Sentences With Punctuation Marks

Punctuation marks are graphic symbols that, unlike letters, do not represent sounds but are marks graphs that help to structure the discourse or, well, to express certain meanings in relation to what is being saying.

Punctuation marks make reading easier and help avoid ambiguities or misunderstandings. The writing, then, is legible for all possible readers. A comma, for example, misplaced could give a sentence a completely different meaning: "No, I want to know!", "I don't want to know!"

What are the different punctuation marks?

In Spanish we have a total of eleven punctuation marks, some more used than others. To know how to use them correctly, it is necessary to know their rules of use and writing. The punctuation marks are as follows:

1. Comma. Graphic representation: (,). This punctuation mark marks a short pause in speech.

Between his applications The following are distinguished: separate an explanatory dimension; separate the subsections of an enumeration; separate the vocative from the rest of the phrase; elide a verb that is repeated; separate interjections from the rest of the phrase, among other uses.

1. Semicolon. Graphic representation: (;)(,). This punctuation mark marks a middle pause in speech.

Between his applications The following are distinguished: separate sentences or phrases that have a close relationship of meaning; separate long enumerations that include commas; separate adversative, explanatory, concessive or consecutive phrases that start a sentence related to the previous one, for example nevertheless, nevertheless, that is, even though, for example, consequently...

1. Point. Graphic representation: (.)(,). This punctuation mark marks a long pause in speech.

Between his applications The following are distinguished: mark the end of a sentence within a paragraph (period and followed); mark the end of a paragraph (full stop); mark the end of a text (full stop).

1. The two points. Graphic representation: (:). The colon serves to introduce sentences that are cause, effect, explanation, consequence or conclusion of the previous sentence; It also serves to introduce greetings, enumerations or quotes.
2. Suspensives points (…). This sign marks a suspension in speech; speech is interrupted to imply different meanings
3. The parentheses(). This punctuation mark is used to introduce or separate from the rest of the sentence a fact, a clarification or a dimension.
4. The long dash or dash (—). This sign serves to introduce a dialogue or mark the interventions of a narrator; it also serves to introduce annotations or clarifications in a text.
5. The quotation marks (“”). The quotation marks are used to mark a verbatim quotation or to write the title of a part of a published text, such as a chapter, or the title of an unpublished text.
6. Brackets ([ ]). The brackets are used to enclose annotations or clarifications within which there is already a parenthesis; it is also used to indicate within a citation a change in the original text.
7. Question marks (¿?). These signs are placed at the beginning and end of a sentence or question phrase to express this meaning.
8. Exclamation marks (¡!These signs are placed at the beginning and end of a sentence or exclamatory phrase to express this meaning.

100 Examples of Sentences with Punctuation Marks (Explained)

Example of sentences with a comma (,)

1. I bought vegetables, fruits, legumes and meat. (The comma separates the elements of an enum.)
2. Juan, how good that I see you here!. (The comma separates the vocative Juan the rest of the sentence).
3. The monument, erected in honor of a president from the turn of the century, was moved to another site. (The comma serves to separate an explanatory dimension, erected in honor of a turn-of-the-century president, the rest of the sentence).
4. Ah, what a good wine they served at the party! (The comma separates an interjection from the rest of the sentence).
5. Oh, I understand what they were referring to! (The comma separates an interjection from the rest of the sentence).
6. My house is painted blue; yours, green. (The comma substitutes a verb for the one mentioned above: the verb this).
7. I got a good grade on the math test; my friend Luis, a bad grade. (The comma substitutes a verb for the one mentioned above: the verb coat).
8. I like all vegetables except carrots. (The comma is written before except).
9. Norma and José were fighting for a long time; however, in the end they managed to resolve their differences. (It is written comma after the locution However).
10. I don't like to talk about my problems; on the contrary, you do like to tell everything that goes through your head. (The comma is written after the locution Conversely).

Example of sentences with semicolons (;)

1. The insured amount will be paid at the end of the policy; the insured will be advised at the end of the time limit on how to withdraw said amount. (The semicolon separates these sentences that have a close relationship of meaning).
2. The house was remodeled; the cost of remodeling was within the budget already considered. (The semicolon separates these sentences that have a close relationship of meaning)
3. The education of the children comes from the house; parents are responsible for many of the ingrained behaviors of children. (The semicolon separates these sentences that have a close relationship of meaning)
4. Last year we went to Europe and visited France, Germany, Spain, Norway and England; this year we visited Latin America and went to Peru, Brazil, Argentina... (The semicolon separates long enumerations)
5. In the local supermarket we can find everything even small: apples, pears, oranges, lemons, grapes, strawberries; red meat, fish, chicken, seafood; cereals, rice, beans, lentils; box bread, sweet bread, salty bread; milk, cream, yogurt... (The semicolon separates long enumerations)
6. The participants were able to answer all the questions correctly; therefore, they were awarded the top prize. (The semicolon is written before the locution therefore to introduce a new sentence related to the previous one)
7. We took the car to be fixed with the mechanic; however, he found no fault with it. (The semicolon is written before the locution Nevertheless to introduce a new sentence)
8. The price of the garments changes according to the season; In other words, it depends on the client's needs and the brand's news. (The semicolon is written before the locution namely to introduce a new sentence)
9. There are job opportunities for you; therefore, you should look for them. (The semicolon is written before the locution therefore to introduce a new sentence)
10. The doctors did everything to save him; yet they were unable to revive him. (The semicolon is written before the locution with everything to introduce a new sentence)

Example of sentences with period (.)

