Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners - Robin Torres-Gouzerh 2016

The period
23 Punctuation

Punctuation is used to make text easier to read and to convey clear and specific meaning. It is used to divide words into grammatical units, like clauses within sentences. Punctuation marks consist of a set of standardized symbols: periods, commas, semicolons, colons, question marks, exclamation points, apostrophes, quotation marks, hyphens and dashes, and parentheses and brackets. The proper use of these symbols is governed by grammatical and stylistic guidelines.

The period

A period is used to end a declarative sentence or imperative sentence. The period stands inside quotation marks.

They are going to the mall.

Hand me the book next to you, please.

Finish your dinner so you can go to sleep.

She said, “I’m not leaving my purse on the table unattended.”

Periods are also often used with abbreviations and acronyms.

Massachusetts Ave. begins in Dorchester.

The U.S. and China are the countries most responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.

If a sentence ends with an abbreviation or acronym, no additional period is required.

They will bring the dishes, serving pieces, flatware, etc.

The train arrives at ten p.m.

Their son recently received his B.S.

Exercise 23.1 Add periods where needed.

1. The city council requested that Gov Madison allocate more funds to the development of children’s playgrounds

2. Richard told his parents, “I enjoy having dinner before eight o’clock, because it gives me enough time to finish my homework before going to sleep”

3. Meet them at Whole Foods for breakfast

4. Nathan said to his professor, “I can’t be done with my paper by Monday”

5. I thanked Mrs Bronco for giving us a ride to school this morning

6. Sgt Pepper was called to the conference room for an important membership meeting