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The punctuation marks that signal the end of a
sentence are the period, the question mark and the exclamation mark.
You use the period, by far the most common of
the end punctuation marks, to terminate a
sentence that makes a statement. You may also use
periods with imperative sentences
that have no sense of urgency or excitement attached:
- Without a doubt, Lady Emily was much happier after her
divorce.
- Turn right at the stop sign.
- Bring me a cup of coffee and a cheese danish.
When you want to express a sense of urgency or very strong emotion,
you may end your imperative sentences and statements with
an exclamation mark:
- Look out below!
- Leave this house at once!
- I hate him!
Exclamation marks are, however, rare in formal
writing. Use them sparingly, if at all.
You should use the question mark at the end
of a direct question:
- Who's on first?
- Where is my flowered cape?
Be careful not to use a question mark at the end of an
indirect question. Indirect questions are
simply statements, and therefore end with a period:
- I wonder who was chosen as Harvest King in the county
fair.
- She asked if she could play pinball.
- The teacher asked who was chewing gum.
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