English Punctuation Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the rules, functions, and uses of standard English punctuation marks.

The Single Dash (—)

A punctuation mark that creates a dramatic pause and introduces an unexpected twist, an explanation, an example, or a humorous statement (e.g., "Life is unpredictable — but that's what makes it exciting").

The Hyphen (-)

A punctuation mark used to create compound nouns (e.g., "Mother-in-law"), create compound adjectives (e.g., "Well-known"), separate words at a syllable when they do not fit on a line, or separate vowels to make pronunciation clearer (e.g., "Co-operate").

The Colon (:)

A punctuation mark used to introduce a list, direct speech, a quotation, or an explanation, as well as to separate an initial statement from a developing statement (e.g., "She had one goal: to win the race").

The Semi-colon (;)

A punctuation mark used to link related ideas, separate items in a list of long phrases or clauses, separate different ideas, link balanced statements, separate opposite statements, or link a series of similar subordinate clauses.

Inverted Commas (" ")

Punctuation marks used to show slang or colloquial language, irony or sarcasm, quoted words, words taken out of a text, or technical terms; double inverted commas specifically show direct speech (e.g., She said, "I am happy").

Apostrophe of Possession

The use of an apostrophe to indicate that something belongs to someone, placed before the 's' for a singular owner (e.g., "Girl's bag") or after the 's' for plural owners (e.g., "Girls' bags").

Apostrophe of Omission

The use of an apostrophe to indicate that letters have been left out in a contraction (e.g., "Don't" for "Do not", "Can't" for "Cannot", and "It's" for "It is").

Parenthesis

Extra information added to a sentence using double dashes, brackets, or double commas; it can provide an explanation, example, descriptive detail, personal comment, or humorous aside.

Ellipsis Dots (…)

A series of three dots used to indicate that words have been left out, signify that a thought is unfinished, or build suspense and mystery (e.g., "I opened the door and saw…").

Square Brackets [ ]

Punctuation marks indicating that the words inside were not written by the original author, commonly added by a person quoting a text to explain or clarify something (e.g., "She [the teacher] arrived late").

Single Dash (—)

A punctuation mark that creates a dramatic pause and introduces an unexpected twist, an explanation, an example, or a humorous statement.

Hyphen (-)

A punctuation mark used to create compound nouns or adjectives, separate a word at a syllable when it does not fit on a line, or separate vowels to make pronunciation clearer.

Colon (:)

A punctuation mark used to introduce a list, direct speech, a quotation, or an explanation, or to separate an initial statement from a developing statement.

Semi-colon (;)

A punctuation mark used to link related ideas, balanced statements, opposite statements, or similar subordinate clauses, as well as to separate long phrases, clauses, or different ideas in a list.

Inverted Commas

Punctuation marks used to indicate slang, colloquial language, irony, sarcasm, technical terms, or words that are quoted or taken out of a text.

Double Inverted Commas (" ")

Punctuation marks specifically used to show direct speech (e.g., She said, "I am happy.").

Apostrophe (')

A punctuation mark used to indicate possession (showing ownership) or omission (showing where letters have been left out in a contraction).

Apostrophe for Possession

The use of an apostrophe to show that something belongs to someone, placed before the "s" for a single owner (e.g., Girl's bag) and after the "s" for multiple owners (e.g., Girls' bags).

Apostrophe for Omission

The use of an apostrophe in a contraction to show that letters have been omitted (e.g., Do not = Don't, Cannot = Can't, It is = It's).

Parenthesis

Extra information added to a sentence using double dashes, brackets, or double commas, which can include an explanation, an example, a descriptive detail, a personal comment, or a humorous aside.

Ellipsis Dots (…)

Three dots used to indicate that words have been left out, show that a thought is unfinished, or create suspense and mystery.

Square Brackets [ ]

Punctuation marks used to indicate words added by someone quoting a text to explain or clarify something, showing the words were not written by the original author.