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Theme of the course work has been chosen with the aim to show how important punctuation in the language. I was interested to learn more about the rules of punctuation in English, since I knew little about it, and just to compare them with the punctuation of the Russian language.
Introduction.
Theme of the course work has been chosen with the aim to show how important punctuation in the language. I was interested to learn more about the rules of punctuation in English, since I knew little about it, and just to compare them with the punctuation of the Russian language.
It's important to know the rules of English punctuation when you write, as using the wrong punctuation may lead to misunderstandings. Using the correct punctuation is especially important when you are writing to impress, such as when you are applying for a new job, or when you are writing to a customer. Out of the many important elements of writing, punctuation may be the most essential. Punctuation helps direct us through written language with its system of symbols and the rules for using them. Correct usage of punctuation symbols like commas and periods, as well as spaces, capital letters and many other conventions, help the reader avoid confusion and understand more clearly what the writer has intended. Punctuation also affects the rhythm of how a sentence is read, as well as the actual meaning of the writing.
To really understand how important proper punctuation is, look at the following simple sentence:
I did it.
With the period at the end, it is a basic statement of fact. If we change the period to an exclamation point - I did it! - there is a distinct sense of pride from accomplishing something. And with a question mark at the end - I did it? - the writer expresses wonderment and disbelief in having done something.These minute changes in punctuation alter the entire tone and meaning of the basic sentence.
Punctuation (from Lat. Punctum 'point') - a set of punctuation marks and the system is developed and entrenched rules for their use.
Why use punctuation? Why are not letters of the alphabet to writing was clear reading? After all of the letters denoting the speech sounds in words, but it is made up of words. But the fact that pronouncing individual words one by one, does not mean to make understandable spoken. Words in a speech in groups, between groups of words, and sometimes between the individual words are made interval of different length, the word groups or on individual words make it increase, then decrease in tone. And all this is not accidental, but is subject to certain rules: the intervals, and the rise and fall tone (the so-called intonation) express certain shades of meaning of the speech segments. The writer should firmly know what shade of meaning he wants to give his speech and its parts and how the techniques he has for this use. Punctuation, like spelling, is part of the graphics system, adopted for this language, and be as firmly assimilated, as well as letters of the alphabet with their sound values, to the letter accurately and fully expresses the content of the utterance. And to this content are equally perceived by anybody to read, it is necessary that the value of punctuation marks has been established firmly within a national language. Does not matter what the appearance of punctuation in different languages can be identical, and meaning, and hence their use are different. It is important that all writers and readers in a particular language is quite equally understood that expresses one or another punctuation mark.
Punctuation means making points. It means putting
the right kind of points in the right place so as to mark the exact
length and meaning of sentences. Proper punctuation is essential in
written English to enable the reader to understand what it is you are
trying to say. Spacing with punctuation is also important to make your
writing readable. Here are some English punctuation rules.
Chapter I. Punctuation marks.
1. Uses of the Period in English writing
In order to give readers signals
that would show them when to make pauses in the reading, you need to
use end punctuation marks (periods, question marks, exclamation points)
at the end of sentences. The period should be used to end sentences
that have the following purposes:
Ending a statement
Citizens of a country
should do some form of national service.
Making a mild command
Try to think about
the kind of service for which you would be suitable.
Reporting an indirect question
The officer asked
the new recruit why he wanted to join the navy.
A direct question would
be, the officer: "why do you want to join the navy?"
Making a polite request
Please write your
details on this navy application form.
Punctuation
marks are a convention of written language that ensure the clarity of
writing. There are five punctuation rules for using periods as punctuation
marks in written American English:
The following sections explain and provide examples of the punctuation rules for periods in written English.
Periods to End Sentences
Use a period at the end of most declarative sentences. A declarative sentence is a sentence that makes a statement. For example:
Use a period at the end of an imperative sentence that does not convey strong emotion. An imperative sentence is a sentence that makes direct commands, expresses requests, and grants or denies permission. For example:
In general, most sentences in written English end with a period.
Periods as Decimal Points
Use a period as a decimal point to mark the boundary between an integral from the fractional part of a number. An integral is the whole number on the left side of a decimal point. A fraction is the number on the right side of a decimal point. For example:
Use a period to separate dollars from cents when writing about money in American English. For example:
Periods With Abbreviations
Use a period with most abbreviations including abbreviated titles, times, and words. For example:
Do not use a period with state or most organizational abbreviations. For example:
Periods With File Names and Internet Addresses
Use a period to separate the name of a computer file from the file extension. A file extension identifies the type of file that a computer file is. For example:
Use a period to separate elements of Internet addresses including URLs and email addresses. For example:
Periods With Drama and Poetry Citations
Use a period to separate book, line, act, and scene elements in drama and poetry citations. Place a period between the acts and scenes of a prose play and between the acts, scenes, and lines of a verse play. For example:
Place a period between the books and lines of a poem. For example:
Punctuation is a convention of writing that help readers more clearly understand written language. Periods perform five basic functions in written American English: end sentences, as decimal points, abbreviations, electronic files and Internet addresses, and poem and drama citations.
