PunctuaPunctuationtion

Dr Gehan M. AnwarDr Gehan M. AnwarLecturer of EnglishLecturer of English

October 6 UniversityOctober 6 University

PunctuationPunctuation

Punctuation is the system of symbols that we use Punctuation is the system of symbols that we use

to separate sentences and parts of sentences, and to separate sentences and parts of sentences, and

to make their meaning clear. to make their meaning clear.

Each symbol is called a "Each symbol is called a "punctuation markpunctuation mark".".

PunctuationPunctuationThe Value of PunctuationThe Value of Punctuation

If you are asked to punctuate the following sentence correctly, If you are asked to punctuate the following sentence correctly, what punctuation marks you have to use to illustrate your idea? what punctuation marks you have to use to illustrate your idea? Think of it:Think of it:

woman without her man is woman without her man is nothingnothing

PunctuationPunctuation

If you are a If you are a manman, you may write:, you may write:

Woman, Woman, without her manwithout her man, is , is nothing.nothing.

If you are a If you are a womanwoman, you may write:, you may write:

Woman! Woman! Without herWithout her, man is , man is nothing.nothing.

Punctuation Mark Name Example

:: colon You have two choices: finish the work today or lose the contract.

,, comma I speak English, French and Thai.

;; semi-colon I don't often go swimming; I prefer to play tennis.

.. full stop or period

I like English.

-- hyphen This is a rather out-of-date book.

— dash In each town—London, Paris and Rome—we stayed in youth hostels.

!! exclamation mark

"Help!" she cried. "I'm drowning!"

?? question mark Where is Shangri-La?

Shangri-LaShangri-La is a fictional place described in the 1933 is a fictional place described in the 1933 novel novel Lost HorizonLost Horizon by British author James Hilton. by British author James Hilton.

Shangri-LaShangri-La has become synonymous with has become synonymous with any earthly paradise any earthly paradise a mythical Himalayan utopia a mythical Himalayan utopia a permanently happy land, isolated from thea permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world, of complete bliss, delight and outside world, of complete bliss, delight and

peace. peace.

The term The term Shangri-LaShangri-La is frequently cited as a is frequently cited as a modern reference to modern reference to ShambhalaShambhala, a mythical , a mythical kingdom in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, which was kingdom in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, which was sought by Eastern and Western explorers.sought by Eastern and Western explorers.

Punctuation Mark Name Example

“ ”“ ” double quotation

marks

"I love you," she said.

‘ ’‘ ’ single quotation

marks

'I love you,' she said.

’’ apostrophe This is John's car.

( )( ) round brackets I went to Paris (my favourite city) and stayed there for two weeks.

[ ][ ] square brackets

The newspaper reported that the hostages [most of them French] had been released.

…… ellipsis One happy customer wrote: "This is the best program...that

The colon replaces the relative pronoun (which/that) and the The colon replaces the relative pronoun (which/that) and the verb ‘to be’.verb ‘to be’.The word ‘kinds’ here is a noun, so a colon is used. The word ‘kinds’ here is a noun, so a colon is used. Use the colon when introductory words such as “namely, for Use the colon when introductory words such as “namely, for example, that is” do not appear. example, that is” do not appear.

1- Colons [:]1- Colons [:]Colons are used [:]:Colons are used [:]:

1. To introduce a strong pause within a sentence.1. To introduce a strong pause within a sentence.

2. After a complete statement to introduce a series or list 2. After a complete statement to introduce a series or list of items.of items.

e.g. e.g.

Vitamins are divided into six kinds: A, B, C, D, E and Vitamins are divided into six kinds: A, B, C, D, E and folic acid.folic acid.

Complete Statement list of itemsComplete Statement list of items

Colons [:]Colons [:]

3. It separates clauses which could be separate sentences, 3. It separates clauses which could be separate sentences, but which are linked by some relationship in meaning. but which are linked by some relationship in meaning.

He was not given a choice: he had to do the assignment. He was not given a choice: he had to do the assignment.

4. Before a comment explaining the previous statement. 4. Before a comment explaining the previous statement.

The circulatory system has two main structures: the heart The circulatory system has two main structures: the heart and the blood vessels. (explanation)and the blood vessels. (explanation)

5.5. Before a long and formal quotation or a speechBefore a long and formal quotation or a speech

When he spoke from the Mount of Olives, Jesus declared: When he spoke from the Mount of Olives, Jesus declared:  “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit  “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt 5:5). the earth” (Mt 5:5).

