Here are some key functions of punctuation marks:
* Separating: They help distinguish between different parts of a sentence, such as words, phrases, and clauses. (e.g., commas, periods, semicolons)
* Indicating: They can indicate pauses, questions, exclamations, and other aspects of speech. (e.g., question marks, exclamation points, ellipses)
* Clarifying: They can help clarify meaning by grouping words together or separating them. (e.g., parentheses, dashes, brackets)
Some common punctuation marks include:
* Period (.) - Indicates the end of a sentence.
* Comma (,) - Separates words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence.
* Question Mark (?) - Indicates a question.
* Exclamation Point (!) - Indicates strong emotion or emphasis.
* Semicolon (;) - Separates closely related independent clauses.
* Colon (:) - Introduces a list, explanation, or example.
* Apostrophe (') - Used for contractions, possessives, and plurals.
* Quotation Marks ("") - Enclose direct speech or quotations.
* Hyphen (-) - Joins words together to create compound words.
* Dash (-) - Indicates a break or interruption in a sentence.
* Parentheses () - Enclose additional information or explanations.
* Brackets [] - Enclose inserted or clarifying information.
* Ellipsis (...) - Indicates an omission of words or a trailing thought.
Understanding and correctly using punctuation marks is essential for clear and effective written communication.