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.