Note 06: Punctuation

Grade: 6

A. Comma (,)

A comma is a punctuation mark that is used to indicate a short pause in a

sentence. Commas have several functions in sentence structure and help clarify
the meaning and structure of a sentence.

Comma Usages:

1. Listing / separating simple items in a list:

Commas are used to separate items in a list of three or more things.
Example: The museum houses a collection of artifacts from different eras
like ancient Greek pottery, Egyptian sculptures, Roman coins, and
medieval tapestries.

2. Before coordinating conjunctions:

Commas are used to separate independent clauses (complete sentences)
that are joined by coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Example: I was so stressed after a whole year of continuous work, so I
decided to take a leave.

3. To separate introductory elements:

Commas are used to separate introductory phrases or clauses from the
main part of a sentence.
Example: With the radiant sun dipping below the horizon, the tranquil
meadow was embraced by a mesmerizing symphony of chirping crickets
and rustling leaves.

4. To separate additional information:

Commas are used to separate additional information (like sentences
which have parenthetical punctuation or elements such as appositives,
examples, and extra comments).
Example: The third-class facilities, at the back of the plane, were much
more basic.
5. To separate coordinate adjectives:
Commas are used to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that
describe the same noun.
Examples: The elegant, graceful performer effortlessly glided across the
stage.
He captivated the audience with his mesmerizing, enchanting
performance.

6. To introduce direct quotations and separate them from the rest of the
sentence:
Example: She turned to her friend and asked, “Did you see what
happened?”

7. To separate a dependent clause from an independent one in a complex

sentence:
Example: As the singer was preparing herself to step on the stage, a loud
explosion was heard outside the theater.

8. To separate the day from the month, and the date from the year:
Examples: The conference will be held on June 15, 2023.
November 5, 1986 was a remarkable day in my life.

9. Before and after an appositive:

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that provides additional
information or clarification about a preceding noun.
Examples: Manuel Picon, the former French President, visited the UK
yesterday.
My dog, Max, loves to play in the park.

10. To set off a vocative:

The comma here is used to separate the name or title of a person being
directly addressed from the rest of a sentence. It is used to indicate a
direct appeal or emphasis on a particular individual.
Examples: John, could you please pass me the salt.
I am sorry, Simon, we won’t be able to have you as part of our team.
There is a slight difference between the ‘usage’ and the ‘effect’.
When commas are used, they may create various effects depending on the
context they are used in.

Comma Effects:

1. Emphasizing a word or phrase:

Commas can be used to place emphasis on a particular word or phrase in
a sentence.
Example:
I tackled the challenge alone, without any help or guidance.
(Here, the comma after ‘alone’ emphasizes the speaker’s individual effort).

2. Creating a pause:
Commas can be used to create a brief pause in a sentence, which can
affect the pace and rhythm of the writing and create a dramatic effect.
Example: The curtains slowly rose, revealing the breathtaking stage set
before them.

3. Showing contrast:
Commas can be used to show contrast between two ideas.
Example: He’s smart, but very self-centered.
(The comma after ‘smart’ emphasizes the contrast between his
intelligence and his selfishness).

4. Building suspense:
Commas can be used to create a sense of suspense or anticipation by
interrupting a sentence and leaving the reader hanging.
Example: He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and waited, listening
intently for the sound that would determine his fate.
B. Colon (:)

Colons are punctuation marks often used in writing to introduce or emphasize

information. They provide a useful tool for organizing ideas, signaling an
upcoming list, elaborating on a statement, or indicating a direct quotation. By
functioning as a linguistic signpost, colons guide readers and help create clarity
and structure within a sentence or paragraph.

Colon Usages:

1. To introduce a list:
Colons can be used to introduce a list of items.
Example: I need to buy several items from the grocery store: eggs, milk,
bread and fresh vegetables.
(Notice that colons should follow an independent clause that can stand on
its own as a complete sentence).

