1. Period (.)
* Ends a declarative sentence.
* Used after abbreviations (e.g., Dr., U.S.A.).
* Used in some numerical expressions (e.g., 3.14).
2. Question Mark (?)
* Ends an interrogative sentence (a question).
3. Exclamation Point (!)
* Ends an exclamatory sentence or phrase expressing strong emotion.
* Can also be used for emphasis.
4. Comma (,)
* Separates items in a list.
* Sets off introductory phrases or clauses.
* Separates independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).
* Indicates a pause in a sentence.
5. Semicolon (;)
* Joins two related independent clauses.
* Used to separate items in a complex list, especially when those items already contain commas.
6. Colon (:)
* Introduces a list or series of items.
* Introduces an explanation or elaboration.
* Used in time notations (e.g., 3:15 PM).
7. Dash (-)
* Indicates a sudden break or change in thought.
* Can be used to set off parenthetical information.
* Can be used to create emphasis.
8. Hyphen (-)
* Joins words together to form a compound word.
* Used to separate syllables at the end of a line.
* Can be used to show a range (e.g., 20-25).
9. Parentheses ( )
* Encloses supplementary or explanatory information.
10. Brackets [ ]
* Used to enclose information added by someone other than the original writer.
* Can also be used to clarify or provide more context.
11. Apostrophe (')
* Used to indicate possession.
* Used to show the omission of letters or numbers.
* Used in contractions (e.g., can't, don't).
12. Quotation Marks (" ")
* Enclose direct speech or quotations.
* Used to indicate titles of short works (e.g., songs, poems, articles).
13. Ellipsis (...)
* Indicates an omission of words or sentences.
* Can also be used to create a sense of suspense or trailing off.