Period and comma are two important punctuation marks in the English language. They are used to indicate different aspects of written communication such as tone, inflection, pause, and emphasis. Although they may seem like minor elements in writing, knowing how to use them effectively can significantly improve the readability and impact of any piece of writing.
Period
Period is a punctuation mark that indicates the end of a complete sentence. It is also known as a full stop or a dot. Periods are used to indicate that a thought or idea has been completed and to separate one complete sentence from another in a paragraph.
Examples:
– I love going to the beach. I enjoy the gentle sound of the waves and the feel of sand between my toes.
– Sheila went to the store to buy some milk. When she got there, she realized she had forgotten her wallet.
– The concert was amazing. The musicians played with so much passion and energy.
In these examples, the period indicates the end of a complete thought or idea. It separates one complete sentence from another in the paragraph.
Comma
Comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause or break in a sentence. It is used to separate clauses or items in a list. Commas can also be used to set apart introductory phrases or to indicate a shift in thought within a sentence.
Examples:
– She walked to the store, bought some milk, and returned home.
– Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
– John, who is my neighbor, is an excellent cook.
In these examples, the comma indicates a pause, a shift in thought, or separation of clauses or items in a list.
Comparison between Period and Comma
The key difference between period and comma is that a period always indicates the end of a complete sentence, while a comma indicates a pause, a shift in thought or is used to separate clauses or items in a list. Moreover, a period is always followed by a capital letter, indicating the beginning of a new sentence, while a comma is never followed by a capital letter.
Periods are used to create a pause at the end of a complete sentence, indicating a complete thought, while commas are used to create pauses or breaks within sentences, indicating a shift in thought or separation of clauses or items in a list.
FAQs
1. What is the rule for using periods?
Periods are used at the end of a complete sentence to indicate a complete thought. They are always followed by a capital letter, indicating the beginning of a new sentence.
2. What are some examples of using a period?
– I love reading books.
– The sun is shining.
– She is a talented dancer.
In these examples, the period indicates the end of a complete sentence, indicating a complete thought.
3. What is the rule for using commas?
Commas are used to create pauses or breaks within sentences, to indicate a shift in thought or separation of clauses or items in a list.
4. What are some examples of using commas?
– I went to the store, bought some bread, and returned home.
– Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
– John, who is my neighbor, is an excellent cook.
In these examples, the comma creates a pause, indicating a shift in thought, or separation of clauses or items in a list.
In conclusion, period and comma are two important punctuation marks that help to clarify written communication. Periods indicate the end of a complete sentence, while commas create pauses or breaks within sentences, indicating a shift in thought or separation of clauses or items in a list. Knowing how to use them effectively can make a significant difference in the readability and impact of any piece of writing.