Punctuation

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Why Punctuation Matters

Punctuation marks show how written text should be read and understood, guiding pauses and emphasis.
Changing punctuation can completely alter meaning: compare 'woman, without her man, is nothing' with 'woman: without her, man is nothing'.
Punctuation rules vary by language, place, register and time period.
In online chat and text messages, punctuation is often used in a shortened, tachygraphic way, especially by younger users.

Ending Sentences: Full Stops, Question Marks and Exclamation Marks

A full stop marks the end of a declarative sentence.
A question mark marks the end of an interrogative sentence (a direct question).
An exclamation mark shows strong emotion, surprise or emphasis at the end of a sentence.
In early punctuation systems, the punctus versus marked the end of a declarative sentence and the punctus interrogativus marked the end of an interrogative sentence.

Commas: Lists, Fronted Adverbials and Embedded Clauses

Use commas to separate items in a list.
Place a comma after a fronted adverbial (a phrase or clause that comes before the main clause).
Use commas around an embedded clause (a clause inserted into the middle of a sentence) to show it is extra information.
Avoid the comma splice: do not join two independent clauses with only a comma.

Apostrophes: Omission and Possession

An apostrophe can show omission, where letters have been left out (e.g., do not → don't).
An apostrophe can show possession, indicating ownership (e.g., the girl's book).
For plural nouns ending in -s, the possessive apostrophe usually goes after the s (e.g., the girls' books).

Inverted Commas: Speech and Quotation

Use inverted commas (speech marks) to enclose direct speech.
Use inverted commas to enclose a quotation taken from another source.
In medieval manuscripts, direct quotations were marked with marginal diples, and later diples were sometimes placed within the column of text.

Colons, Semicolons, Dashes, Brackets and Hyphens

A colon can introduce a list, an explanation or a quotation.
A semicolon can link two closely related independent clauses or separate complex items in a list.
A dash can mark a break in thought or add emphasis.
Brackets (parentheses) enclose extra information or an aside.
A hyphen joins words or parts of words (e.g., well-known).

The Historical Development of Punctuation

The oldest known punctuation marks were found in the Mesha Stele from the 9th century BC, consisting of points between words and horizontal strokes between sections.
Ancient Greek scribes used vertically arranged dots (dicolon or tricolon) to aid oral delivery.
Aristophanes of Byzantium invented the théseis system (after 200 BC), placing a single dot called a punctus at different heights to mark rhetorical divisions: hypostigmḗ (low), stigmḕ mésē (mid), and stigmḕ teleía (high).
Medieval scribes added marks such as the punctus, punctus elevatus, punctus versus and punctus interrogativus to guide reading aloud.
Irish scribes introduced word separation, and insular scribes adapted the distinctiones system using different numbers of marks to show pause length.

Punctuation Hierarchy and Modern Marks

By the 19th century, grammarians explained differences between punctuation marks using a hierarchy that gave different weights to them.
In 1966, French author Hervé Bazin proposed six new marks that can be seen as predecessors of emoticons and emojis.
Punctuation includes spaces between words as well as both obsolete and modern signs.

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1.Which punctuation mark is used to end a question?
Easy
- AFull stop
- BQuestion mark
- CExclamation mark
- DComma
2.Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly for omission?
Easy
- AThe dog's are barking.
- BThe dogs' are barking.
- CThe dogs are barking.
- DThe dog's barking loudly.
3.Which sentence correctly uses a comma after a fronted adverbial?
Medium
- AAfter the storm we cleaned up the garden.
- BAfter the storm, we cleaned up the garden.
- CAfter, the storm we cleaned up the garden.
- DAfter the storm we cleaned, up the garden.
4.Which sentence contains a comma splice?
Medium
- AI like tea, but she likes coffee.
- BI like tea, she likes coffee.
- CI like tea; she likes coffee.
- DI like tea. She likes coffee.
5.Which of the following are correct uses of a semicolon? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- ATo join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
- BTo separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.
- CTo introduce a list of items.
- DTo end a sentence.
- ETo show possession.
6.A colon can be used to introduce a list.
Easy
True or false?
7.Match each punctuation mark with its main function.
Medium
- Full stop
- Question mark
- Exclamation mark
- Comma
- Ends a statement
- Ends a question
- Shows strong emotion
- Separates items in a list
8.Arrange these punctuation marks in order of the size of pause they typically indicate, from shortest to longest.
Medium
- Comma
- Semicolon
- Full stop

