the beginning of each sentence and paragraph, after a full stop
Used for proper nouns
Used in titles
4. Quotation mark (“)
To mark out dialogue in a written text
To quote someone else’s speech
5. Exclamation mark(!)
To indicate strong feeling within a sentence, such as fear, anger or love.
Should only be used when absolutely essential.
6. Question mark (?)
To indicate that a sentence is asking a question. It always comes at the end of a sentence. They always serve as a full stop
7. Semi-colon (;)
To join two connected sentences
To assemble detailed lists( instead of a comma)
8. Colon (:)
Used to list things
Used within a heading, or descriptive title.
9. Apostrophe (‘)
To indicate possession or ownership.
To indicate where a letter is omitted.
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Exercises about Punctuation
Exercise 1 Match the punctuation symbols to how they are used. (Do this a matching activity with the moving squares)
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Exercise 2 All the following sentences are missing COMMAS. Add a comma where you think it is appropriate. Remember a sentence may need more than one comma.
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Exercise 3 Look at the punctuation used in the following sentences and decide if the sentences are CORRECT or INCORRECT.
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