2. Uses of the Comma in English writing
The comma (,) is a very important punctuation mark in English that has numerous uses. The basic function of the comma is to divide between "light" elements within a sentence that have some relation in meaning to each other, as a period separates between "heavier" full sentences, which each convey a separate piece of meaning. Such a large variety in comma rules may lead to many errors English writers often make. You should also note that there may be many exceptions to the rules, as commas are to be used to make things as clear as possible for the reader, even when this comes contrary to the rules. Alternatively, you may consider avoiding using the comma by simply dividing a long sentence into two shorter ones using a period. Skilled writers develop a "feel" for effective comma usage as they progress with their English writing.
Comma (,) is used
-between a list of three or more words
To replace the word and for all but the
last instance.
Up, down, left and right.
-before a conjunction
1) When but or for are used.
I did my best to protect the camp, but the bears were too aggressive.
2) When and or or are used the comma
is optional.
The flag is red, white, and blue. [known as the Oxford comma]
The sizes are small, medium or large.
-to give additional information
1) To indicate contrast.
The snake was brown, not green, and it was quite small.
2) Where the phrase could be in brackets.
The recipe, which we hadn't tried before, is very easy to follow.
3) Where the phrase adds relevant
information.
Mr. Hardy, 68, ran his first marathon five years ago.
4) Where the addition is not necessary
to the meaning of the sentence.
Mr. Hardy, who enjoys bird watching, ran his first marathon five
years ago.
5) Where the main clause of the sentence
is dependent on the preceding clause.
If at first you don't succeed, give up.
Though the snake was small, I still feared for my life.
-for opening phrases, conjunctive verbs, etc.
1) Introductory or opening phrases.
In general, sixty-eight is quite old to run a marathon.
On the whole, snakes only attack when riled.
2) Conjunctive verbs.
Unfortunately, the bear was already in a bad mood
and, furthermore, pink wasn't its colour.
3) Following for example, that is,
etc
You should use commas, for example, around 'for example'.
There are some exceptions: namely, when using abbreviations.
-where a pause is required
1) To make the reading more natural.
Whatever happens, don't panic.
2) To avoid confusion.
To Margaret, Jenny left her favourite book.
-in address or quotation
1) When addressing someone by name.
So, Murray, I'm sending you to Outer Mongolia.
2) When quoting direct speech.
And then the boss said, "I'm sending you to Outer Mongolia."
-to indicate the omission of a word or phrase
Use too much sugar and the mixture will be sweet, [use] too little and it will be sour.
-Conditionals
If he leaves early, he will be on time for the meeting.
If I saw a ghost, I would run away.
If I had locked the car, it wouldn't have been stolen.
-Clauses
When the clause precedes the main clause, a comma is used.
Whenever he is in town, he visits us.
[Note: He visits us whenever he is in
town.]
-Linking words
| Similarity | Similarity
Likewise In the same way Equally |
A glass of milk before you go to bed may help you sleep. Similarity, a hot bath could do the trick. |
| Concession | On the one hand/ on the other hand
Even though Even so However And still And yet Regardless of Admittedly Considering Whereas Nonetheless |
He carried on playing until the end of the game, even though he had a broken toe. |
| Alternative | Or
Alternatively On the other hand |
You could tell her the bad news, or/on the other hand/alternatively, you could let her find out herself. |
| Emphasis | Besides
What is more In fact As a matter of fact To tell you the truth Actually Indeed Let alone |
I’m afraid you are not qualified for this job and, what is more, you are far too young. |
| Clarification | That is to say
Specifically In other words To put it another way I mean |
She is angry. Specifically, she is angry at you. |
| Consequence of a condition | Consequently
Then Under those Circumstances If so If not So Therefore In that case Otherwise Thus |
You may be caught by the enemy. If so, tell them nothing. |
| Effect/Result | Such/so that
Consequently For this reason As a consequence Thus Therefore So |
He was the only child of a rich banker and, as a consequence, he was very spoilt. |
| Exception | But (for)
Except (for) Apart from |
We had a lovely holiday, apart from that one day when it rained. |
| Chronological | beginning: initially, first…,at first,
to start / begin with, first of all
continuing: secondly…, after this / that, second…,afterwards, then, next, before this concluding: finally, at last, last but not least |
First of all, I’d like to thank my
mother…
Then, I must thank everyone involved is making this wonderful film… Finally, I want to thank you, my fans. |
| Summarising | In conclusion
In summary To sum up As I have said As (it) was previously stated On the whole In all All in all Altogether In short Briefly To put it briefly |
To sum up, the government must spend more money on public services. |
| Moreover | Profits have increased over
the past months. Moreover, we have increased our share of the market. | |
| Also | Profits have increased over the past months. Also, we have increased our share of the market. | |
| Although | Although, the word is not simple. | |
| Unfortunately | Unfortunately, I left my bike in the middle of the road. |