The Use of Punctuation Marks
Punctuation is a visual device to make writing easy to read and to understand the written material.
The Full Stop (Period)
The full stop is used at the end of each declerative sentence, except questions and exclamations.
“He who says I am a Turk is the happiest person.”
- Use the full stop for imperative sentences.
“Come here.”
- Use a full stop after abbreviations.
“U.S.A”
- Use after initials.
“M. Kemal Atatürk”
- It is also used after clipped words.
“Wed. (Wednesday)”
The Comma
Use a comma as a linker for a list of items in a sentence:
“I like eating chocolate, candies, and fruits.”
Use a comma while marking off a direct speech:
I asked, “Can I help you?”
Use a comma while marking off any sentences or clauses for a pause:
If I go to Istanbul, I will visit Topkapi Palace.
When you came to the house, we were watching TV.
Don’t use a comma when an adverb clause (such as when, after, since, while, before) follows the main clause:
I will visit Topkapi Palace if I go to Istanbul. (True)
I will visit Topkapi Palace, if I go to Istanbul. (Wrong)
We were watching TV when you came to the house. (True)
We were watching TV, when you came to the house. (Wrong)
Use a comma while addressing a person:
Tom, come here please!
Use a comma while marking off a connector or conjunctive adverbs such as (however, therefore, then, in fact, consequently, for example):
In spite of cold weather, we went outside.
In fact, it’s not a real solution for this problem.
For example, this is one of the reasons.
Use a comma so as to separate main clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, nor, yet):
It’s raining, but I will go out. (True)
It’s raining but I will go out. (Wrong)
I like drinking milk, and she likes, too. (True)
I like drinking milk and she likes, too. (Wrong)
Use a comma for appositives and descriptive titles:
Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic, was born in 1881.
The Question Mark (?)
Use a question mark after a direct question:
What time do you get up in the morning?
Are you happy?
The Colon (:)
Use a colon while introducing a quotation:
M. Kemal Atatürk said: “Peace at home, peace in the world.”
Use a colon for a number of items:
We have to buy the following items for the kitchen: potatoes, onions, and some salt.
The Semicolon (;)
Use a semicolon so as to separate coordinate sentences, or use for conjunctive adverbs:
I have never been abroad; therefore, I can’t speak English fluently.
Football is a famous sport in Europa; however, it’s not so popular in the USA.
Quotation Mark (“”)
Use this mark for quotations.
