Here are some common punctuation marks and their basic functions:
Period (.)
* Marks the end of a sentence.
* Used after abbreviations (e.g., Dr., U.S.A.).
Comma (,)
* Separates items in a list.
* Introduces a phrase or clause.
* Sets off introductory or interrupting phrases.
Question Mark (?)
* Marks the end of a question.
Exclamation Mark (!)
* Expresses strong emotion or surprise.
Semicolon (;)
* Joins two closely related independent clauses.
* Separates items in a list if those items contain commas.
Colon (:)
* Introduces a list, explanation, or quotation.
* Separates hours and minutes in time.
Apostrophe (')
* Forms contractions (e.g., don't, can't).
* Shows possession (e.g., John's book).
Hyphen (-)
* Joins words together (e.g., well-known, high-tech).
* Indicates a range of numbers (e.g., pages 10-20).
Dash (—)
* Indicates a break or change in thought.
* Sets off parenthetical phrases.
Parentheses ( )
* Enclose additional information or explanations.
Brackets [ ]
* Indicate editorial changes or inserted words.
* Used in citations or footnotes.
Quotation Marks (" ")
* Enclose direct speech or quotations.
* Indicate the title of a short work (e.g., a song, poem, or short story).
Ellipsis (...)
* Indicates omission of words or sentences.
* Can show a trailing thought or hesitation.
This is just a brief overview. There are many nuances to using punctuation correctly, and understanding the specific rules for each mark takes practice.