End Marks
Introduction
Picture this: You're engrossed in a gripping novel, your eyes devouring each sentence, when suddenly—full stop. That tiny dot wields immense power, doesn't it? Welcome to the captivating realm of end marks, the unsung heroes of punctuation that breathe life into our words.
From the authoritative period to the inquisitive question mark and the exuberant exclamation point, these diminutive symbols pack a punch far beyond their size. They're the conductors of our literary orchestra, guiding readers through the ebb and flow of ideas with precision and flair.
Whether you're a budding wordsmith eager to hone your craft or a seasoned scribe looking to add some zing to your prose, mastering the art of end marks is your ticket to literary stardom. And for the grammar enthusiasts among us, prepare to embark on a fascinating journey through the evolution and nuances of these punctuation powerhouses.
What is an end mark?
An end mark is a period, question mark, or exclamation point used to indicate the purpose of a sentence.
Sentences
Statements or Declarative Sentences
A statement (or declarative sentence) is followed by a period.
EXAMPLE
- Buster is the dog with the brown spots. [The sentence is a statement, so it is followed by a period.]
Questions or Interrogative Sentences
A question (or interrogative sentence) is followed by a question mark.
EXAMPLE
- What time is your guitar lesson? [The sentence is a question, so it is followed by a question mark.]
Sometimes a sentence may sound like a question but be a statement.
Use a period when a sentence is a statement.
Use a period when a sentence is a statement.
EXAMPLES
- Did you get the correct answer to question five? [The sentence is a question, so it is followed by a question mark.]
- Jacob asked if we got the correct answer to question five. [The sentence is a statement, not a question, so it is followed by a period.]
Exclamations or Exclamatory Sentences
An exclamation (or exclamatory sentence) is followed by an exclamation point.
EXAMPLE
- Look out for that step! [The sentence is an exclamation, so it is followed by an exclamation point.]
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Interjections
EXAMPLES
- Oh, I’m glad you are feeling better. [The interjection Oh expresses mild excitement, so it is followed by a comma.]
- Wow! That model airplane can fly high! [The interjection Wow expresses strong surprise, so it is followed by an exclamation point.]
Requests or commands or Imperative Sentences
A request or a command (an imperative sentence) is followed by either a period or an exclamation point.
If the request or command is mild, it is followed by a period.
If the request or command is strong, it is followed by an exclamation point.
If the request or command is strong, it is followed by an exclamation point.
EXAMPLES
- Please clean your room. [The request is a mild command, so it is followed by a period.]
- Don’t touch that hot oven! [The command is strong, so it is followed by an exclamation point.]
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