The key idea
The learner can use full stops, commas, apostrophes and question marks so that each idea has a clear end.
What is it for?
Learn how to use punctuation in short texts. Make each idea clear and easy to read.
What you need to know
- Use a full stop to end a statement.
- Use commas in lists and after some opening phrases.
- Use commas before but and so when they join two complete ideas.
- Use apostrophes in contractions and to show possession.
- Use question marks for direct questions and capital letters after them.
- Use exclamation marks carefully and read your text aloud.
1. Full stops and commas
A full stop ends a statement. Start the next sentence with a capital letter.
Do not join two complete sentences with only a comma. This mistake is called a comma splice.
Use a full stop or add a joining word with a comma.
- Wrong: I like tea, I like coffee.
- Use a full stop: I like tea. I like coffee.
- Use and: I like tea, and I like coffee.
- Use but or so when the ideas need these words.
I was tired. I went to bed.
Two full stops separate two complete ideas.
I was tired, so I went to bed.
The comma comes before so.
I like tea, but my sister likes coffee.
The comma comes before but.
2. Commas in everyday writing
Use commas to separate items in a list.
Use a comma after an opening time phrase. This helps readers follow the sentence.
In a friendly email, use a comma after Hi or Dear and the person's name.
- Use commas between list items.
- Use a comma after a time phrase at the start.
- Use a comma before but and so when they join complete ideas.
- Use a comma after a greeting with a name.
I bought bread, milk, eggs and apples.
The commas separate the items in the list.
Last Saturday, we visited our friends.
The comma comes after the opening time phrase.
Hi Anna,
The comma follows Hi and the name.
Dear Anna,
Use a comma after a greeting in a friendly email.
3. Apostrophes in contractions and possession
An apostrophe can show missing letters in a short form.
It can also show that something belongs to someone.
Do not use an apostrophe to make a plural.
- I'm means I am.
- Don't means do not.
- It's means it is.
- Anna's bag means the bag belongs to Anna.
- My teacher's book means the book belongs to my teacher.
- Write plural words without apostrophes.
I'm happy, but I don't have much time.
The apostrophes show missing letters.
It's cold today.
It's means it is.
Anna's bag is blue.
The apostrophe shows who owns the bag.
The students have new books.
Students is plural, so it has no apostrophe.
4. Questions and exclamation marks
Use a question mark at the end of a direct question.
Start the next sentence with a capital letter.
Use an exclamation mark for strong feelings or excitement. One is enough.
- A direct question needs a question mark.
- Start the next sentence with a capital letter.
- Do not use a question mark after a normal statement.
- Use one exclamation mark, not several.
Where is your bag? It is on the chair.
The new sentence starts with a capital letter.
Are you free tomorrow?
The question mark ends the direct question.
Great! We can meet on Saturday.
One exclamation mark shows excitement.
Wrong: Great!!!
Many exclamation marks are not needed.
5. Read your text aloud
Read your writing slowly. Listen to how each idea sounds.
Stop at full stops and question marks. Pause briefly at commas.
Check that every sentence has a clear end. Fix any sentence that joins two ideas with only a comma.
- Read one sentence at a time.
- Check for a full stop or question mark at each sentence end.
- Check commas in lists and after opening time phrases.
- Check apostrophes in short forms and possession.
- Use a capital letter after a full stop or question mark.
On Monday, I went shopping. Did I buy milk?
The comma marks a short pause. The question mark ends the question.
I bought milk, bread and eggs.
The list is easy to follow.
How to do it, step by step
- Write your ideas in complete sentences.
- Put a full stop or question mark at each sentence end.
- Add commas to lists and opening time phrases.
- Check contractions and possession with apostrophes.
- Read aloud and check your punctuation again.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| I like X. I also like Y. | I like tea. I also like coffee. | I like music. I also like films. |
| I like X, and I like Y. | I like tea, and I like coffee. | I play tennis, and I swim. |
| I wanted X, but Y. | I wanted tea, but we had coffee. | I called Anna, but she was busy. |
| I was X, so I Y. | I was hungry, so I made lunch. | It was cold, so we stayed home. |
| On [day], [subject] [verb]. | On Monday, I visited my aunt. | Last Saturday, we played football. |
| Hi, [name], | Hi Anna, | Hi David, |
| [Name]'s [thing] | Anna's bag is red. | My teacher's book is new. |
| I'm [feeling or role]. | I'm tired today. | I'm a student. |
| Don't [verb]. | Don't open the window. | Don't forget your bag. |
| [Question]? [New sentence]. | Are you busy? I can call later. | Where is Anna? She is at home. |
UK / US: British and American English use these punctuation marks in similar ways. Small style differences can appear in longer texts.
