Punctuation Marks: Definition, Functions, Types and Examples

Punctuation Marks: Definition, Functions, Types and Examples – In this discussion we will explain about Punctuation. Which includes the meaning, function, types and examples of the use of punctuation with a complete and easy-to-understand discussion. For more details, please see the review below carefully.

Punctuation Marks: Definition, Functions, Types and Examples

Let's discuss the meaning of punctuation first carefully.

Meaning of Punctuation

Punctuation marks are symbols in language, these language symbols have several forms with their respective functions. A sentence is incomplete if there are no punctuation marks.

Another definition of punctuation marks are symbols that are not related to phenotypes (sounds) or words and phrases in a language, but has a role in showing the organizational structure of a piece of writing, as well as intonation and pauses that can be observed during reading.

Punctuation rules differ across languages, locations, times and are constantly evolving. There is an aspect of punctuation that is a special style which therefore depends on the choice of the writer.

Punctuation Function

A punctuation mark certainly has a use or function which is described as follows:

• To set a pause when someone reads a sentence.
• To set the intonation in reading a sentence.
• To emphasize sentences (such as interrogative sentences, imperative sentences and so on)
• To describe the structure of words or sentences in a text.
• To show the order of words in a text.

Types and Examples of Use of Punctuation Marks

Below are some types of punctuation marks and their uses, namely:

Dot (.)

A full stop has a function according to where the full stop is located, the use of a full stop (.) includes:

• At the end of a sentence or writing that is not an exclamation or a statement.
• Behind the number or letter that is in the chart, list and also overview.
• As a number separator in hours, minutes and seconds that describes the time.
• In the bibliography, the place of this point is the name of the author and the title of the article that ends with a question mark or exclamation point.
• As a separator for thousands or its multiples.

Usage Example Point Punctuation

• Her brother is a Soldier.
• Reni arrives at 13.05 (5 minutes past 13)

A full stop is used at the end of the outline title, table title and so on; as a separator for thousands or its multiples that do not explain the amount; as well as at the end of the sender's address and the date of the letter as well as the name and address of the recipient of the letter.

Commas (,)

The comma punctuation has the following rules:

• Being a sentence separator is equivalent to the equivalent sentence after it.
• Used between elements in details or numbers
• Becomes a clause separator from the main clause, if the subordinate clause precedes the main clause.
• Used behind the connecting word or expression between sentences that are at the beginning of the sentence. And also in it "because of that", "so",, "after all, "even so", "however", and so on.
• Become word separators such as "o", "yes", "wah" "ouch" and so on from other words contained in the sentence.
• Becomes a direct quote separator from the other part of the sentence
• Used between name and address; parts of address, place and date and name of place and region or country written sequentially.
• Used to explain the part of the name that is reversed in the arrangement of the bibliography.
• It is used between a person's name and an attached academic title to distinguish it from the abbreviation of personal, family and surname names.
• Used to enclose additional information that is not restrictive.

Usage Example Punctuation, among others:

• Dad bought a bicycle, books and a bag.
• Therefore, we must be careful.

Semicolon (;)

The semicolon is used in sentences including:

• Being a separator in parts of sentences that are similar and equivalent.
• Become a substitute for connecting words to separate equivalent sentences in compound sentences.

Usage Example Semicolon punctuation (;) include:

• It's already arrived; Andi is not home yet.
• Nimas washes bicycles; Indigo washes the dishes; Nandi mopped the floor.

Colon (:)

The use of colons in a sentence, among others:

• Used after a word or expression that requires a description.
• Used between volumes or numbers and pages, between letters and verses in the holy book, between titles and subtitles of an essay, and also the name of the city and publisher of the reference book in the essay.
• Used in drama texts after words that describe actors in conversation.
• Used at the end of a complete statement when followed by a sequence or description.

Usage Example Punctuation Marks Colon, among others:

• Name: Andre Setiadi
• Author by Ali Hakim, Lifelong Education: A Study, published.

