Parts of a sentence
This week's Learning English blog focuses on the different parts of a sentence - learn all about what each part of a sentence does and how they work together. Read More
learning english
Question marks
The question mark marks the end of a question. When will we be arriving? Does it really matter? He’s certain to be elected, isn’t he? Question marks are used in direct questions, i.e. when the actual words of a speaker are used. A reported question should end with a full… Read More
Commas
The comma marks a short pause between elements in a sentence. Main clauses that are joined together with and or but do not normally have a comma before the conjunction unless the two clauses have different subjects. You go out of the door and turn immediately left. It was cold outside, but we decided to… Read More
Quotation marks
Quotation marks are mainly used in direct speech. Direct speech gives the actual words that a speaker is using or has used. It is common in novels and other writing where the actual words of a speaker are quoted. In British English, these marks can also be called ‘inverted commas’. The… Read More
Using colons
The colon indicates a break between two main clauses which is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full stop. A colon is used: in front of a list I used three colours: green, blue and pink. Make sure you wear clothes made from natural fibres: cotton, silk and wool. in… Read More
Semicolons
The semicolon is used to mark a break between two main clauses when there is a balance or a contrast between the clauses. A useful test to work out when to use a semicolon is to ask yourself whether the two clauses could be written instead as separate sentences. If… Read More
Apostrophes
Misusing or omitting the apostrophe is one of the most common punctuation errors. Showing possession The apostrophe ( ’ ) is used to show that something belongs to someone: -’s is added to the end of singular words. a baby’s pushchair Hannah’s book -’s is added to the end of plural words not ending… Read More
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