Periods and Other End Marks
Periods and Other End Marks
Periods, question marks, and exclamation points are end marks.
An end mark can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
End Marks
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Essential Endings |
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End Mark |
Use after… |
Example |
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Period |
? a declarative sentence ?an imperative sentence ?an indirect question |
Researchers study colors and consumer behavior. Choose your favorite color. He asked me if I liked the color red. |
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Exclamation Point |
?an exclamatory sentence ?a strong interjection ?words that express a sound |
I never knew the color red stimulates the appetite! Wow! Wham! |
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Question Mark |
?an interrogative sentence ?a declarative sentence that asks a question |
Is that why many cafes have red table clothes? Mom painted the kitchen walls red? |
Other Uses of Periods
Periods are also used in abbreviations and outlines.
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Putting Periods to work |
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Usage |
Rule |
Example |
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Outline |
Use a period after each number or letter in an outline or list. |
A. Preference for blue 1. Dark blue 2. Light blue |
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Abbreviation |
Use a period with an abbreviation or an initial. |
Dr. M. Grant. Jr. i.e. ,orange, yellow, etc. Tues., 3: 40 P.M. |
Some abbreviations do not require a period: metric abbreviations (km, ml), acronyms and abbreviations pronounced letter by letter (NASA. EBI),
two letter abbreviations for states’ names (AL, WY), and positions on the compass (NNA, SW).