VWO 6 Punctuation

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Punctuation

While writing in English, it is important that you use punctuation correctly. Therefore, in preparation for your writing test, we are going to discuss the following types of punctuation:

- full stop (.)

- comma (,)

- colon (:)

- semicolon (;)

- apostrophe (') 

- exclamation mark (!)

- question mark (?) 

Punctuation - full stop

A full stop (.) marks the end of a sentence. A full stop is always followed by a capital letter. 

Example

Louis went to the shop. He bought some sweets. 

Punctuation - comma

A comma (,) is used:

• to seperate independent clauses before a linking word (and, but, so, yet, etc) 
  He walked down the street, and then he turned the corner.
  You can go shopping with me, or you can go to a movie alone.
• after formal linking words 
  However, there is no reason to believe this statement. 
  In addition, he managed to escape prison after having been there for three years. 
• when listing items
  We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today.
  before and after essential relative clauses 

Punctuation - comma

A comma (,) is used:

• before and after essential relative clauses 
   Steven Strom, whose show you like, will host a party next week. 
   John, who spent the last three days fishing, is back on the job again.
• before and after clauses that give additional information
  Alexander Pope, the Restoration poet, is famous for his monologues. 
• in dates, addresses, titles and numbers 
  On December 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull.
  John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940.
  Sandra Belinsky, MD, has been appointed to the board.
  3,500 - 100,000 - 6,000,000

Punctuation - colon

A colon (:) is used to announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation:

• We covered many of the fundamentals in our writing class: grammar, punctuation, style, and voice.
  
• My roommate gave me the things I needed most: companionship and quiet.
  
• Shakespeare said it best: “To thine own self be true.”
  
• Many graduate students discover that there is a dark side to academia: late nights, high stress, and a crippling addiction to caffeinated beverages.

Punctuation - semicolon

A semicolon (;) is used to join two sentences, especially in front of a formal linking word:

• I went to the grocery store today; I bought a ton of fruit; apples, grapes, and pears were all on sale.
  
• She said that she was ill; therefore, she wouldn't be at his party. 
•  I have a big test tomorrow; nevertheless, I would love to go out tonight.

Punctuation - apostrophe

An apostrophe (') is used to indicate possession. It is never used to indicate a plural form! 

• This is Jessica's brother.
• We went to the baker's in London.
• My sisters' bikes are bigger than mine. 

Punctuation - exclamation mark

An exclamation mark (!) is used to express a strong emotion. This is usually not present in formal pieces of writing (such as your essay): 

• “Stop!” he yelled. “You've got two flat tires!”
  
• “I've had it with your lies!”
  
• “Get off my lawn!”

Punctuation - question mark

A question mark (?) is used at the end of a question. 

• Who cares?
  
• Isn't it a beautiful day?
  
• Are you kidding me?

Punctuation - practise

The comma is misused or forgotten most often. 

Therefore, please do the following assignment in which you have to insert the commas in the correct places. 

Re-type the sentences, using commas

where necessary.

Are you attending my graduation or are you visiting your aunt in Chicago?

Marty ate four pancakes two eggs and a bowl of grapes.

The movie although Susan enjoyed it immensely left her in tears.

Simon Blake a well-known lawyer may run for governor.

If you ever need a hand Judy just let me know.

“I’ll eat the eggs” said Jane “if you’ll eat the bacon.”

The winner of the contest will receive $1000000. (een miljoen!)

Although the sky was cloudy no rain was in the forecast.

However other arguments are also possible.

THE END!

Questions?