What are the 14 punctuation marks you need to know?

Have you ever read a sentence that seemed perfectly fine, but somehow felt wrong? Chances are, a punctuation mark was missing, misplaced, or misused. Punctuation marks are the unsung heroes of written language — small symbols that do enormous work, telling a reader where to pause, when to stop, what is being asked, and how something feels.

What is a punctuation mark?

A punctuation mark is a standardised symbol used in writing to organise sentences, clarify meaning, indicate pauses, and convey tone. Without punctuation, written language would be an incomprehensible, breathless stream of words. The word “punctuation” comes from the Latin punctum, meaning “a point.” 

So how many punctuation marks are there? The universally agreed answer is 14 punctuation marks — and knowing all of them is an essential part of mastering written English. This guide covers every single one with clear definitions, rules, and example sentences.

For Students Searching in Hindi

If you arrived here searching for viram chinh in Hindi (विराम चिह्न), yojak chinh, or viram chinh kise kahate hain — you’re in the right place. This article explains all 14 punctuation marks in English, with their equivalent Hindi grammar terms noted where relevant. A complete reference table is included at the end

Contents

1. Period / Full Stop (.)
2. Comma (,)
3. Question Mark (?)
4. Exclamation Mark (!)
5. Colon (:)
6. Semicolon (;)
7. Apostrophe (‘)
8. Quotation Marks (” “)
9. Hyphen (-)
10. Dash (— / –)
11. Ellipsis (…)
12. Brackets / Parentheses ( )
13. Slash (/)
14. Asterisk (*)

1. Period / Full Stop ( . )

Also called: Full stop (British English) · Dot · पूर्ण विराम (Purna Viram)

The period — called a full stop in British English — is the most fundamental punctuation mark of all. It ends a sentence definitively, telling the reader: this thought is complete. In Hindi grammar, it is known as Purna Viram (पूर्ण विराम), meaning “complete pause.”

• Ends every declarative sentence (a statement)
• Ends every imperative sentence (a command or request)
• Used after abbreviations: Dr., Mr., etc., e.g., i.e.
• Used in decimal numbers: 3.14, ₹1,299.50
• Used in web addresses: www.school.edu.in

Examples

She read every book on the syllabus before the exam.

Please submit your assignment by Friday.

The average temperature in Delhi in May is approx. 42°C.

2. Comma ( , )

Also called: Pause mark · अल्प विराम (Alpa Viram)

The comma is the most frequently used — and most frequently abused — of all punctuation marks. It signals a brief pause within a sentence, separates items in a list, and connects independent clauses when used with a coordinating conjunction. Mastering comma rules will instantly improve the quality of your writing.

• Separates items in a list of three or more: red, white, and blue
• Joins two independent clauses before FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
• Sets off introductory phrases: After the rain, the streets were clean.
• Encloses non-essential (parenthetical) information
• Separates coordinate adjectives: a warm, sunny day
• Used in dates: 21 May, 2026 and addresses

Examples

I need to buy pencils, erasers, a ruler, and a notebook.

Although it was very late, she continued to study.

Rahul, the class monitor, reminded everyone of the assembly.

Common Mistake

The “comma splice”: joining two complete sentences with only a comma. Wrong: “She studied hard, she passed.” Fix it with a semicolon, a conjunction, or a period.

3. Question Mark ( ? )

Also called: Query mark · Interrogation point · प्रश्नवाचक चिह्न

The question mark ends a direct question. It is one of the most recognisable of all punctuation symbols. The key distinction students must remember is the difference between a direct question — which takes a question mark — and an indirect question, which does not.

• Ends direct questions: What time does school start?
• NOT used after indirect questions: She asked what time school started.
• Indicates uncertainty in brackets: Shakespeare (1564–1616?) wrote 37 plays.
• A polite request phrased as a question takes a question mark: Would you please sit down?

Examples

Have you completed your science project?

Who discovered penicillin, and in what year?

She asked him whether he had understood the lesson. (indirect — no question mark)

4. Exclamation Mark ( ! )

Also called: Exclamation point · Bang · विस्मयादिबोधक चिह्न (Vismaybodhak Chinh)

The exclamation mark expresses strong emotion — excitement, surprise, anger, urgency, or emphasis. It ends exclamatory sentences and follows interjections. One important rule for good writing: use it sparingly. An exclamation mark loses its power when it appears in every other sentence.

• Ends exclamatory sentences expressing strong emotion
• Follows interjections: Oh! Wow! Bravo! Alas!
• Indicates urgency: Call the doctor immediately!
• In formal and academic writing, avoid it almost entirely

Examples

What an extraordinary performance by the school choir!