Model text
An email about my week
Greeting
Hi Anna,
Use a comma after Hi and the name.
Opening
How are you? I'm fine, and I have some news. I hope you are well.
Use a question mark for the question. I'm has an apostrophe.
Monday
On Monday, I went shopping with my sister. We bought apples, bread and milk. It was a busy day.
Use a comma after the opening time phrase. Use commas in the list.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, I was tired, so I stayed home. I watched a film, but it wasn't very good!
Use commas before so and but. Wasn't has an apostrophe. Use one exclamation mark.
Question and closing
Are you free this weekend? We can meet on Saturday. I miss you. Write soon!
Use a question mark for a direct question. Each new sentence starts with a capital letter.
Sign-off
Best wishes,
Mia
Mia
A comma after the sign-off is common in friendly emails.
Common mistakes
✗ I like tea, I like coffee.
✓ I like tea. I like coffee.
Two complete sentences need a full stop or a joining word.
✗ Last Saturday we visited Anna.
✓ Last Saturday, we visited Anna.
Use a comma after an opening time phrase.
✗ I dont like cold weather.
✓ I don't like cold weather.
Don't needs an apostrophe because letters are missing.
✗ The student's are here.
✓ The students are here.
A plural does not need an apostrophe.
✗ Where is your phone. It is here.
✓ Where is your phone? It is here.
A direct question ends with a question mark.
✗ That is great!!!
✓ That is great!
One exclamation mark is enough.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Write your main ideas in short sentences.
- Put the ideas in a clear order.
- Add a greeting if you are writing an email.
- Add punctuation while you write.
Check
- Check every sentence end.
- Check commas in lists and after opening time phrases.
- Check commas before but and so when they join complete ideas.
- Check apostrophes in contractions and possession.
- Read aloud and fix unclear sentences.
Practice
Fix the punctuation
Rewrite each line with correct punctuation.
1.i like tea i like coffee
Use a full stop or a joining word between complete ideas.
2.last sunday we visited anna
Start sentences and names with capital letters. Add a comma after the opening time phrase.
3.i dont like apples
Use a capital letter, an apostrophe in don't, and a full stop.
4.where is my bag it is here
Use a question mark and start the next sentence with a capital letter.
5.annas book is new
Use 's to show that the book belongs to Anna.
6.great we can meet tomorrow!!!
Start with a capital letter and use no more than one exclamation mark at each sentence end.
Choose the correct sentence
Choose the sentence with correct punctuation.
1.Which sentence is correct?
A full stop separates the two sentences, and both start with capital letters.
2.Which sentence is correct?
Put a comma after the opening time phrase.
3.Which sentence is correct?
Use a comma before so when it joins two complete ideas.
4.Which sentence is correct?
Don't needs an apostrophe, and the sentence needs a full stop.
5.Which sentence is correct?
Use a question mark and start the next sentence with a capital letter.
6.Which sentence is correct?
Use commas to separate list items. Do not use apostrophes in plurals.
Add the missing punctuation
Fill each gap with the missing mark or word form.
1.I like tea I like coffee.
A full stop separates two complete sentences.
2.On Tuesday we went shopping.
Use a comma after an opening time phrase.
3.I was hungry so I made lunch.
Use a comma before so when it joins two complete ideas.
4.Hi Anna how are you?
Put a comma after Hi and the name.
5.This is Anna bag.
Use apostrophe s to show that the bag belongs to Anna.
6.Where is your phone
Use a question mark at the end of a direct question.
Check the punctuation rules
Choose true or false for each statement.
1.A full stop can end a statement.
A full stop shows that a statement has ended.
2.A comma alone can join two complete sentences.
Use a full stop or a joining word with a comma.
3.Use a comma after an opening phrase such as Last Monday.
The comma helps separate the opening phrase from the main sentence.
4.Use an apostrophe to make the plural word books.
Write books without an apostrophe.
5.Start the next sentence with a capital letter after a question mark.
A new sentence starts with a capital letter.
6.It is best to use many exclamation marks in one sentence.
One exclamation mark is enough.
Now write
Your task
Write a short email to a friend about your week. Write 6 to 8 sentences. Include two days, one list, and one question. Check every full stop, comma and apostrophe.
Word bank
MondayTuesdayWednesdaySaturdayfriendfamilyshoppinghomeschoolworktiredhappybecausebutso
Sentence starters
- Hi, ...
- On Monday, I ...
- On Wednesday, I ...
- I was ..., so ...
- I bought ..., ... and ...
- Are you ...?