English Grammar | Basics of Punctuation
What is English Grammar?
English grammar is the way in which words are put together to form sentences. Punctuation can be understood as way for people to read simple sentences. When you begin to understand punctuation correctly, you will be able to understand the flow of the English language. You will also be able to develop your reading comprehension and improve your spoken English.
If you are a language learner who has begun to learn English, you may have noticed how some of the rules of English are different from your native language. An important part of learning English is understanding how to use punctuation correctly.
As you continue to Learn English, you will begin to understand the relationship between punctuation and English Grammar.
Let us look at some of the most common punctuation marks that you will come across during your English language learning journey.
The Comma ( , )
The comma is a type of punctuation mark that shows a pause between parts of a sentence. It is also used for separating items in a list.
For example, in the following sentence the phrase between the commas gives us more information about the actions of the dog:
“The dog, who knew someone was arriving, ran quickly towards the door.”
Commas are also used to separate items in a list
For example: ‘The washing machine was filled with all kinds of clothes including shirts, pants, jeans, skirts, socks, and underwear”
Commas are used to separate adjectives
For example: “The man was happy, excited, and eager to see his girlfriend after such a long time.”
Commas always represent a pause. It is a good idea to practice while reading out loud so you can make the pauses a natural part of your speech. This will help you understand how English grammar works and improve the flow of your spoken English.
The Full Stop ( . )
A full stop is always used to end a sentence. This type of punctuation mark indicates that a point has been made.
A full stop can also be used to indicate abbreviations of commonly used words.
Some examples include:
January – Jan.
Doctor – Dr.
Post Office – PO.
Corporation – Corp.
The Exclamation Mark ( ! )
An exclamation mark is used to indicate a strong feeling in a sentence. Examples of this include excitement, happiness, and love.
For example: “Please, help me!”
It can also be used to communicate commanding instructions
For example: “Stop what you are doing right now!”
If you use an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence, you do not need to use a full stop.
If you are learning English, be mindful about how you use exclamation marks when you practice your writing. They should be avoided as much as possible in formal writing.
The Question Mark ( ? )
The question mark is a simple punctuation mark to understand and use. It is used to indicate if a sentence is a question that is being asked.
For example: “What would you like to eat?”
The question mark always comes at the end of a sentence and also serves as a full stop.
The Semicolon ( ; )
The semicolon is arguably the most tricky punctuation mark to use properly. If you are confused about how to use it then is best to avoid using in and write simpler sentences.
The semicolon can be used in the following ways.
When joining two connected sentences
For example: “We can go to the library to study; Mondays are when it is most empty.”
Or
“Good behavior is about listening to others and doing what is proper; bad behavior means disrespecting others feelings and intentionally not listening to instructions that have been given to you.”
When assembling detailed lists
For example: “The world health forum was attended by doctors from Paris, France; London, UK; Mumbai, India; Stockholm, Sweden; Tokyo, Japan; and Dublin, Ireland.”
The basics of punctuation are an important part of your English language learning experience. These small details are often overlooked but understanding how to use them properly goes a long way in understanding English grammar and improving your spoken English.
Learning English can be challenging but there are many resources available to help you learn English and improve your spoken English. To learn English in simple steps from home, try the free EnglishHelper English speaking course. It will help you improve your English conversation skills and your English grammar.
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