Punctuation | English Grammar for Junior Classes - Class 1 PDF Download

What is Punctuation?

Punctuation refers to the usage of symbols, known as punctuation marks to emphasize the meaning of a sentence. It allows the writer to make the sentence easier to understand. Punctuation is also used to highlight the pauses one must give while reading or speaking out the sentence. Essentially, punctuation marks are used, based on their function, to promote the flow of writing and reading.
There are many kinds of punctuation marks, each of which has different functions and alters a sentence differently.

End Sentence Punctuations

These include punctuations that are used to end a sentence. They denote a change from the ongoing sentence to a new one and can often indicate the end of a conversation or thought. The kind of end sentence punctuation used determines the tonality and purpose of the sentence. Given below are some punctuation examples with answers.

Period/Full Stop- 

• The period or the full stop is represented as “.”. It is used to simply end a sentence and allow the writer to start a new sentence. When reading aloud, a period/ full stop means that the reader must give a significant pause before continuing to read the next sentence. 
• Example - I am feeling sick, take me to the doctor.
  After punctuation - I feel sick. Take me to the doctor.

Question Mark: 

• A question mark marks a sentence as a question or query. It is represented as “?”. When reading aloud, the presence of a question mark means that the reader has to raise their voice slightly to show that a question is being asked. 
• Question marks are used in sentences that begin with question words such as when, where, how, what, etc. 
• Example- Where is the food i left on the table it is kept in the fridge
  After punctuation - Where is the food I left on the table? It is kept in the fridge. 

Exclamation Marks:

• An exclamation mark is used to denote surprise, excitement, or very strong emotion. It can also denote that someone shouted the words or if the sentence needs to be made forceful. It looks like “!” Reading aloud requires the reader to add surprise or excitement to their voice.
• Example - I won i am so happy i can't believe i won
  After Punctuation - I won! I am so happy. I can’t believe I won!

Other Common Punctuations 

Comma:

• A comma “,” is used to separate things in a sentence. It can also be used to show a brief pause in the sentence, to separate different parts of a sentence, or after certain words (Yes, No, Sure,) when used at the beginning of the sentence. 
• For example - can you bring a pen, notebook and the textbook
  After punctuation - Can you bring a pen, a notebook, and the textbook?

Apostrophe:

• It looks like (‘). It is used to make contractions such as - they’re (they are), can’t (can not), etc. They are also used to show possession. 
• Example- Isn't this the cat's toy
  After Punctuation - Isn’t this the cat’s toy?