Stop! There is a car coming.

We won the inter-school quiz competition!

Writing Tip

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Cut out all those exclamation marks. An exclamation mark is like laughing at your own joke.” Limit yourself to one per page in formal writing.

5. Colon ( : )

Also called: Vivaran Chinh (विवरण चिह्न) in Hindi grammar

The colon is a “here it comes” punctuation mark. It introduces something — a list, an explanation, a quotation, or a clarification of what came just before. Understanding the distinction between a colon, semicolon, and comma is one of the most tested grammar concepts in school examinations.

• Introduces a list after a complete clause: You will need: a pen, a ruler, and a calculator.
• Introduces an explanation or restatement of what precedes it
• Introduces a long quotation or formal speech
• Separates a title from its subtitle: Grammar Matters: A Guide for Students
• Used in time notation: 9:30 AM, 14:00 hours
• In formal letters after the salutation (American style): Dear Sir:

Examples

She had one ambition in life: to become a scientist.

The school trip requires three items: a packed lunch, a water bottle, and sun cream.

He offered sound advice: work hard and stay honest.

6. Semicolon ( ; )

Also called: Ardha Viram (अर्ध विराम) · Half-stop

The semicolon sits in strength between a comma and a period. It connects two closely related independent clauses without needing a conjunction. When used correctly, it shows that two ideas are connected but could each stand alone as complete sentences. Knowing when to use a comma, semicolon, or colon separates average writers from excellent ones.

• Links two related independent clauses: The sky darkened; a storm was approaching.
• Used before conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, consequently
• Separates complex list items that already contain commas: Delhi, India; London, UK; Paris, France

Examples

She studied every chapter carefully; she was determined not to fail.

The team worked hard; however, the deadline proved too tight.

The judges were from Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chennai, Tamil Nadu; and Kolkata, West Bengal.

7. Apostrophe ( ‘ )

Also called: Single raised comma · Omission mark

The apostrophe serves two jobs: showing possession and forming contractions. It is arguably the most misused of all punctuation marks in everyday writing — especially in the notorious its/it’s mix-up. Getting apostrophes right is a sign of careful, educated writing.

• Shows singular possession: the student’s notebook, Priya’s project
• Shows plural possession: the teachers’ lounge, the students’ results
• Forms contractions (replaces omitted letters): don’t, can’t, it’s, you’re, I’ve
• NEVER used to form ordinary plural nouns — not “mango’s” or “1990’s”
• Special case: it’s = it is; its = belonging to it (no apostrophe for possession)

Examples

I can’t believe it’s already the last day of term.

The principal’s speech inspired the entire school assembly.

The children’s library has been completely refurbished.

It’s raining outside, but the garden has lost its colour.

8. Quotation Marks ( ” ” )

Also called: Inverted commas · Speech marks · उद्धरण चिह्न (Uddharan Chinh)

Quotation marks — called inverted commas in British English — enclose direct speech, quotations from texts, and titles of shorter works. Double quotation marks (“”) are standard in American English; British English traditionally uses single marks (‘ ‘). In school examinations, direct speech punctuation rules are frequently tested.

• Encloses direct speech and exact quotations
• Titles of short works: poems, articles, short stories, songs, episodes
• Words used in an ironic, technical, or unusual sense
• In American English, commas and periods go inside closing quotation marks
• Single quotes used for a quotation within a quotation

Examples

“Please open your textbooks to page forty-two,” said the teacher.

Our English teacher asked us to read Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”

He described himself as a “team player,” though he rarely cooperated.

9. Hyphen ( – )

Also called: Yojak Chinh (योजक चिह्न) in Hindi · Joining mark

The hyphen is the shortest of the dash-family marks and is used to join words or word parts together. In Hindi grammar it is known as the Yojak Chinh (योजक चिह्न) — literally “the joining mark” — which perfectly describes its function. A common point of confusion is the difference between a colon and hyphen: a colon introduces, a hyphen joins.

• Creates compound words: well-known, mother-in-law, twenty-one
• Joins compound adjectives before a noun: a ten-year-old student, a well-written essay
• Connects prefixes to base words: self-esteem, ex-student, re-examine
• Splits long words across line breaks in typesetting
• Note: compound adjectives after a verb do NOT take a hyphen: The essay was well written.

Examples

She is a well-known author in the field of children’s literature.

The forty-two students gathered for the inter-school debate.

His self-confidence and never-give-up attitude impressed the judges.

10. Dash (Em Dash & En Dash) ( — – )

Also called: Rekha Chinh (रेखा चिह्न) · Long dash · Short dash

The dash comes in two forms. The em dash (—) is the longer one, used for dramatic pauses, strong interruptions, and parenthetical emphasis inside sentences. The en dash (–) is slightly shorter and is used mainly for ranges and connections between equal items. Both are longer than a hyphen and serve very different purposes.

