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What Is a Punctuation Mark?
In simple terms, punctuation marks are a symbol to create and support meaning within a sentence or to break it up. Examples of different punctuation marks include full stops (.), commas (,), question marks (?), exclamation marks (!), colons (:), semi-colons (;), apostrophes ('), and speech marks (",").
Often children get told how and when to use different punctuation marks when they are at school, yet this doesn't really explain what a punctuation mark actually is. It is important children know the different types of punctuation marks with names and what they are used for.
Words are not the only thing that can help people to navigate a sentence, these marks show the structure of the sentence, including where the sentence starts and ends and when to pause (or breathe if reading the sentence aloud).
It is really important to make a sentence clear and accurate so that it can be understood. These marks are how ideas are conveyed to the reader properly. You can use our fantastic and diverse range of resources and teaching aids to find all punctuation marks with names, uses, and examples that your children can use to master their punctuation skills.
What Are the Different Types of Punctuation Names? (With Examples)
There are 12 different types of punctuation marks where we need to learn the punctuation names in the English language. This means that there's plenty to choose from when writing! We tend to use some punctuation marks more than others, but it's still important to know them all so that we know what they mean when we read and see them. Although the English language has many punctuation marks, you will usually learn to use many of them as you master the language. Still, there are some punctuation mark uses you might still not know about despite using and seeing them regularly.
See a description for each type of punctuation mark below, along with some handy punctuation examples in a sentence.
A full stop is the punctuation name for a mark that is used to show the end of a sentence, as shown in this punctuation example:
'Lucy went clothes shopping. She bought a lovely new skirt.'
Full stops are used to indicate that it is the end of a sentence, usually communicating a complete point or thought. It highlights a new sentence that is about to begin.
2. Commas
Commas is the punctuation name for a mark that is great for breaking down sentences, combining two clauses, or showing us when to pause.
'Despite the fact I hate maths, I quite like learning about fractions.'
This shows how commas can add emphasis and tell the reader when to pause. Sometimes, commas can be misplaced. This is called a comma splice, where two independent clauses are connected by a comma when they should really be separated with a full stop or semi-colon or connected with a connective.
3. Question marks
Question marks simply indicate that the speaker is asking a question. They're used at the end of question (or interrogative) sentences.
'Do you still want to keep your teddy bear?'
4. Exclamation marks
Exclamation marks are the punctuation name for a mark that can change the meaning and tone of a sentence. They still end a sentence, but they can add emotion - whether that's excitement, anger, or nervousness!
'Look, it's a cat!'
'I'm so nervous about my SAT exams!'
'I can't believe you just said that!'
All three of these sentences convey very different emotions using an exclamation mark, so it can be confusing. Yet imagine if they used a full stop instead - these emotions would be much harder to read and understand.
A sentence that needs an exclamation mark is called an exclamatory sentence.
5. Colons
A colon is the punctuation name for a mark that is used to connect two clauses.
'Never go out in the sun without sunscreen: you’ll damage your skin.'
They're also great for introducing a list of three or more things.
'I'm visiting four cities this summer: Rome, Florence, Paris, and Seville.'
