Better Grammar in 30 Minutes a Day

Chapter 9

Punctuation and Capitalization

When you speak, you use pauses, gestures, and changes in the pitch of your voice to signal the beginnings and endings of units of thought. When you read, marks of punctuation provided by the writer guide your understanding of the writer’s ideas. When you write, you also must provide guideposts for your readers to help them understand what you mean.

9.1 Period, Question Mark, and Exclamation Point

Period (.)

1. Use a period at the end of a sentence to separate it from the next one.

Example: We made plans for a European trip. We studied maps and travel books.

2. Use a period after an abbreviation.

Examples:	Mr. Jones	etc.
	Prof. Anderson	p.m.
	Dr. Brown	B.A.

3. Use a period after initials. ...