• Em dash (—): sharp interruption or aside in a sentence
• Em dash (—): can replace commas, parentheses, or a colon for emphasis
• En dash (–): spans and ranges: pages 10–25, June–August, 9:00–5:00
• En dash (–): connections between equal nouns: the Mumbai–Delhi express
• The em dash carries more drama and punch than any other internal punctuation mark

Examples

She opened the answer sheet—and went completely silent.

He had one great weakness—procrastination—that cost him every opportunity.

The school is open Monday–Friday, 8:00–15:30.

The Mumbai–Pune expressway was inaugurated in 2002.

11. Ellipsis ( … )

Also called: Three dots · Suspension points · Lop Chinh (लोप चिह्न)

The ellipsis (plural: ellipses) consists of exactly three dots and indicates that something has been left out, a thought trails off, or a meaningful pause is intended. In creative writing, it builds suspense. In academic writing, it is used to shorten quotations by removing non-essential words.

• Indicates omission of words within a quoted passage
• Shows a trailing thought or unfinished sentence in dialogue
• Creates suspense or hesitation in creative and narrative writing
• Always exactly three dots — not two, not four
• In formal quotations, place in square brackets [ … ] to show it is an editorial omission

Examples

“I don’t know… perhaps tomorrow would be better,” she said quietly.

The report concluded that “all students who participated… showed measurable improvement.”

He reached for the door handle… and froze.

12. Brackets & Parentheses ( ( ) )

Also called: Round brackets · Square brackets · Koshthak (कोष्ठक)

Brackets enclose supplementary or explanatory information that is not essential to the main sentence — but adds useful context. The sentence must make complete sense if the bracketed text is removed entirely. There are several types, each with a distinct use in academic and professional writing.

• Round brackets ( ): parenthetical remarks and optional asides
• Square brackets [ ]: editorial additions or clarifications inside quotations
• Curly brackets { }: mathematics, programming, sets and groups
• If a full sentence is inside brackets, the period goes inside: (This is a complete sentence.)
• If only a phrase is inside, the period goes outside: She passed (just barely).

Examples

The annual sports day (rescheduled from March) will be held this Friday.

The historian noted that “the king [George III] refused to negotiate.”

Please refer to the appendix for further detail (see pages 45–48).

13. Slash & Solidus ( / )

Also called: Forward slash · Virgule · Oblique · Vibhajak Chinh (विभाजक चिह्न)

The slash (or forward slash) is increasingly important in our digital age. It indicates alternatives, fractions, abbreviations, and forms part of every web address. Note: the backslash (\) is a completely different symbol used in computing and file paths, not in standard written English.

• Indicates alternatives or options: and/or, pass/fail, yes/no
• Represents fractions: 3/4, 1/2
• Used in abbreviations: w/o (without), c/o (care of), a/c (account)
• Forms web addresses and file paths
• Separates lines of poetry when quoted in prose: “Shall I compare thee / to a summer’s day?”
• Separates components of a date: 21/05/2026

Examples

Students may submit their project as a PDF and/or a printed copy.

The position is open to boys/girls from Grades 9 and 10.

Please address all correspondence c/o the School Secretary.

14. Asterisk ( * )

Also called: Star · Tarak Chinh (तारक चिह्न) · Splat

The asterisk (*) takes its name from the Greek asteriskos, meaning “little star.” It is used to draw the reader’s eye to a footnote or additional note, and in linguistics it marks a word or sentence as ungrammatical. It also appears in computing and in informal writing to censor letters.

• Signals a footnote or endnote: Terms and conditions apply.*
• Marks ungrammatical forms in linguistics: *He go to school yesterday.
• Multiplication in programming and mathematics: 6 * 7 = 42
• Censors letters in informal writing: d**n, sh**
• Wildcard character in search queries and coding

Examples

Free delivery on all orders above ₹500.* (*Offer valid until 31st May)

In linguistics, a starred sentence like *”She runned home” marks it as grammatically incorrect.

The results will be declared on Friday. *Subject to moderation.

All 14 Punctuation Marks — Quick Reference Table

Here is the complete list of punctuation marks with their symbols, names, Hindi grammar equivalents (viram chinh), and primary uses at a glance:

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions students most commonly ask about punctuation marks — and the answers that will serve you in exams and everyday writing.

What is punctuation? How do you define a punctuation mark?

