How to use punctuation
Punctuation marks are like traffic signs for writing. They help readers understand how to read and make sense of sentences:
Period (.): Signals the end of a sentence. Take a breath here.
Question Mark (?): Shows a question. Like “Do you like ice cream?”
Exclamation Mark (!): Adds excitement or strong emotion. “Wow, that’s amazing!”
Comma (,): Separates items in a list or adds a pause.
Apostrophe (‘): Shows possession (ownership) or shortens words, like “Sam’s book” or “can’t.”
Quotation Marks (” “): Encloses direct speech or quotes from someone. “She said, ‘Hello.'”
Colon (:): Introduces a list or explanation. “There are three primary colours: red, blue, and yellow.”
Semicolon (;): Connects related ideas. “She likes painting; he prefers music.”
Dash (-): Adds emphasis or separates ideas. “Her favourite food – pizza – is always a hit.”
Ellipsis (…): Shows a pause or omission. “I wonder… what’s next?”
Punctuation helps us read and understand texts correctly. Think of it as the rhythm and road signs that make your writing easy to follow!
Exercise
Write one of these punctuation marks to complete the following sentences: , . ?
1 He hates cheese
2 Who is your teacher
3 Stop that man
4 Keep quiet
5 Good morning madam
6 George are you okay
7 Peter David and Susan are playing hide and seek
8 Mom bought meat fish and vegetables at the supermarket
9 What is the time now
10 Anne is a pretty girl
Exercise: complete the following sentences by writing the apostrophe(‘) in the correct place:
1 This is Peters bike.
2 Paul cant find his shoes.
3 Miss Lee is marking the pupils papers.
4 They are all on the childrens playground.
5 Dont make so much noise!
6 Doctors take care of peoples health.
7 Theyre having a game of tennis.
8 Jack doesnt look well.
Answers
Write one of these punctuation marks to complete the following sentences: , . ?
1 He hates cheese.
2 Who is your teacher?
3 Stop that man!
4 Keep quiet.
5 Good morning, madam.
6 George, are you okay?
7 Peter, David, and Susan are playing hide and seek.
8 Mom bought meat, fish, and vegetables at the supermarket.
9 What is the time now?
10 Anne is a pretty girl.
Exercise: complete the following sentences by writing the apostrophe(‘) in the correct place
1 This is Peter’s bike.
2 Paul can’t find his shoes.
3 Miss Lee is marking the pupils’ papers.
4 They are all on the children’s playground.
5 Don’t make so much noise!
6 Doctors take care of people’s health.
7 They’re having a game of tennis.
8 Jack doesn’t look well.
