Punctuation Marks and Their Uses

Front

Colon (:)

Back

• Meaning: Introduces a list, explanation, or example.
  Use a colon when the second part explains or defines the first part.
  Example:

  • He has one main goal: to become a doctor.

    • (The second part explains what the goal is.)
      Don’t use a colon unless the first part is a full sentence.
      Before the colon = must be a full sentence.
      After the colon = explains it.
      How to know if a colon is needed:

      • Does the part before the colon make sense by itself (a full sentence)?

Front

Semicolon (;)

Back

• Meaning: Joins two complete sentences that are closely related.

• Use:

  • To join two independent sentences.
    Connect related full sentences:
    I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

  • Separate items in a complicated list (with commas already inside):
    I visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.
    Check if both sides of the semicolon could stand alone as sentences.

Front

Dash (—)

Back

• Meaning: Adds a strong break or extra info.

• Use:

  • For sudden changes in thought or extra emphasis.
    Example: I finally found it — the missing key!

Front

Hyphen (-)

Back

• Meaning: Connects words or parts of words.

• Use:
  Compound adjectives before a noun

  • In compound words.
    Example: well-known artist.
    Don’t hyphenate words that are clear without it:
    If two words together describe a noun and come BEFORE it, usually hyphen them.
    If two words working together to describe something.

  • Is it a number between 21–99? (👉 Hyphen it!)

  ⛔ DON’T use hyphens if the first word ends in -ly (like quickly running — no hyphen).

Front

Ellipsis (...)

Back

• Meaning: Shows omitted words or a trailing thought.

• Use:

  • To show something left out.
    Example: I’m not sure what to say...

Front

Caret (^)

Back

• Meaning: Shows where to insert something when editing.

• Use:

  • In proofreading.
    Example: I love ^ pizza (inserted word: eating).

Front

Asterisk (*)

Back

• Meaning: Shows a footnote or extra info.

• Use:

  • To point to a note.
    Example: She arrived late. (*See reasons below.)