14 Punctuation Marks in American English (Usage and Sentence Examples)

This lesson focuses on American English punctuation rules that differ somewhat from British English. If you want to learn about a specific punctuation mark, make sure to check out my individual lessons that offer in-depth explanations.

The 14 Punctuation Marks in English:
• Period (.): Ends a sentence with a full stop, showing completion of a thought.
• Comma (,): Creates a slight break within sentences, listing items, or separating clauses.
• Exclamation Point (!): Expresses high emotion or emphasis, perfect for strong feelings or commands.
• Question Mark (?): Marks the end of a direct question, inviting an answer or indicating curiosity.

• Colon (:): Introduces a list, explanation, or quotation following a complete sentence.
• Semicolon (;): Links closely related complete sentences or separates complex list items.

• Dash (—): Adds emphasis, an abrupt change, or additional information within a sentence.
• Hyphen (-): Joins words or parts of words together, like in compound terms.
• Parentheses (()): Encloses extra information or clarifying details within a sentence.
• Brackets ([]): Used for technical explanations or to clarify quotations.

• Ellipsis (...): Indicates an omission or a trailing off in thought.
• Apostrophe ('): Shows possession or creates contractions, linking words and letters.
• Quotation Marks (""): Encapsulates direct speech, quotations, or titles of short works.
• Slash (/): Indicates alternatives, or divisions, and sometimes dates or line breaks.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Periods
01:35 - Commas
03:05 - Exclamation Points
03:49 - Question Marks
04:36 - Colons
05:48 - Semicolons
06:49 - Em Dash & En Dash
08:58 - Hyphens
09:39 - Parentheses
11:23 - Brackets
12:13 - Ellipses
13:06 - Apostrophes
14:22 - Quotation Marks
15:45 - Slashes

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✨ SOCIAL MEDIA:

[cuger]

So beautifully done. Love your work. Informative, direct to the point .

[masumrana]

Jennifer, like these classes did not delivery anyone because it is the easiest and convenient to learner. From my aspects few days ago, I was fear on punctuations, but after watching the classes. It is now okay at maximum. Love you from far away. And your English pronunciations are very clear for me so I understand very easily. Thanks.

[Teresa-K]

Thank you. This was a great review of the English language.

[micaelamillender]

Thank you sparkle English,
I liked how you explained the punctuation marks in a very easy way where I was able take notes .

[JLPrice-kcuy]

I was ready to take a test! Excited to see you back. 👍

[bayargelenkhuu]

Thank you much for this video… I loved it! I subscribed.

[TR-nhxf]

I just subscribed. I ❤ how organized and professional your content is. It is very easy to understand. Thanks for sharing.

[sherda]

I didn't know that the comma/period following a quote, must be within quotation marks. I'm really thankful for sharing your knowledge with us.

[MarieAntoinette_tmc]

Do you have a hard cover book on Amazon ??

[larrymilliken]

Thank you, Jennifer! I love these lessons, they're so helpful.

[mojtababezan]

Hi, there
Happy New Year.
I liked this lesson because there wasn't a quiz, it was just kidding.
I hope this year will be auspicious for you.

[derllymckenzie]

Hi Jennifer, how are you?
I have enjoyed every single of your punctuation lessons!
Thanks so much for sharing your English language knowledge in such a structured and generous manner. I really appreciate it.
I bought your 16 Basic Rules E-workbook, and I have a question.
In The Apostrophe Exercises; number 5 says: Shes my sisters best friend.

In the correction:
You said:
“ She’s my sisters best friend.”
I believe that the correct answer is:
She’s my sister’s best friend.

Showing possession because is referring to the sister’s friend.

Can you please let me know if I am completely wrong?
I may understood your lesson.

Thanks
Derlly

[cstew]

Sparkle is such a lovely, smiley lady. ❤️

[InsideEnglishUniverse]

Thank you ma'am .

Which app are you using to create your video please?.

[JLPrice-kcuy]

The Candlestick

“It took inspiration to write it down; it will take inspiration to understand it.
Both, comes from the Father of lights.”
JL Price

[kylerdad]

Thank you for the review of the punctuation usage. It was a great review and reminder! Happy New Year to you and your friends! Best wishes for 2024. Looking forward to the lessons of 2024! Best wishes and regards! 😀🧧

[me.butchee]

I'm relearning this stuff lol, thanks!