(continued)

““quotation quotation -- words that are -- words that are quoted directly from someone quoted directly from someone else and not "paraphrased" or else and not "paraphrased" or put into your own words.”put into your own words.”

2- Comma [ , 2- Comma [ , ]]

Commas are used:Commas are used:

1.1. To show a slight pause in a sentence and separate its To show a slight pause in a sentence and separate its parts into logical elements. parts into logical elements.

2.2. To separate different items in a series or a list. To separate different items in a series or a list.

a)a) coffee, tea, sugar, milk, eggs, butter and salt. coffee, tea, sugar, milk, eggs, butter and salt.

b)b) He had a headache, dizziness and pain in his lower back.He had a headache, dizziness and pain in his lower back.

c)c) My favourite sports are football, swimming, boxing and My favourite sports are football, swimming, boxing and golf.golf.

d)d) Amgad was wearing blue jeans, black shoes, his brand Amgad was wearing blue jeans, black shoes, his brand new white shirt, and a brown and green cap. new white shirt, and a brown and green cap.

The last two items are usually separated by "and". The last two items are usually separated by "and".

But if one or both of the last two items are long, a comma may be useful with But if one or both of the last two items are long, a comma may be useful with “and”.“and”.

(The lightest mark of punctuation inside sentences)

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

Do not use a comma between Do not use a comma between twotwo items; use ‘ items; use ‘andand’ ’ instead.instead.

You should wash fruits and vegetables before eating You should wash fruits and vegetables before eating

them.them.

Use a comma between three or more adjectives or adverbs Use a comma between three or more adjectives or adverbs or where you could use "and".or where you could use "and".

I like the old, brown, wooden table. I like the old, brown, wooden table. He ran quickly, quietly and effortlessly.He ran quickly, quietly and effortlessly. It was a short, simple film. (It was a short and simple It was a short, simple film. (It was a short and simple

film.) film.) I have a big, black dog. (I have a big and black dog.)I have a big, black dog. (I have a big and black dog.)

(continued)

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

3. Use a comma for numbers over 999.3. Use a comma for numbers over 999. (Commas separate thousands and periods separate decimals.)(Commas separate thousands and periods separate decimals.)

1,000 (one thousand) 1,000 (one thousand) 1,569 1,569 2,000,000 2,000,000 10.5 (ten and a half) - 10.5 (ten and a half) - note the use of the period, not note the use of the period, not

comma.comma.

(continued)

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

4. Use a comma for some dates: 4. Use a comma for some dates:

1.1. To separate a day from a date: To separate a day from a date:

on Monday, 26 August.on Monday, 26 August.

2.2. To separate a date from a year: To separate a date from a year:

on 15 June, 1995. on 15 June, 1995.

3.3. After a year that follows a date: After a year that follows a date:

July 3, 1995, was the date of my graduation.July 3, 1995, was the date of my graduation.

N.B.: Do not use a comma between a month and a year:N.B.: Do not use a comma between a month and a year:

In November 2010, five staff nurses graduated In November 2010, five staff nurses graduated

from the nursing programme. from the nursing programme.

(continued)

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

5. Use a comma for addresses, place 5. Use a comma for addresses, place names and titles following a name: names and titles following a name:

40, Sefton Road, Manchester40, Sefton Road, Manchester

Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, California

Cairo, EgyptCairo, Egypt

Dina Ali, Professor of EnglishDina Ali, Professor of English..

(continued)

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

6. Use a comma before or after direct speech. 6. Use a comma before or after direct speech.

He said, "I love you." He said, "I love you."

"I love you," he said. "I love you," he said.

Do not use a comma for reported speech:Do not use a comma for reported speech:

He told her that he loved her. (reported He told her that he loved her. (reported speech)speech)

(continued)

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

7. Use a comma after clauses, phrases, or words that 7. Use a comma after clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main clausecome before the main clause : :

(continued)

A. (DC) (MC)

After you finish eating, brush your teeth.

B. (MC) (DC)

Brush your teeth after you finish eating.

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

7. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses 7. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses (sentences) when they are joined by a (sentences) when they are joined by a coordinating coordinating conjunctionconjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

He didn't want to go, He didn't want to go, butbut he went anyway. he went anyway.