Hyphen (-)

The use of hyphens in writing includes:

• Used to connect basic syllables or words that have a word that is separated by line breaks.
• Used to connect elements of repeated words.
• Used to connect letters of words spelled one by one and part of the date
• Used to string one word with the next or previous word beginning with a capital letter, words or letters with numbers and numbers with words/letters.
• Used to string together elements of Indonesian with elements of a foreign language.

Usage Example Hyphens in writing, among others:

• 24-03-18
• Tomorrow we will go for a walk to the village.
• Mimim is ranked 2nd in her class.

Dash (–)

The use of hyphens, among others, namely

• As a barrier to the insertion of words or sentences that provide explanations outside the sentence structure
• To emphasize the presence of appositional adverbs or other adverbs to make the sentence clearer
• Used between two numbers or words with the meaning "up to" or "up to"

Usage Example Dashes include:

• Doni worked in the office from January 2016 – March 2017

Ellipses (…)

The use of ellipsis marks is used in disjointed sentences or dialogues and to provide an indication that in a sentence or text there are parts that are omitted.

Usage Example The ellipsis is:

• I want….a vacation, how about we leave this week.
• ….then he will return to his house.

Question mark (?)

The use of a signature is at the end of a question sentence and in parentheses to state the part of the sentence whose truth is doubtful.

Usage Example Question marks are:

• He was born in 2000 (?). The money as much as 10 million rupiah (?) is missing.
• What is your major?

Exclamation mark (!)

The use of an exclamation mark is at the end of a command sentence, at the end of a phrase or statement that gives a picture of sincerity, disbelief, amazement or a strong sense of emotion.

Usage Example Exclamation marks include:

• Great!
• Spirit!
• Immediately complete your task!
• Shut up!

Brackets ((…))

The use of brackets is to enclose additional information or explanations; to enclose information or explanations that are not integral to the subject matter; to enclose numbers or letters detailing a sequence of information; and also enclose letters or words whose presence in the text can be removed.

Usage Example The brackets are:

• Implemented in accordance with the GBHN (Outline of State Policy)
• The table (table 2.1) explains the differences between carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.

Square Brackets ([…])

Square brackets are used to enclose letters, words, or groups of words as corrections or additions to sentences or parts of sentences written by other people. Generally this mark is used to indicate that there is an error in the original manuscript; and also enclosing information in explanatory sentences that have been marked in brackets.

Usage Example The brackets are:

• The differences between these two processes (the similarities are discussed in Chapter II [see pages 30-35]) need to be recounted here.
• The empress saw the king being killed.

Quotation mark ("…")

Quotation marks are used to enclose direct quotations originating from speech and text or other written materials; flanking the title of the poem, essay, or book chapter used in the sentence, and also surrounding lesser-known scientific terms or words that have a special meaning.

Examples of Using Quotation Marks among others:

He is known by the nickname "the bitter tongue"

"I didn't hit him," said Indri.

Single Quotation Marks ('…')

Single quotation marks are used to surround quotations arranged in quotations and also to enclose the meaning, translation or explanation of foreign words or expressions.

Usage Example Single Quotation Marks include:

• 'knock, knock, knock' the door was knocked but no one opened.
• Beautiful means 'beautiful'

Slashes (/)

Italics are used in letter numbers, sentence numbers and marking a period of one year which is divided into two calendar years and also as a substitute for the words or and each.

Usage Example Italic Signs include:

• The motorbike was traveling at a speed of 100 km/hour
• No. 17/PK/2018 Jalan Merdeka III/10 Service Period 2018/2019 Academic Year 2018/2019.

Short Sign or Apostrophe (')

In general, abbreviation marks are used to describe the omission of part of a word or part of the year.

Usage Example Abbreviation Signs include:

• UUD '45 ('45 denotes 1945)
• Even to the end of the world I'll look for you ('will show the word will)

Thus has been explained about Punctuation Marks: Definition, Functions, Types and Examples, hopefully can add to your insight and knowledge. Thank you for visiting and don't forget to read other articles.