Punctuation mark period, exclamation and question mark in English

Sentence Endings

Three of the fourteen punctuation marks are appropriate for use as sentence endings. They are the period, question mark, and exclamation point.

The period (.) is placed at the end of declarative sentences, statements thought to be complete and after many abbreviations.

• As a sentence ender: Jane and Jack went to the market.
• After an abbreviation: Her son, John Jones Jr., was born on Dec. 6, 2008.

A Sentence is the Expression of a Complete Thought! When we complete a thought while speaking, we pause and when we write the same thought, we end it with a full stop/period. A Sentence can be as long as the thought is. But, the placement of the full stop means completion of the sentence, per se, the thought.

There are three major principal uses of the full stop:

• To indicate the end of a sentence
• To indicate that a word has been printed in its abbreviated form
• To show (when used in a series like this … that a word or section of words has been omitted from a piece of writing

1. Use a full stop at the end of a complete sentence that is a statement.  Example: I know that you would never break my trust intentionally. 2. If the last word in the sentence ends in a full stop, do not use another full stop after it.  Examples:  I know that M.D. She is my sister-in-law.  Please shop, cook, etc. I will do the

The question mark

 is used as a punctuation mark to show that a direct question has been asked whether in direct speech enclosed within inverted commas or as a part of a passage of writing.

Example: “What do you think I should wear for the party tonight?” asked Seema.

Question Mark, Full Stop/Period and Exclamation Mark are considered the 'End Punctuations' as they end the sentences. 

Use a question mark (?) to indicate a direct question when placed at the end of a sentence.

• When did Jane leave for the market?
• 1. Use a question mark only after a direct question. ¢ Example: ¢ Will you go with me? I asked if he would go with me. 2. Use a question mark when a sentence is half statement and half question. ¢ Example: ¢ You do care, don’t you

The Exclamatory Mark

Exclamation Mark Called Exclamation Point in American English An exclamation mark usually shows strong feeling, such as surprise, anger or joy. Using an exclamation mark when writing is rather like shouting or raising your voice when speaking. Exclamation marks are most commonly used in writing quoted speech. You should avoid using exclamation marks in formal writing, unless absolutely necessary. 1. Use an exclamation mark to indicate strong feelings or a raised voice in speech: •She shouted at him, "Go away! I hate you!" •He exclaimed: "What a fantastic house you have!" •"Good heavens!" he said, "Is that true?" •"Help!" •"Shut up!" •"Stop!" 2. Many interjections need an exclamation mark: •"Hi! What's new?" •"Oh! When are you going?" •"Ouch! That hurt."

The exclamation point (!) is used when a person wants to express a sudden outcry or add emphasis.

• Within dialogue: "Holy cow!" screamed Jane.
• To emphasize a point: My mother-in-law's rants make me furious!

The exclamatory mark is used to exclaim over something- a dramatic confession, a warning, an expression of anger, joy etc. It is used by writers to convey an emotion to the reader.

An exclamatory mark is used

1. after a strong imperative sentence

Example: Keep quiet!

2. after the words expressing anger, joy, surprise, sorrow, etc

Example: What a victory!

Oh, that was a terrible accident!

What a wastage of money on these elections!