How punctuation uses

As a general rule, all languages ​​use punctuation marks whose function is to help you have a better understanding of texts when they are written. In this article we will provide you the uses of punctuation marks.

These signs maintain an order as well as tell us when to separate, pause, join, relate and other formalities that occur throughout a writing. Likewise, they fulfill the function of helping to understand when a question or a moment of admiration is presented. Throughout this article, it will be explained what are the punctuation marks and what are their correct uses in each case.

Use of punctuation marks

Perhaps, the most important thing to achieve when writing is that the text is fluid when reading and that it is easy to understand. For it. the use of signs is applied, the correct use of which is very important; and therefore it is recommended to consider using them regularly. During primary education, this is one of the most relevant linguistics topics that children must necessarily understand so that they do not present problems when continuing their studies, especially when facing readings related to various topics.

The most important function of punctuation marks is to help establish pauses between each sentence , this is especially important when reading aloud so that breathing is fluid. On the other hand; the human mind better understands learning new information if it is memorized in sections. For understanding to be effective, it is necessary to know how to distribute the signs throughout a writing.

On the other hand, punctuation marks are necessary because they help to interpret each sentence . Going from the broad to the specific. The coherence that the sentences that make up a text must have is essential so that each explanation does not create confusion. The different nuances as well as different interpretations of a topic are sometimes given by the interaction of the words with the punctuation marks.

How to put punctuation marks

Any spelling character has its own rules of use. In order for them to fulfill their role when writing or reading, it is necessary to respect these standards of universal knowledge and use. Although some distinctions apply in each language, they still share some aspects with similarities .

They are a very useful tool that in addition to indicating pauses, the different intonations are vital to be able to have a full understanding of the text. For this reason, there are a wide variety of signs such as a period, comma, semicolon, colon, ellipsis, question marks, exclamation marks, parentheses, hyphen and quotation marks. While some of these are not part of some languages, they are for the majority of the most widely used worldwide such as English, Spanish, French, Italian and German to name a few.

They avoid that confusion arises , they separate the primary ideas from the secondary ones. However, it has been seen that with the current use of instant messaging, the use of these signs begins to have different ones; which happens especially with the younger audience. Therefore, when a formal text is written, sometimes there are problems in relation to not understanding the rules of use within the language. Each sign has its own characteristics and rules for its use, as will be described later.

Rules of Punctuation marks

Most of the punctuation marks have the function not only of ordering information, but also of defining the interpretation . The structure of a writing is based on ordering both main and secondary ideas without breaking the relationship between the two. Proper use will emphasize what it really requires. Learning a language implies having a good spelling and a correct linguistic knowledge of the established norms.

It is not only about intonation, but also in some cases it applies to pronunciation. The different styles of narration depend on punctuation as with poetry, for example.

Also, it must be considered that language is always maintained in a constant evolutionary process, so that sometimes the rules already established may undergo changes, in order to adapt to the current needs that are required of the language. The factors can be diverse and therefore punctuation marks are considered to be elementary language parameters .

For example, in the Spanish language the Royal Spanish Academy fulfills the function of monitoring the evolution that the language has suffered in recent years. This institution helps to maintain conventional modes related to writing in general, but it also seeks to adapt and add new forms of language that are already becoming widely used.

Training

Let’s read the following example:

Juan will buy chairs, a closet, tables, a washing machine, and he will go to the court when he finishes those chores.

Now, the same sentence, using the comma and the period followed:

Juan will buy chairs, a closet, tables, a washing machine. He will go to the park when he is done with those chores.

Thanks to the commas (,) and periods (.) Used in the example, the sentence is better structured and we quickly understand all the actions that the subject (Juan) will perform.

Different types of punctuation marks

We are now going to give a succinct explanation of the most used signs in the Spanish language.

Point

The symbol for this punctuation mark is circular in shape as its name implies. The use of this punctuation mark is to mark the end of a sentence or paragraph . This is perhaps the most important of all the signs as it provides order and in turn establishes necessary pauses between one topic and another. In the case that it is used as a period and followed, it is indicating that there is continuity within the same paragraph. The full stop indicates that it will begin next with another paragraph or statement.

During reading, the period indicates that a longer pause should be taken compared to that indicated by the comma (,). On the other hand, it can also be used to accompany and separate abbreviations from other words within a text.

Comma

This punctuation mark has the shape of a hook , its origin is the stroke that the tip of a pencil lets run from a point. It is used to indicate when a brief pause should be made in a sentence as well as to separate words from each other in order to list them since they relate to the same topic.

Within a paragraph or texts, this symbol helps to indicate the separation between one sentence and another given that they express the same idea, but the information must be ordered. It is not used when there are conjunctions such as nor or “o” in between. It is also widely used to separate transitive words as however, however, that is why, in addition, that is, agree, among others. Likewise, they are placed after an evocative.

Semicolon

This sign combines two punctuation marks , the period is at the top of the comma. It is used to indicate that a pause longer than that indicated by a comma should be taken. Its use is common within compound sentences, this is because they are made up of more than one verb, for example. Also; it is used for before conjunctions such as “more” and “but”.

The two points

This sign is represented with the use of two points located one above the other , although it indicates that a pause must be made, its function is also to alert that attention must be paid to the information that follows this symbol . For example, it is frequently used when quoting verbatim.

Suspensive points

It is represented by a group of three points that appear side by side consecutively. Usually; it can indicate both suspense as well as a pause . Within a text, the placement of this symbol at the end of it can refer to the fact that no more can be added to the topic because there is no more precise information or that it simply remains incomplete by omitting something in particular. This punctuation mark can be considered as a synonym for “etc”.

The Parentheses

This is a compound symbol since it must be placed both at the beginning and at the end of a sentence. These are two curved lines that change their position on each side, facing each other (). Its function is very important since it allows you to add important information in clarification mode . The opening symbol and the closing symbol are similar in shape.

Question marks

These signs in the form of hooks are also made up of an opening and a closing one, the figures of which are shown found among themselves making the difference. This symbol indicates that the sentence that remains between both signs is a formulation of a question as well as of uncertainty .

Exclamatory signs

These symbols are in the form of a vertical line and a point at the end. The opening symbol places the dot at the top and the closing symbol places it down. Its function is to indicate a state of emotion or admiration ; as well as surprise. During reading it is important to emphasize any sentences or expressions that fall between these symbols.

The quotation marks

They have the shape of two small, short and elongated strokes, they are located at the top. It is marked twice between the word or phrase to be highlighted. It is usually used to denote not only a textual quote, but also serves to highlight some type of irony