1. Live in the zoo animals birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, felines, etc. (The period is written at the end of an abbreviation: , etc)
2. Mr. Gonzalo dialed to ask for the follow-up of his procedures. (The period is written at the end of an abbreviation: , Mister)
3. In Art. 4 of the constitution establishes the following points. (The period is written at the end of an abbreviation: , Article)
4. I am writing to you. to make this clarification. (The period is written at the end of an abbreviation: , your)
5. Monica, I enclose in a file the quote that she has requested from us. (The period is written at the end of the sentence and at the end of the abbreviation: Miss, miss)
6. Without further ado for the moment, I remain at his command.

Atte. Lic. Rodrigo M. (The period is written at the end of the letter, as a final period, and after the abbreviations: Atte., Sincerely, Lic., Licentiate, M.)

1. The campaign will close next Friday. All donations will be accounted for. (The period is written at the end of the first sentence and at the end of the paragraph).
2. And colorin colorado this story is over. (The period is written at the end of a text).
3. Based on these conclusions, this brief essay on education in our country is completed. (The period is written at the end of a text)
4. Last Thursday a painting exhibition was held at the city museum. The exhibition was attended by the curator and the participating painters, who explained the meaning and theme of the works. We invite you to attend the exhibition, which will be open to the general public throughout this month. (The period is written at the end of the first and second sentences, as a period and followed, and at the end of the last sentence, as a full stop)

Example of sentences with a colon (:)

1. All the partners attended the meeting: Carlos, Santiago, Christiano, Fernando, Manuel and myself. (A colon is used to introduce an enumeration)
2. The courses that will be taught will be related to the arts: literature, cinema, painting, plastic arts. (A colon is used to introduce an enumeration)
3. We find the essentials in the cupboards and in the refrigerator to prepare a lunch: bread box, cheese, ham, mayonnaise, mustard, tomato... (The colon is used to enter a enumeration)
4. The author points out at this point: “The conditions generated for health are insufficient (…).” (The colon is used to introduce a textual quotation)
5. The doctor wrote a note on the back of the letter: "Please keep this information confidential and do not talk to anyone about what is going on in this room." (The colon is used to introduce a verbatim quote)
6. It was not easy to finish the project: it required the effort of all the colleagues. (The colon is used to introduce a sentence that is the explanation of the previous sentence)
7. He went out to drive while intoxicated: he was stopped by the traffic authorities and had to pay a severe fine. (The colon is used to introduce a sentence that is the effect or consequence of the previous sentence)
8. She got sick from a throat infection: she will have to take antibiotics for ten days. (The colon is used to introduce a sentence that is the effect of the previous sentence)
9. To whom it may concern:

I hereby would like to report the following. (A colon is used after a greeting)

1. Dear users:

We notify you that we will be changing our address in the next few days. (A colon is used after a greeting or courtesy formula)

Example of sentences with ellipsis (…)

1. Things happened so fast in the accident that no one knew how to act... We were paralyzed. (The ellipsis indicates a pause or suspense in the speech).
2. I have had such wonderful moments with you... So many that I could not list them (The ellipsis indicates a pause or suspension in the speech).
3. You are a son of the... (The ellipsis are placed to omit a rude or high-sounding word).
4. You are all about... (The ellipsis are placed to omit some rude or high-sounding word).
5. As the saying goes: a bad step... (The ellipsis are placed to omit a part of speech that is already known).
6. You have to take the opportunity now that you have it: better bird in hand… (The ellipsis are placed to omit a part of the speech that is already known).
7. The character entered a dark room, heard a noise coming from the phone and suddenly… (The ellipsis marks an emphatic pause).
8. Yesterday I went to visit a friend, and you won't believe what happened to me... (The ellipsis marks an emphatic pause.)
9. There were books of all kinds in the bookstore: on science, literature, juveniles, law, history, sociology... (The ellipsis mark an unfinished list).
10. There are many colors that I like: red, green, blue, purple, brown, black... (The ellipsis mark an unfinished list).