Plus de questions

9.Which sentence uses inverted commas correctly to punctuate speech?
Medium
- A"I'm going home," she said.
- B"I'm going home", she said.
- CI'm going home, "she said."
- D"I'm going home, she said."
10.Which of the following are correct uses of a dash? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- ATo indicate a break in thought or an afterthought.
- BTo introduce an explanation or summary.
- CTo join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
- DTo show possession.
- ETo end a sentence.
11.Which punctuation mark is used to show that a letter or letters have been omitted from a word?
Easy
- AApostrophe
- BHyphen
- CDash
- DEllipsis
12.Which of the following sentences use apostrophes correctly? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- AThe dog's bone was buried in the garden.
- BThe dogs' bones were buried in the garden.
- CIts raining heavily outside.
- DThe 1990's were a time of great change.
- EJames's car is parked outside.
13.Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?
Medium
- AI have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
- BI have a big test tomorrow; because I need to study.
- CI have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.
- DI have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight, however.
14.Which of the following are correct uses of a colon? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- ATo introduce a list after an independent clause
- BTo introduce an explanation or elaboration
- CTo join two independent clauses without a conjunction
- DTo introduce a quotation
- ETo separate items in a list
15.A semicolon can be used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
Easy
True or false?
16.Arrange these steps in the correct order to punctuate a sentence containing a list.
Medium
- Identify the items in the list.
- Place a comma between each item.
- Place 'and' or 'or' before the final item.
- Check that the sentence ends with a full stop.
17.Which sentence uses commas correctly?
Easy
- AAfter the storm we, cleaned up the garden.
- BAfter the storm, we cleaned up the garden.
- CAfter, the storm we cleaned up the garden.
- DAfter the storm we cleaned, up the garden.
18.Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly to show possession?
Medium
- AThe dog's bone was buried in the garden.
- BThe dogs bone was buried in the garden.
- CThe dogs' bone was buried in the garden.
- DThe dog's' bone was buried in the garden.
19.Which of the following sentences use punctuation correctly? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- AI bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
- BShe said, "I will be there soon."
- CIts raining outside.
- DThe cat sat on the mat; it was sleeping.
- EHe is taller then me.
20.Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
Medium
- AI have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
- BI have a big test tomorrow; because I can't go out tonight.
- CI have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.
- DI have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight;
21.Which sentence correctly uses a comma to separate an embedded clause?
Easy
- AThe book, which was old and dusty, sat on the shelf.
- BThe book which, was old and dusty sat on the shelf.
- CThe book which was old and dusty, sat on the shelf.
- DThe book, which was old and dusty sat on the shelf.
22.Read this extract: "woman, without her man, is nothing". What does the comma after "woman" make the sentence seem to say?
Medium
- AA woman is nothing without a man.
- BA man is nothing without a woman.
- CWomen and men are equally important.
- DWithout women, men are nothing.
23.Read this extract: "woman: without her, man is nothing". How does the colon change the meaning compared with "woman, without her man, is nothing"?
Medium
- AIt shifts the emphasis onto the importance of women to men.
- BIt makes the sentence a question.
- CIt removes the need for any punctuation.
- DIt stresses the importance of men to women.
24.Which of the following statements about the two versions "woman, without her man, is nothing" and "woman: without her, man is nothing" are true? (Select all that apply.)
Hard
- AThe two versions use different punctuation to create different meanings.
- BBoth versions contain exactly the same words.
- CThe colon version emphasises the importance of women to men.
- DThe comma version emphasises the importance of women to men.
- ENeither version contains a punctuation mark.
25.Punctuation marks show how a text should be read and understood.
Easy
True or false?
26.Read this extract: "woman, without her man, is nothing". Which word does the first comma separate from the rest of the sentence?
Medium
- Awoman
- Bwithout
- Cher
- Dman
27.Read this extract: "woman: without her, man is nothing". What is the effect of the comma after "her"?
Medium
- AIt separates the phrase "without her" from the clause "man is nothing".
- BIt joins two independent clauses.
- CIt shows that a letter has been omitted.
- DIt introduces a list.
28.Read this extract: "woman, without her man, is nothing". Which punctuation mark, if used instead of the first comma, would most change the meaning to emphasise the importance of women to men?
Medium
- AA colon
- BA full stop
- CAn exclamation mark
- DA question mark
29.Read this extract: "woman, without her man, is nothing". Which word is the subject of the main clause?
Medium
- Awoman
- Bman
- Cwithout
- Dnothing
30.Read this extract: "woman: without her, man is nothing". Which word is the subject of the main clause?
Medium
- Aman
- Bwoman
- Cher
- Dnothing
31.Which punctuation mark is used to mark the end of a declarative sentence?
Easy
- AFull stop
- BQuestion mark
- CExclamation mark
- DComma
32.Which sentence uses a colon correctly?
Medium
- AShe bought three things: bread, milk, and eggs.
- BShe bought: three things bread, milk, and eggs.
- CShe bought three things, bread, milk, and eggs.
- DShe bought three things; bread, milk, and eggs.
33.Which sentence uses commas correctly to separate an embedded clause?
Medium
- AThe book, which was published in 2020, is a bestseller.
- BThe book which was published in 2020, is a bestseller.
- CThe book which was published in 2020 is, a bestseller.
- DThe book, which was published in 2020 is a bestseller.
34.Which of the following punctuation marks are used to end a sentence? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- Afull stop
- Bquestion mark
- Ccomma
- Dexclamation mark
- Esemicolon
35.Which of the following sentences contain a comma splice? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- AI was tired, I went to bed early.
- BI was tired, so I went to bed early.
- CThe rain stopped, we went outside.
- DAlthough it was late, we kept working.
- EShe loves reading, she reads every day.
36.Match each sentence to the punctuation rule it demonstrates.
Medium
- After the storm, we surveyed the damage.
- The book, which was overdue, had to be returned.
- She was exhausted; she had not slept.
- I bought eggs, milk and bread.
- comma after a fronted adverbial
- commas around an embedded clause
- semicolon between independent clauses
- commas in a list
37.Arrange these steps in the order you would use them to punctuate a sentence containing a list.
Medium
- Identify the items in the list.
- Place commas between the items.
- Use 'and' or 'or' before the final item.
- Check that the sentence ends with a full stop.
38.Which of the following are correct uses of the apostrophe? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- Ato show that letters have been omitted
- Bto show possession
- Cto separate items in a list
- Dto mark the end of a question
- Eto form the plural of a noun
39.A colon can be used to introduce a list after an independent clause.
Easy
True or false?
40.Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
Medium
- AAfter the storm we found, a fallen tree across the road.
- BAfter the storm, we found a fallen tree across the road.
- CAfter the storm we found a fallen tree, across the road.
- DAfter, the storm we found a fallen tree across the road.
41.What punctuation mark is used to show that a letter or letters have been omitted from a word?
Easy
42.What punctuation mark is used to separate items in a list?
Easy
43.Complete the sentence with the correct punctuation mark.
Easy
____ is used to separate items in a list.
44.What punctuation mark is used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction?
Medium
45.What punctuation mark is used to introduce a list after an independent clause?
Medium
46.In the extract "woman: without her, man is nothing", which punctuation mark introduces the comment about the woman?
Medium
47.Explain how punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence. Use an example in your answer.
Hard
48.Explain the difference between a colon and a semicolon, giving an example of each.
Hard
49.Explain how the meaning of "woman, without her man, is nothing" changes when it is written as "woman: without her, man is nothing".
Hard
50.Explain how the meaning of the sentence 'Let's eat Grandma!' changes when the comma is removed, and name the punctuation mark that is missing.
Hard