Punctuation is the system of symbols used in writing to separate sentences and their elements, and to clarify meaning. A punctuation mark is any one of these standardised symbols. The word comes from the Latin punctum (a point). The simplest definition: punctuation marks are the traffic signals of written language — they tell the reader when to stop, pause, question, or react with feeling.

How many punctuation marks are there in English?

There are 14 punctuation marks in standard English. These are the period, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, colon, semicolon, apostrophe, quotation marks, hyphen, dash, ellipsis, brackets, slash, and asterisk. Some authorities include additional symbols like the ampersand (&) and at sign (@), but the core 14 punctuation marks are universally recognised as the essential set.

Which of these is NOT a punctuation mark?

A common exam question! Alphabet letters (A, B, C), numerals (1, 2, 3), currency symbols (₹, $, €), and mathematical operators (+, ÷, =) are not punctuation marks. When asked “which of these is not a punctuation mark,” look for a letter, a digit, or a subject-specific symbol (currency, maths). All standard punctuation marks are listed in the table above.

What is the difference between a colon, semicolon, and comma?

These three are often confused. A comma (,) creates a light pause — it separates items and clauses within a sentence. A semicolon (;) is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full stop — it links two complete, related sentences without a conjunction. A colon (:) points forward — it introduces a list, explanation, or quotation. Think of it this way: comma = brief pause, semicolon = related stop, colon = “here’s what I mean.”

What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?

They look similar but do very different jobs. The hyphen (-) is the shortest, used to join words: well-known, twenty-five. The en dash (–) is used for ranges: pages 10–20, June–August. The em dash (—) is the longest and most dramatic, used for interruptions and emphatic pauses within sentences. In Hindi grammar, the hyphen is called Yojak Chinh (the joining mark) and the dash is called Rekha Chinh.

What are viram chinh in Hindi? (विराम चिह्न क्या हैं?)

Viram chinh (विराम चिह्न) is the Hindi term for punctuation marks — literally meaning “pause signs” or “stop marks.” Each of the 14 punctuation marks has a corresponding Hindi name: the period is Purna Viram, the comma is Alpa Viram, the hyphen is Yojak Chinh, and the colon is Vivaran Chinh. The full list of viram chinh in Hindi is included in the reference table above.

What are the most common punctuation marks in everyday writing?

The most commonly used punctuation marks in everyday English writing are: the comma (by far the most frequent), the period / full stop, the apostrophe, the question mark, and quotation marks. In formal academic and school writing, the colon and semicolon are also important. The least commonly seen in school writing are the asterisk and the slash, though both appear regularly in digital contexts.

What is a punctuation character? Are punctuation symbols the same thing?

Yes — punctuation character, punctuation symbol, and punctuation mark are all terms for the same thing: the standardised signs used to organise and clarify written text. In computing and Unicode, they may be referred to as “punctuation characters” to distinguish them from letter and digit characters — but in grammar and language learning, all three terms are used interchangeably.

Five Rules to Master Punctuation Marks

Knowing the names of all 14 punctuation marks is only half the job. Here are five practical rules that will immediately make your writing sharper and more correct:

• Read your sentence aloud. Punctuation marks follow the natural rhythm of speech. If you run out of breath, you need a comma, semicolon, or period. If your voice rises, you may need a question mark.
• Never use a comma to join two complete sentences. This is the comma splice — the most common punctuation error in school writing. Use a semicolon, a full stop, or a conjunction instead.
• Master it’s vs its once and for all. If you can say “it is” in the sentence, write it’s. If the word means “belonging to it,” write its with no apostrophe. There are no exceptions.
• Use the exclamation mark rarely. In academic essays and formal school writing, avoid it almost entirely. Reserve it for creative writing or dialogue where genuine emotion demands it.
• Practice with sentences. The fastest way to internalise all punctuation rules — whether working through exercises on viram chinh in Hindi or English grammar workbooks — is to write original sentences using each mark correctly, every day.

Punctuation: Small Marks, Enormous Power

There is a famous example in grammar circles that illustrates why punctuation marks matter: “Let’s eat, Grandma” and “Let’s eat Grandma” mean very different things. One comma is the difference between a family dinner and a horror story.

The 14 punctuation marks covered in this guide — from the humble period to the dramatic em dash — are not decorative extras. They are the structural framework of clear, confident, and correct English writing. Master them, and every essay, letter, report, and story you write will immediately improve.

Whether you are preparing for a school examination, working through exercises on viram chinh in Hindi for your grammar class, or simply trying to write better emails and compositions — K.R. Mangalam World School Noida Extension, the best CBSE school in Greater Noida, emphasizes that these 14 marks are the foundation of it all. Learn them. Use them. And let them do their quiet but essential work in everything you write.