What does punctuation look like?

Punctuation is a set of symbols used in writing to clarify meaning, structure, and intonation. They don't have a specific "look" in the sense of a physical object, but rather a distinct visual form. Here's a breakdown of common punctuation marks and how they look:

Periods (.) - A small dot at the end of a sentence.

Commas (,) - A small comma-shaped mark used to separate items in a list, phrases, and clauses.

Question Marks (?) - A curved mark that indicates a question.

Exclamation Marks (!) - A vertical mark that expresses strong emotion or surprise.

Colons (:) - Two dots that introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.

Semicolons (;) - A single dot with a comma below, used to join two closely related independent clauses.

Apostrophes (') - A small mark used to indicate possession, contractions, and omitted letters.

Quotation Marks (" ") - Double marks used to indicate direct speech or a quote.

Parentheses (()) - A pair of curved marks used to enclose additional information or a side note.

Brackets ([]) - A pair of square marks used to enclose additional information, comments, or edits.

Hyphens (-) - A short line used to connect words or parts of words.

Dashes (--) - A longer line used to indicate a pause, interruption, or change in thought.

Ellipses (...) - Three dots used to indicate omitted words or a trailing-off thought.

Slash (/) - A diagonal line used to separate alternatives, dates, or fractions.

Remember, punctuation is essential for clear and effective communication in writing.