2. To introduce a quotation:
When quoting someone or something, a colon can be used to introduce
the quote.
Example: As Albert Einstein once said: “Imagination is more important
than knowledge.”

3. To introduce an explanation or elaboration (add extra information):

A colon can be used to introduce an explanation or elaboration on a
previous statement.
Example: She had one goal in mind: to win the marathon and prove her
endurance and determination to the world.

4. To separate hours and minutes in time:

A colon is commonly used to separate hours and minutes in time.
Example: The meeting is at 3:30 PM.

5. To introduce a subtitle or a description that follows a title:

Examples: “The Catcher in the Rye: A Novel” (subtitle)
“The Great Gatsby: A Tale of Jazz Age New York” (description).
“The Elements of Style: The Classic Writing Style Guide” (subtitle)
Colon Effects:

1. Emphasize the information that follows:

A colon can be used to draw attention to the information that follows it,
indicating that it is important or worthy of special attention.

2. Clarify or elaborate on previous information:

A colon can be used to introduce an explanation, elaboration, or definition
of a previous statement, making it clearer and easier to understand.

3. Add variety to sentence structure:

By using colons, writers can add variety to their sentence structure,
creating more complex and nuanced sentences that are more interesting
to read.

4. Create a formal tone:

Colons are often used in formal writing, such as an article or a report, and
their use can create a more formal or professional tone.
C. Semi-colon (;)

A semicolon is a punctuation mark used in writing to indicate a stronger

separation between two closely related independent clauses than a comma
would provide. It serves as a middle ground between a comma (which represents
a lighter pause) and a full stop (which represents a complete separation between
two sentences).

Semi-colon Usages:

1. To connect closely related independent clauses:

A semicolon can be used to connect two closely related independent
clauses that are not joined by a conjunction forming a compound
sentence.
Examples: She studies late into the night; her determination never wavers.
I managed to make friends at my new school; all of them are nice to me.

2. To separate items in a list:

When items in a list contain commas or they are ‘complex’ items, a
semicolon can be used to separate these items, making the list clearer
and easier to read.
Examples: For our picnic, we brought a variety of delicious foods:
sandwiches with ham, cheese, and pickles; a colorful fruit salad with
apples, oranges, and grapes; and a selection of homemade desserts,
such as chocolate chip cookies, lemon bars, and caramel brownies.
(items with internal commas)
During our road trip,we visited several famous landmarks: the Statue of
Liberty in New York City; the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco,
California; and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon in Arizona, a breathtaking
natural wonder.
{complex items in a list)

3. Before conjunction adverbs to join two closely related clauses:

When two independent clauses are joined by a conjunctive adverb
(however, therefore, moreover, etc.), a semicolon can be used before the
conjunctive adverb.
Examples: It was a tough task; however, he managed to finish it perfectly.
John enjoys playing basketball; similarly, his brother has a passion for the
sport.
Semi-colon Effects:

1. Emphasize the relationship between two ideas:

Semicolons are often used to connect two closely related independent
clauses. By using a semicolon instead of a period, the writer emphasizes
the relationship between the two ideas and shows they are closely
connected.

2. Clarifies complex lists:

Semicolons can be used to separate items in a list, especially if the items
themselves contain internal commas. This can help to clarify complex lists
and make them easier to read.

3. Adds variety to sentence structure:

By using semicolons instead of periods or conjunctions, writers can add
variety to their sentence structure and create a more interesting and
engaging piece of writing.

4. Enhances the flow of writing:

When used correctly, semicolons can help to enhance the flow of writing
by creating a smoother transition between ideas and avoiding disjointed
sentences.

5. Creating a sense of suspense:

Similar to commas, semicolons can also be used to create a sense of
suspense or anticipation by breaking a sentence and leaving the reader
hanging.
Example: She tiptoed through the dark hallway; what awaited at the end,
lurking in the shadows?

