Punctuation in English: features, punctuation and rules

Punctuation in English is studied from the earliest stage of its development. The main principle in this case, of course, is the emphasis on knowledge of the rules. Such components as spelling, punctuation of the English language, as well as its grammar, are the basis on the basis of which the vocabulary can already increase and develop. Learning English recently has become not only fashionable, but also simply necessary, and many do it, although not everyone achieves success in this matter. We will devote our article to the rules for using punctuation marks.

The general concept of punctuation

To begin with, we will understand what punctuation is. This is a set of signs, as well as a set of rules for their use. All this helps to convey oral speech in a letter and correctly formulate it both grammatically and intonationally. So in a nutshell you can describe what punctuation in English is.

The exam - the state exam - also provides knowledge of this area, and if you have to take such a test, we recommend that you carefully study the topic. So, we will tell you about the rules for using the basic punctuation marks, namely:

• points;
• exclamation mark;
• a question mark;
• semicolons;
• colons;
• comma
• parentheses;
• dash;
• hyphen
• apostrophe;
• quotation marks.

Point

Punctuation in English, of course, cannot do without a period. This sign is placed at the end of any narrative sentence. But not only in this case. Remember where else you need to put a period:

• when writing a decimal fraction, the point separates the whole from the fractional (2.5);
• when using the abbreviation (UK - United Kingdom);
• when shortening words (Feb. - "February");
• after calls, such as doc.- "doctor", Ms. - "miss," Mr. - "Mister";
• in the names of streets, boulevards, avenues, etc.

As you can see, the use of a point is very multifaceted.

Exclamation mark

Comparing with the knowledge of the native language, we understand that the exclamation mark is used when certain emotions are expressed. The same thing happens in the English version. And it should be noted that emotions can be both positive and negative. What exactly helps to express this sign? It could be:

1. Surprised exclamation.
2. Angry exclamation.
3. The insistent request.
4. Delight.
5. A sad statement.
6. Excited phrase.
7. Joyous exclamation.
8. Strict order.

Of course, not all possible options are given, but they also make it possible to understand that emotions must be present during the conversation. Basically, everything coincides with the use of this sign in the Russian language, but there are some nuances. For example, you cannot use this sign after referring to a person in a letter. The role of this sign in English is taken by the comma (dear John,). Be moderate in expressing feelings and thoughts.

Question mark

Also , punctuation rules in English cannot do without a question mark. After all, how else can one express interrogative intonation? Going deeper into the grammar, we recall that there are several different types of questions:

• general ("You are sick?" - "Are you sick?");
• special ("Who is on duty today?" - "Who is on duty today?");
• alternative ("Are you a doctor or the driver?" - "Are you a doctor or driver?");
• separation ("He lives in this house, is not it?" - "He lives in this house, doesn't he?").

But regardless of the type, at the end of each of them should be a given sign, otherwise it will no longer be a question. By the way, if the question is translated into indirect speech, then the question mark is not put.

Semicolon

This combination is used if it is necessary to make a semantic break within the boundaries of one sentence. In some cases, it is impossible to tear apart one sentence using dots, as this will lead to a loss of meaning. It would be more correct in this case to write one complex sentence, but to separate small simple parts with a semicolon.

Comma

This is another sign that punctuation in English cannot do without. The comma is applied much more often than other signs except the period. Unlike the Russian language, where it is quite difficult to understand where you can and should use a comma, the use of this sign in English is much freer.

Although, in order to put it correctly, you also need to know the rules. In addition, you must be aware that by putting an extra sign, you can fundamentally change the meaning of the whole sentence. Well, as in the well-known example: "you can’t have mercy on execution." Consider in what cases this sign is put:

• in complex sentences to the relevant unions;
• after adverbs that combine, within the meaning of the parts of the sentence;
• on the sides of the introductory phrase or sentence;
• in writing the address in the letter;
• to highlight interjections;
• when using the same or homogeneous words;
• after contacting in a letter.

Colon

In addition to periods and semicolons, punctuation in English includes the use of a colon. Basically, this symbol is used before the second part of a complex sentence, if it explains the first part, and also before the listing, after the generalizing word (We bought everything: notebooks, pens, pencils), when quotes, lists or explanations are introduced into the text. This sign applies in such cases:

• when writing time, between the number representing the hour and the number representing the minutes (21:00);
• in mapping the ratio of one part to another (1: 2);
• before a direct speech;
• after such words as “attention” - “attention”, “caution” - “carefully”, “warning”;
• in scripts after the speaker’s words, etc.

Parentheses

Punctuation in English also uses parentheses, both round and square. What are they needed for? First of all, to clarify any information. But not only. It may also be necessary to write a translation of a word or phrase, to list some facts or names, etc.

Dash and hyphen

Some people confuse these two signs, but they are fundamentally different. Dash is used in punctuation:

• in order to show the importance of subsequent information;
• to create a pause before an important word;
• to highlight information;
• for emotional staining sentences.

If we talk about the hyphen, then it is used to form complex words, hyphenation, writing numbers and dates.

Apostrophe

This sign is not used in Russian, which means it can cause some difficulties. Remember when an apostrophe is needed:

• if you want to show something to someone ("my mother's scarf" - "mother's scarf");
• when a letter or sentence is missing some letter (there's);
• to indicate the plural (in 1960's).

But do not forget that official documents do not allow any reductions.

Quotes

When we talk about this sign, the first thing that comes to mind is a direct speech in English. Punctuation in this case involves the use of quotation marks to highlight the speaker's words (The father said: "Give me some water"). When transferring direct speech to indirect, this sign disappears.

But this is not the only one where quotation marks apply. They are needed to express the share of skepticism in speech, when using a word not in its meaning, to display quotes, to highlight names, meanings, markings, etc. Here you can focus on the use of this sign in Russian, since the application has similarities.

In the end, I would like to add that when studying any foreign language, including English, you need to remember that it is not enough to learn new words. In order for native speakers to understand you correctly both in writing and in oral communication, you need to study all its aspects. How to pronounce words correctly, how to arrange them, where a pause is necessary - all this will help you to establish communication with people whose language you are learning.