Punctuation marks are essential when writing anything, whether it be an email or a full-blown book. Commas, periods, and other punctuation marks play a significant role in shaping the structure of the text and convey meaning to the reader. However, when it comes to commas and periods, many writers are unaware of how to use them appropriately. This article will provide you with complete information on commas and periods, including when to use them, their purpose in a sentence, and common mistakes to avoid.
Commas are perhaps the most misunderstood punctuation mark, and many writers avoid them altogether. However, commas serve an important function in separating words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence. They are used to create a pause in a sentence or to separate two independent clauses. Commas can also be used to separate words in a list or to introduce a phrase or clause that is contrasting or explanatory.
One common use of commas is to separate items in a list. For example, “I need to pick up eggs, milk, and bread from the grocery store.” The commas in this sentence separate specific items on the grocery list to create a clear and concise sentence. Another good example of the use of commas is in complicated sentences. For instance, “Although the exam was stressful, I was able to relax and ace it. The comma after ‘stressful’ serves to separate the contrasting phrase from the rest of the sentence.
Periods, on the other hand, are used to bring a sentence to a full stop. They are used to end statements or declarative sentences. Periods are also used in abbreviations or acronyms, such as Dr., Jan., or U.S. They serve to distinguish abbreviation or acronym from the rest of the text in a sentence, and they are essential in conveying meaning or understanding.
One common mistake many writers make when using periods is forgetting to use them after a particular phrase or abbreviation. For example, “Mr Smith, who is my neighbor is moving,” or “The package was delivered at 2 pm yesterday.” Both of these sentences are incorrect because they lack the necessary periods. The first example should be “Mr. Smith, who is my neighbor, is moving,” and the second should be “The package was delivered at 2 p.m. yesterday.”
Another mistake many writers make is overusing periods. Short, choppy sentences can make the text difficult to read, and so it is important to understand when to use periods correctly. Writers should avoid using too many one or two-word sentences in succession, as this can make the text appear disjointed.
While commas and periods are essential punctuation marks, other forms of punctuation exist, such as semicolons, colons, and dashes. The use of these marks is less common, but they still have a significant role to play. For example, semicolons are used to join two independent clauses that have a close association, while colons are used to introduce a list or explanation. Dashes can be used in place of commas and parentheses to provide information on what is coming next in a sentence.
One important note about proper punctuation is that it varies by language, dialect, and era. Some languages do not use commas, and others make use of vastly different punctuation marks that may not exist in English. Similarly, dialects within a particular language may use punctuation in unique ways. Historically, periods, commas, and other punctuation marks were used differently than they are today, and knowing the style of writing and punctuation can help historical texts make more sense.
In conclusion, commas and periods are essential punctuation marks that have a significant role in shaping the structure and meaning of a sentence. Understanding how to use these marks correctly is essential in conveying accurate meaning in text. Remember that the rules of punctuation differ by language and dialect, so it is crucial to be aware of these differences when writing in a particular style. Always remember to use periods to bring sentences to a close and to separate relevant items in a list with commas. By following these simple rules, you can improve the readability and coherence of your writing.