I want to work as an interpreter, I want to work as an interpreter, soso I am I am studying Russian at university.studying Russian at university.

(continued)

- If the independent clauses are short and well-If the independent clauses are short and well-balanced, balanced, a comma is optional.a comma is optional.

• She is kind so she helps people.She is kind so she helps people.

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

8. Use commas to set off clauses, phrases and words with 8. Use commas to set off clauses, phrases and words with appositivesappositives, , parenthetical elements, oparenthetical elements, or an r an interrupter.interrupter.

(continued)

Mona Naser, Mona Naser, a pathologist at our hospitala pathologist at our hospital, had an accident., had an accident.

John Dick, John Dick, who is Chairman of the companywho is Chairman of the company, is quite old. , is quite old.

Andrew, Andrew, my wife's brothermy wife's brother, cannot come. , cannot come.

Andrew (Andrew (my wife's brothermy wife's brother) cannot come. ) cannot come.

The objective, The objective, to find peace in both countriesto find peace in both countries, is hard to , is hard to reach.reach.

Interrupter - a part of a sentence that can be Interrupter - a part of a sentence that can be removed without changing the real meaning removed without changing the real meaning of the sentence.of the sentence.

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

9. Use a comma after an 9. Use a comma after an introductory elementintroductory element. .

(continued)

Rushing to catch the flight, he forgot to take his Rushing to catch the flight, he forgot to take his phone. phone.

As the year came to an end, he realized the days As the year came to an end, he realized the days were getting shorter. were getting shorter.

By evening we were getting worried. (By evening we were getting worried. (optionaloptional))

After After a hefty meal cooked by his host's wifea hefty meal cooked by his host's wife, he , he went to sleep. went to sleep.

After After a snacka snack he went to sleep. ( he went to sleep. (optionaloptional))

A comma is A comma is optionaloptional for short, simple introductory elements for short, simple introductory elements. .

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

10. Sentence 10. Sentence adverbsadverbs ( (howeverhowever, , unfortunatelyunfortunately, , surprisinglysurprisingly) often require one or two commas, ) often require one or two commas, depending on their position in the sentence.depending on their position in the sentence.

(continued)

HoweverHowever, Maged did arrive. , Maged did arrive.

Maged, Maged, howeverhowever, did arrive. , did arrive.

I wanted to go to visit them; I wanted to go to visit them; howeverhowever, I did , I did not have the time.not have the time.

We were, We were, unfortunatelyunfortunately, too late. , too late.

He had, He had, surprisinglysurprisingly, lost his temper., lost his temper.

Comma Comma [ , ][ , ]

11. An 11. An adverbial clauseadverbial clause needs a comma when it comes at needs a comma when it comes at the beginning of a sentence but not at its end.the beginning of a sentence but not at its end.

(continued)

If I win the lottery, I will buy a castle. If I win the lottery, I will buy a castle.

I will buy a castle if I win the lottery.I will buy a castle if I win the lottery.

Here is a list of the words that give you an adverbial clause:Here is a list of the words that give you an adverbial clause:

[When – While – Where – As – Since – If – Although][When – While – Where – As – Since – If – Although]

Comma [ , Comma [ , ]]

12. Put a space after a comma. 12. Put a space after a comma.

Do not put a space before a comma.Do not put a space before a comma.

(continued)

xxx, xxx correct

xxx ,xxxincorrect

xxx , xxx

Comma [ , Comma [ , ]]

13. Do not use a comma to separate two complete 13. Do not use a comma to separate two complete sentences; use a full stop or semi-colon instead.sentences; use a full stop or semi-colon instead.

(continued)

• Ram wants to go out. Anthony wants to stay Ram wants to go out. Anthony wants to stay home. home.

• Ram wants to go out, Anthony wants to stay Ram wants to go out, Anthony wants to stay home.home.

Tara, Ram and Anthony enjoyed their holiday, which they spent in Rio Claro, Trinidad, from December 17, 2010 to

January 6, 2011. Unfortunately, although the weather was good, if rather hot, it rained a lot during their last week. Ravi, Tara's uncle, said, "When I was young we had very

little rain, but now we have a lot of rain." Ravi, a wealthy, good-looking man, lives in the north of the island.

