Punctuation marks and understanding its usage is essential for completely grasping a sentence in the VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) Section in the CAT exam. Not only that, but also, Punctuation marks in a sentence can make or break a sentence. That’s why, it’s essential to have a firm understanding of punctuation marks.
This 7-minute article serves as a quick guide to understand all the punctuation marks used commonly.
Punctuation Marks: A Guide
The Period ‘.’ (or most commonly knows as full stop) when used marks the end of a sentence. It is also used to abbreviate abbreviations.
- I went to a store downtown.
- Let me introduce you to Dr. Michael here.
2. Exclamation Mark
The Exclamation Mark (or point) ‘!’ marks the end of a sentence. However, it only expresses sentences with great or sudden emotions, unlike Periods.
- Wow! What an amazing show!
- Alas! I lost the match.
3. Question MarkThe Question Mark ‘?’ marks the end of any question, typically. Mostly, This is put after interrogative sentences.
- Would you like a cup of tea?
- How are you doing today?
- Where are my keys?
- Weren’t you home yesterday?
The Comma (,) is widely used in long texts. The comma has a variety of uses in a sentence. It is commonly used to break up sentences to clarify a sentence. Additionally, this punctuation mark separates the additional information in a sentence. This method helps in clarification of the sentence.
- Addressing separately: “Where are you, Sameer?”
- Combining two separate sentences: I wish were in Canada right now, but everything happens for a reason.
- Separating an additional piece of information: Dr. Sameer, a renowned paediatrician, prescribed him medicines.
- Marking a list of items: I need to buy a banana, an apple, and an orange from the fruits’ market.
Note: There is common confusion whether to use a comma or not between the last two items in a list
- Buy me some pencils, pens, and a pencil case.
- Buy me some pencils, pens and a pencil case.
As you can see, writing the sentence in either of the ways doesn’t really make a difference. The usage of a comma between the last two items in a list depends on personal preference. Both of the ways are acceptable in written English.
Although the Semicolon (;) is a half colon and comma, its usage is not similar to either of those punctuation marks. It typically links two independent clauses in a sentence, the clauses which complement each other but are sentences with independent meanings.
- Amy cannot fix her tie; she just doesn’t know how to.
- It’s okay to be not okay; we’re all in the same boat truly.
Semicolons are also put at the end of a list to clarify the implications of sentence better.
- We need the following tools to fix this car: Screwdrivers, pilers, wrenches, and a hammer; two bottles of diesel, and a small piece of scrap.
The colon (:) is one of the common punctuation marks. They have various uses, like in ratios (3:2), time (12:00 pm), or the indication of a list, a definition or an example that follows.
- Conservation: The protection of animals, plants, and natural resources.
- You require the following ingredients to make a cake: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, milk, and vanilla essence.
The Hyphen (-) is used in compounds words, especially to string together two words to generate another meaning.
- It was an awe-inspiring speech.
- It was a nerve-wracking experience.
8. En Dash
The En Dash (–) links two things together, like dates (1999-2003), or shows a range ( 24 Km/Hour – 55 Km/Hour).
9. Em Dash
The Em Dash (—) is usually twice as long as an En Dash. It has multiple uses. It can break up sentences, separate additional information from a sentence, or make a stuffy sentence seem more readable.
- Multiple languages are spoken in India — Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Marathi and other region-specific languages.
- KFC’s franchise is spread all over the world — North America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia-pacific, Australia.
- I should better get ready now—the orchestra will start any minute now.
- I am done with breakfast—oh well, almost done.
An Apostrophe (‘) marks the possession of an article by someone or the contractions in a sentence.
- She’s going to the Cinema this weekend.
- Isn’t she all right after taking a rest-day?
- It is Matthew’s Violin.
11. Quotation Marks
The Quotation marks (” ”) are put over a sentence to either show that it is a quote, or to signify that it was spoken by someone. We also use single quotes (‘ ‘) within a double quotes’ sentence (” ”) to signify a clearer meaning.
- “I am so proud of you, son.”, said Mother.
- “It’s Peter’s desk. Don’t you dare sit there!”, shouted Alyssa.
Note: In a quoted question, the question mark can come either before or after the quotation marks. However, the common practice is to put the question mark before the ending quotation mark.
- “Are you all right, Jamie?”, Said I.
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