Notes de révision

## Punctuation — KS3 Revision Notes **Why punctuation matters:** Punctuation marks show how a text should be read and understood. The same words can mean very different things depending on the marks used. Compare: *woman, without her man, is nothing* (men matter) with *woman: without her, man is nothing* (women matter). **Sentence endings** - **Full stop (.)** — ends a statement. - **Question mark (?)** — ends a direct question. - **Exclamation mark (!)** — shows strong feeling or emphasis. **Commas** - Separate items in a **list**: *bread, milk, eggs and cheese*. - Follow a **fronted adverbial** (a phrase placed before the main clause): *After lunch, we went out.* - Surround an **embedded clause** (extra information inside a sentence): *My brother, who is ten, plays football.* - **Never** join two complete sentences with only a comma — that is a **comma splice**. Fix it with a full stop, semicolon or conjunction. **Apostrophes** - **Omission** — show missing letters: *do not → don't*, *it is → it's*. - **Possession** — show ownership: *the girl's bag* (one girl), *the girls' bags* (more than one girl). - Note: *its* = belonging to it; *it's* = it is. **Inverted commas** - Enclose **direct speech**: *"Wait here," she said.* - Enclose a **quotation** from a text or speaker. **Other marks** - **Colon (:)** — introduces a list, explanation or quotation. - **Semicolon (;)** — links two closely related independent clauses; also separates complex list items. - **Dash (—)** — adds a dramatic aside or break. - **Brackets ( )** — add extra, non-essential information. - **Hyphen (-)** — joins words into a compound: *well-known*, *twenty-one*. **Quick check:** Read your sentence aloud. If you pause for breath, a comma may help — but never let a comma do a full stop's job.