3- Semicolons [ ; 3- Semicolons [ ; ]]

1. instead of a full stop - weaker as it cannot be used at 1. instead of a full stop - weaker as it cannot be used at the end of a sentence - separate two contrasting the end of a sentence - separate two contrasting sentences closely connected in meaning. sentences closely connected in meaning.

Josef likes coffee; Mary likes tea.

Ram wants to go out; Anthony wants to stay home.

 I wanted a cup of coffee, not a glass of milk. 

(A comma separates contrasting parts of a sentence.)

2. To separate 2 clauses, when a second clause 2. To separate 2 clauses, when a second clause explains the first.explains the first.

3. To mark a long pause in a sentence.3. To mark a long pause in a sentence.

2. Tara is a good speaker; she speaks very clearly.

3. You did your best; now let's hope you pass the exam.

It is It is notnot correct to use a comma instead of the semi-colon. correct to use a comma instead of the semi-colon.

Semicolons [ ; ]Semicolons [ ; ] (continued)

• Rental cars must be returned on time; with a full tank of petrol; in undamaged condition; and at the same location as they were collected from.

Semicolons Semicolons [ ; ][ ; ]

4. Use a semi-colon as a kind of "4. Use a semi-colon as a kind of "super commasuper comma" to " to punctuate mixed and complicated lists of items (words, punctuate mixed and complicated lists of items (words, clauses or phrases).clauses or phrases).

It may combine a series that has It may combine a series that has commascommas inside the parts inside the parts of the series to prevent confusion.of the series to prevent confusion.

• To deal with the problem, I talked to my advisor, the chairman and the dean; wrote a petition; and met with the advisory committee.

• I have been to Cairo, Egypt; Dubai, UAE; Amman, Jordan; and Jedda, KSA.

(continued)

Full stops are used [ . ]:Full stops are used [ . ]:

1. To indicate a strong pause.1. To indicate a strong pause.

2. At the end of a complete sentence.2. At the end of a complete sentence.

The only common exception when the sentence is a question or The only common exception when the sentence is a question or an exclamation.an exclamation.

3. After abbreviations (in an abbreviation the last letter of 3. After abbreviations (in an abbreviation the last letter of the word and of the abbreviation are not the same):the word and of the abbreviation are not the same):

4. It is not necessary after the initial capital letters 4. It is not necessary after the initial capital letters ‘‘with contractions’ (in a contraction the last letter with contractions’ (in a contraction the last letter of the word and of the contraction are the same)of the word and of the contraction are the same)

Full stop [ . ]:Full stop [ . ]:

(The man arrived. He sat (The man arrived. He sat down.)down.)

Ltd (Limited) Ltd (Limited) Dr (Doctor) Dr (Doctor) St (Saint)St (Saint)

Co. (Company)Co. (Company) etc. (et cetera)etc. (et cetera) M.P. (Member of M.P. (Member of Parliament)Parliament)

Application 1: Put a comma where necessary in the following Application 1: Put a comma where necessary in the following sentences:sentences:

1. In March 1997 Dr Noura became a specialist at the Military Hospital.

2. Egypt Jordan Lebanon and other countries found a society for skin specialists in Alexandria Egypt on 7 October 1996.

3. A home care service was introduced on 26 May 1986 in this hospital.

4. Ibn Sina a famous Arab scholar wrote more than 200 books during his life time.

5. Red blood cells carry oxygen. However white cells fight bacteria.

Answers 1: Answers 1:

1. In March 1997, Dr Noura became a specialist at the Military Hospital.

2. Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and other countries found a society for skin specialists in Alexandria, Egypt, on 7 October, 1996.