6. Conveying a sense of importance:

Semicolons can be used to convey a sense of importance or significance
to an idea or statement.
Example: We must never forget this crucial fact; our actions today will
shape the future generations to come.
D. Dash (_)

Dashes come in two forms: ‘en’ dashes and ‘em’ dashes.

The two forms have various usages.

Dash Usages:

1. To set off parenthetical information (em dash):

Dashes can be used to set off parenthetical information that is more
important than that set off by commas or brackets. The dashes make the
extra / additional information stand out more than commas and brackets.
Examples: The team gathered at the conference room - located on the top
floor of the building - to discuss the upcoming project.
(The extra information provides further details)
The picnic was ruined by unexpected rain - a heavy downpour that lasted
for hours.
(The extra information here is an explanation)

2. To indicate a break or interruption (em dash):

Dashes can be used to indicate a sudden break or interruption in a
sentence.
Example: “She was about to speak, but-”

3. To create emphasis (em dash):

Dashes can be used to create emphasis or draw attention to a particular
word or phrase.
Example: She was determined to succeed - no matter what.

4. To indicate a range (en dash):

Dashes can be used to indicate a range of numbers or dates.
Example: The years 1950-1960 were a time of great change.

5. To add a list after a sentence, as a kind of details (em dash):

Dashes can be used to introduce a list, similar to the way colons are used.
Example: He bought all the supplies he needed - paint, brushes, canvases
- before starting his latest project.
6. To indicate an incomplete thought (em dash):
Dashes can be used to indicate an incomplete thought or trailing off a
sentence.
Example: “I just can’t believe that-”
Dash Effects:

1. Emphasis:
Dashes can be used to emphasize a particular word or phrase within a
sentence, drawing attention to it and giving it extra weight.
Example: “She had spent years building up her business - sacrificing her
time, her energy, and even her relationships - and now, as she looked
around at the empty office, she couldn’t help but wonder if it had all been
worth it.”

2. Interruption:
Dashes can be used to interrupt or disrupt a sentence, reflecting a sudden
change or interruption in a character’s thoughts or actions.
Example: She was running as fast as she could - but then she stumbled,
and everything went black.

3. Intensify:
Dashes can be used to add intensity or urgency to a sentence, creating a
sense of heightened emotion or drama.
Example: He was determined to win - no matter what it took.

4. Contrast:
Dashes can be used to set up a contrast or opposition between two ideas
or images, creating a dynamic tension between them.
Example: She was dangerous - with a quick temper and a sharp tongue -
but also beautiful, with her long blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes.

5. To create a dramatic pause that can indicate the following:

a. A momentary pause in a sentence or passage, building suspense
and anticipation before a climactic event or revelation. (climax)
Example: She stepped onto the stage, the lights shining in her eyes
- and then, with a deep breath, she began to sing, her voice filling
the room and the audience cheering.
b. An aside or parenthetical thought, allowing a character to reveal
their innermost feelings or thoughts to the reader.
Example: She smiled at her friend - or at least, she tried to - and
then thought to herself, what am I doing here? I don’t even like her.
6. Pause or hesitation:

Dashes can be used to create a pause or hesitation in a sentence,

reflecting a character’s uncertainty or hesitation.
Example: He wasn’t sure what to do - should he stay and fight, or run for
his life?
E. Hyphens (-)

Hyphens are small lines written in the middle of a line (not as low down as an
underscore). They are not all that common today, but there are three main
situations where you should use them.

Hyphen Usages:

1. To form compound words (compound modifiers):

We use hyphens to join together separate words, to make compound
words coining a new word that modifies a noun (compound adjective in
this case). This serves to indicate that the joint words have a combined
meaning.
Examples: It’s a high-level meeting.
Your favorite teacher asked about you today.
Kyla needs the up-to-date guidelines.
(Notice that if the compound word appeared after the noun, we do not
hyphenate it.)
Examples: I love chocolate-covered peanuts.
These peanuts are chocolate covered.

