Grammar: Punctuation

Hi guys,

Let’s look at punctuations.

Full Stop:
Use it…
After initials in names, degrees and countries.
After short forms of words that do not end in the last letter of the word. This is something that you need to watch out for. Most of us ignore this rule.
Do not use it…
After short forms of words that end with the last letter of the word.
After symbols of measurement.


Comma:
Use it …
To separate words in a list.
To separate adjectives in a sentence.
To show a pause
Before “but” “as” “since” and “because” (as and since should convey the sense of “because”)
Do not use it…
In a clause that specifically identifies the noun.


Question marks:
Use it…
At the end of a sentence that asks a direct question.
Do not use it…
When using reported (indirect) speech.
When it is a request. (This is a rule that we need to be careful about as most of us make the mistake of using a question mark after a sentence that goes something like this: Would you please pass me that book. No question mark should be used here just a full stop. )


On that note,

Ciao