Punctuation

Front

What is punctuation?

Back

Punctuation refers to the marks used in writing that help clarify meaning and separate linguistic units. Common punctuation marks include periods, commas, question marks, and exclamation points.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, and to set off clauses or phrases.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

What is an apostrophe used for?

Back

An apostrophe is used to indicate possession (e.g., 'the dog's leash') or to form contractions (e.g., 'don't' for 'do not').

Front

What is the difference between 'its' and 'it's'?

Back

'Its' is a possessive pronoun meaning 'belonging to it,' while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.

Front

What is a colon used for?

Back

A colon is used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation that follows an independent clause.

Front

How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is punctuated with a comma before the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connects the two independent clauses.

Front

What is a quotation mark used for?

Back

Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech, quotations, or titles of short works.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

In a list, commas are used to separate items, and a comma is typically placed before the conjunction (and, or) in the last item (Oxford comma).

Front

What is the function of parentheses?

Back

Parentheses are used to enclose additional information or clarifications that are not essential to the main point.