RULES FOR PARENTHESES, QUESTION MARKS, EXCLAMATION
POINTS AND HYPHENS
Read these rules and apply them to the Punctuation Exercise below.
USE PARENTHESES…
1. to enclose figures in legal documents or business papers
He paid three thousand dollars ($3000) for it.
2. to enclose references
The answer to the question (page 43, number 6) was correct.
3. to enclose words that do not affect sentence structure
The summer months (July and August) are always popular for holidays.
4. to enclose figures in enumerated expressions
There are three things to consider: (1) What is the best way of approaching the
problem? (2) How long will it take to solve it? (3) What will the results be?
USE A QUESTION MARK…
1. after a direct question, but not after an indirect question
Will you be there tonight?
Gail wonders why it has to be this way.
USE AN EXCLAMATION POINT…
1. at the end of a sentence expressing strong or sudden emotion
You are a wonderful person!
2. after words or phrases that express strong emotion
Oh! I forgot to bring my book.
USE A HYPHEN…
1. in some compound expressions (When in doubt, use your dictionary.)
His mother-in-law came to tea.
2. in some compound adjectives preceding nouns
That was a first-class performance
but
His performance was first class.
3. to express fractions that come before a noun
a one-third share
4. in spelled-out numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine
thirty-five pigs
5. to divide a word
I would very much like to accept your invitation.
6. after a prefix that ends with the same vowel with which a root word begins
de-emphasize
co-ordinate
PUNCTUATION EXERCISE
Punctuate the following sentences correctly. Single space each sentence; double space
between sentences.
1. The agreement was drawn up for a sum of fifteen hundred dollars $1500
2. It was necessary to have the cooperation of everyone
3. Her son in law was very helpful
4. Carla baked a three layer cake
5. Look out The truck is coming
6. Shall we order pizza or Chinese food
7. He had three reasons for resigning 1 ill health 2 dissatisfaction with his hours of work
3 desire to try something different
8. Dont you think he will get better
9. Her first born son an Aries is very stubborn
10. Fifty five people most of them tenants came to the candidates house