Punctuation Marks

Punctuation Marks

1. The english language has a system of symbols and sings known as "pronctuation"

   • Punctuation shows us how to structure sentence and how each sentence should

2. Functions

   • Punctuation marks play an important role in written language, since their correct use allows a coherent and unambiguous understanding of the content of a text.
     • By means of punctuation marks the texts are structured, ordering and ranking the ideas in main and secondary, which allows the reader a better interpretation, analysis and understanding of the content.

3. Which are?

   • The point
     • The period (.) Indicates the pause that occurs at the end of a sentence. After period, it will always be capitalized, except in the case that it appears in an abbreviation. There are three kinds of point:
       • The period and followed ...
         • It is used to separate the different sentences that make up a paragraph. After a period and followed you continue to write on the same line.
       • The full stop ...
         • separate paragraphs. After the full stop, the writing must continue on the next line, capitalized and indented.
       • The end point...
         • it is the point that closes a text.
     • Comma
       • The comma (,) marks a brief pause within a sentence.
         • It is used to enclose paragraphs or clarifications and to indicate omissions. For example, “If you come, we will wait for you; if not, we leave ”.
           • Separa la parte entera de un número de la parte decimal. Por ejemplo, 3,5 km.
             • Conjunctive or adverbial phrases are preceded and followed by a comma. For example, in effect, that is, finally.
       • Both points
         • The both points (:) represents a pause greater than the comma, but less than the period. It is used in the following cases:
           • Before a verbatim quote and as a wake-up call. For example, "The saying goes: better late than never."
             • Before an enumeration. For example, "The four seasons of the year are: spring, summer, fall and winter."
               • Following the courtesy formulas that header the letters and documents. For example, "Dear teacher:"
                 • Between related sentences without nexus when expressing cause - effect or a conclusion. For example, "He lost his job, his house, his car: all for the game."
         • Semicolon
           • The semicolon (;) represents a pause greater than the comma, but less than the period and followed. It is used in the following cases:
             • To separate the elements of an enumeration when it comes to complex expressions that include commas. For example, “His hair is brown; the green eyes; the nose, upturned ”.
             • Before conjunctions (but, although and more), when a long phrase is introduced. For example, "Many years ago I wanted to visit that place; but until the sun today I had not had a chance."
           • Suspensives points
             • The suspensives points (…) are made up of three points in a line and with no space between them. It is used in the following cases:
               • At the end of the open enumerations. For example, "1, 2, 3, ...".
                 • When an expression is left incomplete or on hold. For example, "A few words ...".
                   • To express doubts, fear or hesitation.
                     • When a verbatim quote, text or saying is incompletely reproduced. For example, "When Gregorio Samsa woke up (...), he found himself on his bed turned into a monstrous insect"
             • Question marks
               • A question mark is a punctuation mark, or a symbol, that shows that a question has ended. Question marks can also be known as interrogation points as they end sentences where an answer or response is expected. Question marks usually end question sentences.
                 • Really? If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one? If there is no God, who pops up the next Kleenex? What's another word for Thesaurus?

4. Some auxiliaries

   • Hyphen
     • The hypen (-) is used to separate words or to join them, so that it allows to establish a relationship between syllables or words. Also, when more than two terms are needed to describe an issue, a hyphen is used.
       • For example, Portuguese-Venezuelan, socio-economic, English-speaking. When a term of this type is standardized, the hyphen tends to be omitted and the first part is assimilated as a prefix.
     • Quotation marks
       • Quotation marks ("") are used for two essential functions: the first, to highlight a word or phrase within a text. The second, to quote someone else's words.
       • Parenthesis
         • The parentheses () are used to delimit. Through them, words, sentences or even paragraphs can be isolated. This makes it possible to clarify or provide some additional information to the main text.
           • For example, "Kafka's Metamorphosis (published in 1915) is a fundamental work of contemporary literature." "Had it not been for José (who had been present), he would never have discovered the truth."
         • Clasp
           • Square clasp ([]) are used in a similar way to parentheses, but they are less common and have certain caveats.
             • Clasp is used to introduce additional information to a text that is already in parentheses. For example, "Violeta Parra's last album (called Last Compositions [1966]) was her best accomplished work."
               • When during the transcription of a paragraph, the writer wishes to introduce a note or clarification.
               • When, during a quote, a section of the referenced text is omitted.