Using full stops Full Stop (.) End of a sentence: The sunset was beautiful. Used to mark the end of a sentence. I’m not a good cook, but I try my best. Also used in abbreviations In abbreviations: You can buy wine, beer, etc. at the bar. Please return it by 29th Oct. at the latest. Using commas Comma (,) In lists: There’s a choice of duck, pork, beef or fish. Used in four main cases: In direct speech: “Pass the salt,” he said. lists To separate clauses in complex sentences: direct speech We met in York, where I was living then. to separate clauses To mark off parts of a sentence: to mark off parts of a sentence My brother, David, will be joining us. Using apostrophes Apostrophe (’) Showing possession: Used in two main ways: This pen is Priya’s. to show possession Showing possession (plural ending in ‘s’): (belonging to) She attends a girls’ school in Cornwall. to show omission Showing omission: (missing letters) Don’t use those stairs. It’s cold today. TES Classroom Grammar: Punctuation Using inverted commas Inverted commas (‘’) Direct speech: “You never listen to me,” she said. Used to indicate direct speech or “Why should I?” he replied. quotation. Quotation: Also known as quotation marks or The minister’s plans were described as ‘too speech marks. ambitious’ and lacking ‘a clear focus’. Can be single ‘’ or double “” Using exclamation marks Exclamation mark (!) “Look out!” he cried. Used to end a sentence expressing an exclamation. These are best avoided in formal writing. In direct speech it can also be used to indicate dialogue spoken loudly. Using question marks Question mark (?) How do I get to the library? Used to end a sentence or statement which poses a question. Why do giraffes have long necks? Questioning words: how, why, where, when, who, what. TES Classroom Grammar: Punctuation Using colons Colon (:) Between two clauses: Used in between two related clauses, I knew what I had to do: confess my crime. where the second clause cannot stand Introducing a list: alone. You will need the following ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, milk Also used to introduce a list Before a quote: before quotation or direct Everyone remembers Hamlet’s dilemma: speech “to be or not to be.” Using semicolons Semicolon (;) Call me tomorrow; I’ll know the answer Used in between two equal clauses, then. which are closely related but could stand alone. The flight was long; Australia is very far away. TES Classroom Grammar: Punctuation .