Punctuation

What is Punctuation?

Punctuation marks are the traffic signs of writing. Just like signs on the road tell a driver when to stop, go, or slow down, punctuation tells the reader when to pause, show excitement, or ask a question. Without punctuation, all our words would run together and be very confusing!

The Three Most Common Ending Marks Every sentence must end with a special mark to show that the thought is finished.

1. The Period (.) Used for telling sentences (statements). It is the most common mark. It tells the reader to stop and take a breath.

• Example: The sun is hot**.**
• Example: I like to play soccer**.**

2. The Question Mark (?) Used when you are asking something. It shows you are looking for an answer.

• Example: Can I have a cookie**?**
• Example: Where is my backpack**?**

3. The Exclamation Point (!) Used for sentences that show strong feelings, like being happy, surprised, or scared. It’s like "shouting" on paper.

• Example: We won the game**!**
• Example: Watch out**!**

Punctuation Inside the Sentence Sometimes we need marks in the middle of a sentence to keep things organized.

The Comma (,) A comma is a "small pause." We use it most often when making a list of three or more things.

• Example: I need a pencil**,** paper**,** and a ruler.
• Example: Today is Tuesday**,** February 17. The Apostrophe (') This is a tiny mark that floats in the air. We use it for two reasons:

1. Ownership: To show something belongs to someone. (Example: Ben**'**s hat.)
2. Contractions: To join two words together. (Example: Do not Don**'**t.)

How to Check Your Punctuation When you finish writing a sentence, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Did I tell you something? Use a period .
2. Did I ask something? Use a question mark ?
3. Am I excited or loud? Use an exclamation point !

Why Do We Learn This?

• Clarity: Punctuation makes sure people don't misunderstand you.
• Expression: It helps the reader "hear" your voice and know if you are being funny, serious, or excited.
• Organization: Commas help keep your lists from getting messy.

Lesson Summary

• Periods stop.
• Question marks ask.
• Exclamation points shout!
• Commas pause.