Punctuation Rules
Question Marks are put at the end of a question. A question is a type of sentence that asks
or requests something.
Why do lions hunt in packs
Should I take an umbrella outside?
An exclamation mark is a sentence that expresses strong feeling or objection. You can spot exclamations by noting the presence of words like shout, scream, and yell. In general, if the sentence is meant to convey some kind of emotion, it is an exclamation.
Exclamation sentences are followed by exclamation marks.
Periods are used at the end of sentences that are not exclamations or questions. They are used at the end of declarative sentences. Declarative sentences are simple statements.
Sometimes, periods may be used at the end of simple commands. If the command does not express strong emotion, you should place a period at the end of it.
If the command has strong emotion to it, see exclamation marks above.
Commas
1. Commas separate two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
3. Commas set off nonessential clauses and phrases following a specific noun (a proper name of particular person, place, or thing).
6. Commas separate parts of dates and addresses.
7. Commas mark interrupters and enclose parenthetical expressions
8. Commas mark the omission of words.
9. Commas set off "yes" and "no," tag questions, words of direct address, and mild interjections.
Quotation Marks
1. Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks, even inside single quotes.
2. The placement of question marks with quotes depends on the sentence. If a
question is in quotation marks, the question mark should be placed inside the
quote.
--NOTE: Only one ending punctuation mark is used with quotation marks. Also,
the stronger punctuation mark wins. Therefore, no period after "today" is used.
3. When you have a question outside AND inside a quote, use only one question mark and place it inside the quotation mark.
*Did your brother just ask, "When is dinner?"
4. Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes. Note that the period goes
inside all quote marks.
*Cathy replied, "I think he said, 'We will be at school tomorrow."
5. Use quotation marks to set off a direct quotation, not an indirect one.
6. Use quotation marks around titles of poems, short stories, and songs:
or requests something.
Why do lions hunt in packs
Should I take an umbrella outside?
An exclamation mark is a sentence that expresses strong feeling or objection. You can spot exclamations by noting the presence of words like shout, scream, and yell. In general, if the sentence is meant to convey some kind of emotion, it is an exclamation.
Exclamation sentences are followed by exclamation marks.
- What a beautiful day it is!
- We won the game!
- Run to the mill, and tell them it is on fire!
- Go get your dog before he runs in the street!
Periods are used at the end of sentences that are not exclamations or questions. They are used at the end of declarative sentences. Declarative sentences are simple statements.
- There is a spider in the bathtub.
- Helen went outside to take a walk.
Sometimes, periods may be used at the end of simple commands. If the command does not express strong emotion, you should place a period at the end of it.
If the command has strong emotion to it, see exclamation marks above.
- Please fetch me a glass of water.
- Get the scissors from the cabinet
Commas
1. Commas separate two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
- I like to eat sandwiches, and I also like to drink juice.
- When I cross the street, I hold my mother's hand.
3. Commas set off nonessential clauses and phrases following a specific noun (a proper name of particular person, place, or thing).
- Roger Martin, who works at the grocery store, is my neighbor.
- Aunt Suzie sells dolls, toys, and jewelry in the town square.
- My smart, nice teacher gives my class important information.
6. Commas separate parts of dates and addresses.
- My dad was born on April 15, 1978, in Austin, Texas.
7. Commas mark interrupters and enclose parenthetical expressions
- She told me, however, that my joke was funny.
8. Commas mark the omission of words.
- For my mother I bought flowers, and for my father, a tie.
9. Commas set off "yes" and "no," tag questions, words of direct address, and mild interjections.
- Yes, I will help you clean your house.
- I am your friend, right?
- Sir, thank you for your time.
- Well, here we go!
Quotation Marks
1. Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks, even inside single quotes.
- After Dad said, "I do not drink coffee," he went to the kitchen to get a soda.
- My sister told me, "You said, 'I will be home soon.'"
2. The placement of question marks with quotes depends on the sentence. If a
question is in quotation marks, the question mark should be placed inside the
quote.
- He asked, "Why do I have to go to the dentist?"
- Should I tell him, "You look nice today"?
--NOTE: Only one ending punctuation mark is used with quotation marks. Also,
the stronger punctuation mark wins. Therefore, no period after "today" is used.
3. When you have a question outside AND inside a quote, use only one question mark and place it inside the quotation mark.
*Did your brother just ask, "When is dinner?"
4. Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes. Note that the period goes
inside all quote marks.
*Cathy replied, "I think he said, 'We will be at school tomorrow."
5. Use quotation marks to set off a direct quotation, not an indirect one.
- "Please tell me the truth," Ashton said. He said that he needs me to tell him the truth.
6. Use quotation marks around titles of poems, short stories, and songs:
- Dennis read Gil Harper's story "The Minuteman."
- Robert Lowell wrote the poem "Skunk Hour" for Elizabeth Bishop.
- Brittany hates the song "Cry Me a River."