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Basic Punctuation: Periods, Commas & Apostrophes

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A1 (Beginner)Writing

Basic Punctuation: Periods, Commas & Apostrophes

Punctuation is the set of marks that tell your reader where a thought stops, whether it is a question, and how ideas connect. Good punctuation makes writing easy to read. This lesson covers the marks you use most: the period, question mark, exclamation mark, comma, and apostrophe.

Punctuation is the set of marks that tell your reader where a thought stops, whether it is a question, and how ideas connect. Good punctuation makes writing easy to read. This lesson covers the marks you use most: the period, question mark, exclamation mark, comma, and apostrophe.

1. End marks: . ? !

Mark Use it for Example
Period ( . ) a statement or a command Aisha is a student. Close the door.
Question mark ( ? ) a question Are you a student?
Exclamation mark ( ! ) strong feeling or a warning Look out!

2. Commas in a list

Use a comma to separate three or more items. The word and comes before the last item. With only two items, you do not need a comma.

  • Three items: Modern planes are fast, comfortable, and safe.
  • Two items: Modern planes are fast and comfortable.

3. Commas in places and dates

Rule Example
Between a city and country/state Cairo, Egypt  ·  Seattle, Washington
Between the day and year November 9, 1995

4. The apostrophe ( ’ )

The apostrophe has two main jobs.

Job Example
Contractions (a missing letter) do not → don’t  ·  she is → she’s  ·  is not → isn’t
Possession (belonging) Omar’s book  ·  the teacher’s desk
Where does the apostrophe go?In a contraction, put the apostrophe exactly where the missing letter was: do not → don’t (the apostrophe replaces the “o” in not). “She’s coming” = “She is coming.”
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersEnglish writing goes left to right and end marks sit at the end of the line. Also, the apostrophe ( ’ ) does not exist in Arabic, so it is easy to forget — but leaving it out changes meaning: shes is not a word, she’s = “she is.” When you write a short form, pause and ask: “Which letter did I remove?” Put the apostrophe there.

Examples from EduCareer

  • Aisha studies English, Arabic, and math.
  • Omar’s class is in Dubai, UAE.
  • Isn’t Yusuf coming to class today?
Common mistakes

Are you a student.  →  Are you a student?

She is fast comfortable and safe.  →  She is fast, comfortable, and safe.

That is Omars book.  →  That is Omar’s book.

She dont know.  →  She doesn’t know.

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1.Which mark ends a question?
A question ends with a question mark (?).
2.Choose the correct sentence.
A question needs a question mark.
3.Which list is punctuated correctly?
Use commas between three or more items, with a space after each.
4.Do you need a comma in "tea and coffee"?
Two items joined by "and" do not need a comma.
5.Which is the correct contraction of "do not"?
The apostrophe replaces the missing "o": don\u2019t.
6.Choose the correct possessive.
Add apostrophe + s to show belonging: Omar\u2019s book.
7.Which sentence is correct?
does not \u2192 doesn\u2019t (apostrophe replaces the "o").
8.Where is the comma correct between a city and country?
Put a comma between a city and its country.
9.Which date is punctuated correctly?
Put a comma between the day and the year.
10.What ends a command?
A command ("Close the door.") ends with a period.
11.Choose the correct contraction of "she is".
she is \u2192 she\u2019s.
12.Which needs an exclamation mark?
"Look out!" is a warning \u2014 strong feeling.
13.Pick the correctly punctuated sentence.
Three items need commas, with a period at the end.
14.What is the apostrophe\u2019s job in "isn\u2019t"?
is not \u2192 isn\u2019t; the apostrophe marks the missing letter.
15.Which sentence is correct?
That\u2019s (that is) and teacher\u2019s (belonging) both need apostrophes.
16.A statement should end with:
Statements end with a period.
17.Which is correct?
is not \u2192 isn\u2019t, and it is a question.
18.Choose the correct sentence.
Comma between a city and its state.
19.How many commas are needed: "red white and blue" (as a list)?
Three items \u2192 two commas: red, white, and blue.
20.Which sentence is fully correct?
Capital start, both apostrophes, capital city, and a period.

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