Punctuation: Marks indicating how a piece of written text should be read (silently or aloud) and, consequently, understood.
Comma splice: Joining two complete sentences with only a comma; this is an error and should be fixed with a full stop, semicolon or conjunction.
Fronted adverbial: A phrase placed before the main clause, usually followed by a comma (e.g. After lunch, we went out).
Embedded clause: A clause inside a sentence that adds extra information, often surrounded by commas (e.g. My brother, who is ten, plays football).
Apostrophe for omission: An apostrophe showing missing letters (e.g. do not → don't).
Apostrophe for possession: An apostrophe showing ownership (e.g. the girl's bag; the girls' bags).
Inverted commas: Marks used to enclose direct speech or a quotation.
Colon: A mark introducing a list, explanation or quotation.
Semicolon: A mark linking two closely related independent clauses, or separating complex list items.
Dash: A mark adding a dramatic aside or break in a sentence.
Brackets: Marks adding extra, non-essential information.
Hyphen: A mark joining words into a compound (e.g. well-known, twenty-one).

Cartes mémo

What is punctuation?

Punctuation marks are marks that show how a piece of written text should be read, silently or aloud, and therefore how it should be understood.

What is scriptio continua?

Writing without punctuation or spaces to mark word boundaries, as most Western scribes did during antiquity.

What was the punctus in the théseis system?

A single dot placed at different heights to show rhetorical divisions in speech, invented by Aristophanes of Byzantium after 200 BC.

In the théseis system, what did the hypostigmḗ mark?

A low punctus on the baseline marking off a komma, a unit smaller than a clause.

In the théseis system, what did the stigmḕ mésē mark?

A punctus at midheight marking off a clause (kōlon).

In the théseis system, what did the stigmḕ teleía mark?

A high punctus marking off a sentence (periodos).

What was the paragraphos used for?

A Greek mark used to show the beginning of sentences.

What were marginal diples used for?

To mark quotations in the margin of a text.

What was the koronis used for?

To indicate the end of major sections of a text.

What are the four original positurae?

The punctus (minor pause within a sentence), punctus elevatus (major pause within a sentence), punctus versus (end of a declarative sentence) and punctus interrogativus (end of an interrogative sentence).

What was the punctus flexus added for?

A pause of a value between the punctus and the punctus elevatus, added in the 10th century.

What was the virgula suspensiva?

A slash, or slash with a midpoint dot, used in the late Middle Ages, often with the punctus, for different types of pauses.

Which scribes introduced word separation?

Irish scribes, in the 7th–8th centuries, added word separation to make texts more intelligible.

How did insular scribes adapt the distinctiones system?

They used a differing number of marks aligned horizontally (one for a minor pause, two for a medium one, three for a major one) instead of differing heights.

What was the Tironian et?

A 7-shaped mark (⁊), equivalent to a modern ampersand, often used in combination with the punctus.

What was the layout per cola et commata?

A layout used by Jerome in the Vulgate where every sense-unit was indented and given its own line.

How can punctuation change meaning?

Different punctuation can change meaning substantially, as in 'woman, without her man, is nothing' versus 'woman: without her, man is nothing'.

Do punctuation rules stay the same everywhere?

No — the rules of punctuation vary with the language, location, register and time.

How is punctuation used in online chat and text messages?

It is used tachygraphically, especially among younger users.

What did Hervé Bazin propose in 1966?

Six marks that could be seen as predecessors of emoticons and emojis.

When did the Greeks begin using punctuation, and why?

Around the 5th century BC, they used vertically arranged dots (usually a dicolon or tricolon) as an aid in the oral delivery of texts.

Why did punctuation develop dramatically in the Middle Ages?

Because large numbers of Bible copies were produced to be read aloud, so copyists introduced marks such as indentation, punctuation marks and early initial capitals to aid readers.

What is the oldest known example of punctuation marks?

Points between words and horizontal strokes between sections found in the Mesha Stele from the 9th century BC.

What did the Greeks use to mark quotations?

Marginal diples.

What happened to the punctus versus in the late 11th/early 12th century?

It disappeared and was taken over by the simple punctus, which then had two distinct values.

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