IELTS Basic Grammar - Punctuation
Punctuation marks are signs such as periods, commas and question marks. They are used in sentences to make the meaning clear.
Period ( • )
Put a period at the end of a sentence.
Tim lent me his skateboard
The children are playing in the garden
The train arrived late
It’s not a very sunny day
Comma ( ‚ )
Put a comma between items in a list.
You need paper scissors and glue.
She likes reading swimming playing basketball and going to the movies.
Tom May Ling Sue and Christopher all went shopping together.
Put a comma after yes and no.
“Do you like football?” “Yes I like it very much.”
“Is this your house?” “Yes it is.”
“Is it still snowing?” “No it’s stopped.”
“Has Sarah had breakfast yet?” “No she hasn’t.”
You also put a comma before or after the name of the person you are speaking to.
Hello Mr. Carter.
Miss Lee can I borrow a pencil, please?
Goodbye Andrew.
Commas are used before please and thank you.
Could you pass me that pencil please?
I’ve had enough to eat thank you.
A comma is also used between the parts of a place name.
Chicago Illinois; Tower Bridge London; Athens Georgia.
Question mark ( ? )
Write a question mark at the end of a question, instead of a period.
Can you hear me, children Didn’t you read the sign
Who is that man talking to Dad Where is my schoolbag
Exclamation ( ! )
Use an exclamation point at the end of a sentence that shows a strong feeling such as surprise or fear. An exclamation point is used instead of a period.
What a silly thing to do Help! A monster
You’re completely wrong What a shame
You can also use exclamation points with strong orders.
Sit down
Don’t touch that knife
Do it now
Exclamation points are usually used after interjections. People often use just one or two words to express a sudden feeling such as fear, happiness, surprise or anger, or in greeting somebody. These short expressions are called interjections. Here are some examples:
Apostrophe ( ' )
Use an apostrophe with s to show who something belongs to.
This is Michaels room.
This is my Dads desk.
Are you Kathleens mum?
You also use an apostrophe to show where one or more letters are missing in a contraction.
Im () the boy who lives next door.
Shes () my best friend.
Hes () been to Europe twice.
Were () going to the zoo today.
Youre () my favourite uncle.
Id () better go home now.
Youve () got dirt on your new shoes.
Hell () lend you his bike.
Quotation marks
Use quotation marks around the exact words that someone says. You put the mark at the beginning of the words, and the mark at the end.
Use a comma before the last quotation mark, to separate the words from the rest of the sentence.
This bike is mine, said Susan.
I would like some apple juice, please, said the little boy.
Suppose the exact words that someone says come after the rest of the sentence. In this case put a period before the last quotation mark.
Dad said, Come inside and have lunch.
“John,” said Mom, please turn your music down.
Put question marks and exclamation points in the same place as periods, before the last quotation mark.
Is this the way to the station the man asked.
Sam said, Can I borrow your pencil
Don’t do that said Mom.
John said, What a great movie
Colon ( : )
When you are reading a play-script, notice the colon between the name of a character and the words that they speak.
Jack What have you got in the bag?
Maggie My swimming suit.
Jack When are you going swimming?
Maggie This afternoon. Would you like to come?
Use a capital letter as the first letter of the first word in a sentence. Dogs have wet noses.
Where is my ball?
That isn’t fair!
This is my brother.
You need a racket if you’re going to play tennis.
You also use a capital letter for the first letter of the first word in direct speech.
Sam said, “This is my brother.”
“Where is my ball?” Tom asked.
The word I is always written as a capital letter.
I’m really pleased with your work.
Do you know what I got for my birthday?
Use a capital letter to begin the names of people and places.
John, Australia, the Sphinx, May Ling, Germany, the Taj Mahal, David Beckham etc.
You also use capital letters after the initials in someone’s name.
T.K. Lee
J.K. Rowling
J.R.R. Tolkien
The days of the week and months of the year begin with a capital letter.
January, March etc.
Sunday, Friday etc.
The names of holidays and special celebrations also begin with a capital letter.
Valentine’s Day, Veterans’ Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving etc.
Capital letters are also used in the titles of books, films and plays.
The Lady and the Tramp
Star Wars
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
You also use a capital letter for the first letter in words and phrases that you use for saying hello and goodbye.
Hi! , Good morning, Have a nice day! etc.
Report