2. To join prefixes to words:

Hyphens are used to join a prefix to another word, especially between two
vowels.
Example: pre-existing, co-own, re-write, co-operate.
(Note that this is changing nowadays and one-word forms are becoming
more common, such as: preoccupied or cooperate).

3. To show word breaks:

If you can’t fit a whole word at the end of the line, you use a hyphen to
split the word.
However, this is less commonly used now as computers and word
processors automatically adjust line spacing to make sure that words do
not get broken up.
F. Inverted Commas (“”)

Inverted commas, also known as quotation marks or quotes, are punctuation

marks that are usually represented by a pair of curved symbols (“ “) or (‘ ‘).
Inverted commas are not only used to indicate a direct quotation; they have
many other usages in English and they help to create different effects.

Inverted Commas Usages:

1. Direct speech:
Inverted commas are used to indicate direct speech or dialogue spoken by
a character in a story, play, or script.
Example: “I’m going to the store she said,” she said.

2. Quotations:
Inverted commas are used to indicate a quotation/idiom/famous saying or
direct citation from a source, such as a book or article.
Example: The article stated, “Climate change is a major global issue.”

3. Titles:
Inverted commas are used to indicate the titles of short works, such as
poems, songs, or short stories.
Example: She read the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.

4. Irony or sarcasm:
Inverted commas can be used to indicate irony or sarcasm, suggesting
that the writer is using the word or phrase with a different or opposite
meaning than usual.
Example: Committing the same mistakes while expecting different results
grants me the trophy of “smartness”.

5. Emphasis:
Inverted commas can be used to emphasize a word or phrase, drawing
attention to it.
Example: Actually, calling it a bad day is not satisfactory enough… it is the
“worst” day of my entire life.
6. To indicate that a word or phrase is being used figuratively or with a
different meaning than its literal definition:
Example: The new boss is a “breath of fresh air”.
G. Exclamation Mark (!)

Exclamation marks, also called exclamation points, are punctuation marks used
to convey strong emotions, surprise, excitement, or emphasis in writing. They are
typically represented by a single symbol (!) at the end of a sentence.

Exclamation Mark Usages:

1. To express strong emotions:

Exclamation marks are used at the end of exclamatory sentences that
express strong emotions, excitement, surprise, or astonishment.
Examples: What a beautiful sunset!
“It was you all this time!”

2. Interjections:
Exclamation marks can be used after interjections, which are words or
phrases that convey strong emotions or sudden reactions.
Example: “Wow! That’s amazing!”

3. Commands or imperatives:
When a command or imperative sentence is written with strong emphasis
or urgency, an exclamation mark can be used.
Example: “Stop! Don’t touch that!”

4. To express strong emphasis:

Exclamation marks can be used to emphasize a particular word or phrase
within a sentence.
Example: I absolutely love it!

5. Sarcasm or irony:
Exclamation marks can be used to convey sarcasm or irony. In such
cases, they may indicate that the statement should be understood in a
different or an opposite way.
Example: Oh, great! Another meeting!
H. Parenthetical Punctuation ( , , / - - / [ ] )

Parenthetical punctuation are pairs of commas, dashes or brackets that create a

subordinate to add detail or personal opinion.
Note that pairs of brackets and dashes create an effect of a bigger pause in the
sentence than pairs of commas.

Example: Brian, like his brother, enjoys going out on morning runs.
(Here, we simply obtain extra information about Brian’s brother and Brian sharing
the same hobby of running in the morning).
Example: The attic door was closed - no one had used it in years - but she knew
she had to go in.
(Here, we are briefly taken away from the action to an observation about the door
itself, which adds to the drama while also providing additional information at the
same time).

I. Ellipsis (...)

Ellipsis is a set of three dots written closely together to create an effect of

suspense or even signify a cliffhanger ending which is yet to be continued.

Example: And just like that, they disappeared without a single trace…
Example: No, it couldn’t be! There’s no absolute way...