3. A home care service was introduced on 26 May, 1986, at this hospital.

4. Ibn Sina, a famous Arab scholar, wrote more than 200 books during his life time.

5. Red blood cells carry oxygen. However, white cells fight bacteria.

Application 2Correct

1. I cannot promise to win the race but I will do my best.

2. She who eats a lot is fat.

3. Being very busy he did not have time to talk to me.

4. If you are not going to help don't promise to.

5. Since he arrived late from work he did not have time to cook.

6. Carmen my dearest friend was here yesterday.

7. I wanted to go to visit them however I did not have the time.

8. When I miss class I borrow notes from another student.

9. Standing on the beach John could feel the wind blow.

10. To deal with the problem I talked to my advisor.

Answers 2

1. I cannot promise to win the race, but I will do my best.

2. She, who eats a lot, is fat.

3. Being very busy, he did not have time to talk to me.

4. If you are not going to help, don't promise to.

5. Since he arrived late from work, he did not have time to cook.

6. Carmen, my dearest friend, was here yesterday.

7. I wanted to go to visit them; however, I did not have the time.

8. When I miss class, I borrow notes from another student.

9. Standing on the beach, John could feel the wind blow.

10. To deal with the problem, I talked to my advisor.

Application 3 Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

1.A) You asked for forgiveness, he granted it to you.  B) You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.  C) You asked for forgiveness: he granted it to you.  D) You asked for forgiveness he granted it to you.

2. A) We ask; therefore, that you keep this matter

confidential.  B) We ask, therefore; that you keep this matter

confidential.  C) We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter

confidential.  D) We ask: therefore, that you keep this matter

confidential. Answers Next

Answers 3 

1.

B) You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.  

Explanation: Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

2. C) We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.  

Explanation: In this sentence, "therefore" is is an interrupter. Use commas to surround interrupters.

3.A) The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I

expected the shipment to arrive by now.  B) The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore I

expected the shipment to arrive by now.  C) The order was requested six weeks ago, therefore, I

expected the shipment to arrive by now.  D) The order was requested six weeks ago: therefore, I

expected the shipment to arrive by now.

4. A) Clothes are often made from synthetic material; for

instance, rayon.  B) Clothes are often made from synthetic material, for

instance, rayon.  C) Clothes are often made from synthetic material, for

instance: rayon.  D) Clothes are often made from synthetic material, for

instance; rayon.

Answers Next

3.

A) The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by now.  

Explanation: Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

4. B) Clothes are often made from synthetic material, for

instance, rayon.  

Explanation: Use a comma before introductory words such as “namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance” when they are followed by only one item. Use a comma after the introductory word.

5. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

 A 

If you believe in magic, magical things will happen, but if you do not believe in magic, you will discover nothing to be magical.

  B 

If you believe in magic, magical things will happen, but if you do not believe in magic; you will discover nothing to be magical.

  C 

If you believe in magic, magical things will happen; but if you do not believe in magic, you will discover nothing to be magical.

  D 

If you believe in magic; magical things will happen, but if you do not believe in magic; you will discover nothing to be magical.

 A)  The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up

to par.

  B)  The orchestra, excluding the violin section; was not up to par.

  C)  The orchestra; excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

  D)  The orchestra excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

6. Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

Answers Next

5.

C) If you believe in magic, magical things will happen; but if you do not believe in magic, you will discover nothing to be magical.

Explanation: Use the semicolon between two sentences that are joined by a conjunction but already have one or more commas within the first sentence.

6.  A)  The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up

to par.

Explanation: Use commas to surround an interrupting expression.

Application 2 Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

7.A) I have been to San Francisco, California, Reno, Nevada, and

Seattle, Washington.  B) I have been to San Francisco California; Reno Nevada; and

Seattle Washington.  C) I have been to San Francisco California, Reno Nevada, and

Seattle Washington. D) I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and

Seattle, Washington.

8. A) I need a few items at the store, clothespins, a bottle

opener, and napkins.  B) I need a few items at the store; clothespins, a bottle

opener, and napkins.  C) I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle

opener, and napkins.  D) I need a few items at the store clothespins, a bottle opener,

and napkins.

Answers Next

7.

D) I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.

Explanation: Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.

8. C) I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener,

and napkins.

Explanation: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as “namely, for example, that is” do not appear.

Application 2 Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.

9. A) I answered the phone; but no one seemed to be on the

other end of the line.  B) I answered the phone: but no one seemed to be on the

other end of the line.  C) I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the

other end of the line.  D) I answered the phone but no one seemed to be on the

other end of the line.

10. A) I wanted a cup of coffee; not a glass of milk. B) I wanted a cup of coffee, not a glass of milk. C) I wanted a cup of coffee: not a glass of milk. D) I wanted a cup of coffee not a glass of milk.

Answers Next

9.

C) I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.

Explanation: Use a comma to separate two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction ("and, but, or, for, nor, yet").

10. B) I wanted a cup of coffee, not a glass of milk. 

Explanation: Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.