Example of sentences with parentheses ()

1. THE COOK. (Upset). Look what a mess they left in the kitchen! One of these days I will leave and never return here. (The parentheses are used to enter a dimension).
2. (Smiling and showing teeth excessively) Now they will realize what we are capable of. (The parentheses are used to enter a dimension).
3. JOSEPH. (Putting the gun back in his pocket) So we have finally made peace. (The parentheses are used to enter a dimension).
4. They ate a few cans of tuna (one of the few that remained) and planned what to do to increase their food supply. (The parentheses are used to introduce a clarification or explanation).
5. Sandra (my cousin) came to visit us yesterday afternoon to give us the news that she was going to work in another country. (The parentheses are used to introduce a clarification or explanation).
6. We were few colleagues (six in total) but we knew we could get the job done if we put in enough effort. (The parentheses are used to introduce a clarification or explanation).
7. On the day he passed away (October 9, 1876) various honors were done. (The parentheses are used to enter a piece of information).
8. Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) wrote several tales of terror and horror, among them, one of the best known is "The Tell-Tale Heart." (The parentheses are used to enter a piece of information).
9. The World Labor Organization (ILO) is an international organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. (The parentheses are used to enter a piece of information).
10. "The symptoms were evaluated one by one (...) they managed to rule out most of the most common diseases." (The parentheses with three dots inside serve to mark that a part of the text was omitted).

Example of sentences with long dash or dash (-)

1. I said many things - many of which I now regret - that hurt the emotions of some close people. (The long dash contains a clarification or explanation within the sentence).
2. The man got on the bus — there was something very mysterious about his gestures — and sat in the farthest seat. (The long dash contains a clarification or explanation within the sentence).
3. They had their conflicts - as every couple does - but they have always managed to handle their problems with communication and empathy. (The long dash contains a clarification or explanation within the sentence).
4. The nearest emergency exit — already obstructed by people trying to get out — was not an option. (The long dash contains a clarification or explanation within the sentence).
5. His arguments — invalid and false — weren't going to convince anyone who knew about it. (The long dash contains a clarification or explanation within the sentence).
6. - Good afternoon?

-Hi who speaks?

- Do I speak to the rehab clinic? (The long dash introduces dialogue).

1. "Are you going to the party tomorrow?"

- What party?

- The one that the last semester students are organizing. (The long dash introduces dialogue).

1. "There are things better not to explain," the woman said, her enigma shining in her eyes. (The long script introduces dialogue and frames the narrator's interventions).
2. "It's nice to see you…" The man took a sip of his coffee. There is a business that I would like to propose to you. (The long script introduces dialogue and frames the narrator's interventions).
3. "In the morning we will go out to the field to hunt first thing in the morning." She looked at me with very severe eyes. You are going to accompany us. (The long script introduces dialogue and frames the narrator's interventions).

Example of sentences with quotation marks ("")

1. He said that he was "tired" of working: he had actually slept all afternoon. (The quotation marks are used to mark a part of the speech that can be ironic or false)
2. They told us that everything was "full". The next day we found out there were places but they didn't want to sell us a ticket. (The quotation marks are used to mark a part of the speech that can be ironic or false)
3. Of course I am very "pleased". (The quotation marks are used to mark a part of the speech that can be ironic or false)
4. Within the anthology of short stories by Edgar Allan Poe, the one I liked the most was "The Black Cat." (The quotation marks are used to frame a part of a text or publication).
5. The novel is divided into different chapters: "Discovery", "Retrospective", "Unexpected end". (The quotation marks are used to frame a part of a text or publication).
6. I read an article in the magazine that interested me: "How to manage stress with these four simple steps?" (The quotation marks are used to frame a part of a text or publication).
7. The poem "Nocturna Soledad" is the saddest in the collection of poems. (The quotation marks are used to frame a part of a text or publication).
8. The teacher stopped homework to summarize the first chapter of the book: "Introduction to mathematics." (The quotation marks are used to frame a part of a text or publication).
9. They published an interesting article in the psychology magazine: “Sociopaths and how to identify yourselves”. (The quotation marks are used to frame a part of a text or publication).
10. In literature class they gave us to read a story by Octavio Paz: “My life with the wave”. (The quotation marks are used to frame a part of a text or publication)

Example of sentences with question marks (?)

1. For how many people does the reservation require? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
2. Who of your friends attended the party last night? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
3. When will the results of the entrance exam finally be delivered to us? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
4. Do you remember who gave us math class when we were in high school? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
5. How often do you have to take the medicine that the doctor prescribed? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
6. Where did you buy those cute shoes? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
7. What are the books you have read on Asian literature? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
8. What essential things in your life would you take to an island to survive? You can only choose three things. (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
9. How long is she pregnant? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).
10. I had an egg for breakfast with some bacon and toast; What did you have for breakfast? (The question marks enclose an interrogative sentence).

Example of sentences with exclamation marks (!)

1. What a surprise they came to join us today! (The question marks enclose an exclamatory sentence).
2. Be very careful or you could fall because the fence is unstable! (The question marks enclose an exclamatory sentence).
3. Look me in the eye and tell me the truth! (The question marks enclose an exclamatory sentence).
4. Look how everything was filled with dirt and water! (The question marks enclose an exclamatory sentence).
5. What a wonderful movie we saw! (The question marks enclose an exclamatory sentence).
6. We haven't seen each other for so long! How much have you changed! (Question marks enclose these exclamatory sentences.)
7. Oh! I hadn't realized that I was stepping on you. (The question marks enclose an interjection).
8. Wow! How well the decoration of the place was! (Question marks enclose an interjection and frame an exclamatory sentence).
9. Oh! It hurted me. (The question marks enclose an interjection).
10. Orale! That is excellent news for me. (The question marks enclose an interjection).