Punctuation Marks: Usage and Rules: English ЕГЭ 2025 Preparation

Proper punctuation is essential for clear and effective written communication in English. This guide will help you understand and apply the rules governing punctuation marks, which will enhance your performance in the writing section of the ЕГЭ English exam. By mastering these conventions and practicing their application, you will be able to write with greater precision and clarity.

Theory for Exam Preparation

Punctuation marks are symbols that help organize written language and clarify meaning. They indicate pauses, intonation, and relationships between ideas, making text more readable and comprehensible. In the ЕГЭ English exam, correct punctuation is an important component of the writing tasks. Punctuation errors can obscure meaning, create ambiguity, or change the intended message entirely, potentially resulting in lower scores. This guide will explore the various punctuation marks used in English, including periods, commas, semicolons, colons, question marks, exclamation points, apostrophes, quotation marks, hyphens, dashes, parentheses, and brackets. For each punctuation mark, we will examine its functions, rules for usage, and common errors to avoid. By familiarizing yourself with these conventions and practicing their application, you will be better equipped to write accurately and effectively in the exam.

The Period (Full Stop)

Basic Usage

The period (or full stop in British English) is one of the most common punctuation marks. Its primary functions include:

Rules for Using Periods

Here are the key rules for using periods correctly:

  1. End of sentences: Place a period at the end of complete declarative sentences and commands.
    • The museum closes at 5 p.m.
    • Please submit your assignment by Friday.
  2. Spacing after periods: In modern typing, use one space after a period, not two.
    • Correct: The concert ended. Everyone applauded.
    • Outdated: The concert ended. Everyone applauded.
  3. With quotation marks: In American English, periods go inside closing quotation marks. In British English, they go outside if not part of the quoted material.
    • American: She said, "I'll be there soon."
    • British: She said, "I'll be there soon".
  4. With parentheses: If the parenthetical material is part of a sentence, the period goes after the closing parenthesis. If the parenthetical material is a complete sentence, the period goes inside the closing parenthesis.
    • He lives in Paris (the capital of France).
    • He lives in Paris. (He moved there last year.)
  5. Abbreviations: In American English, many abbreviations end with a period. In British English, periods are often omitted, especially in abbreviations that include the first and last letters of the word.
    • American: Dr., Mr., Mrs., St., Ave.
    • British: Dr, Mr, Mrs, St, Ave
  6. Ellipses: Use three periods (…) to indicate an omission or trailing off. In formal writing, spaces are sometimes added between the periods (. . .), but the more common practice is to use the ellipsis character or three periods without spaces.
    • The quote "To be or not to be…" is from Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Common Errors with Periods

Avoid these common mistakes when using periods:

The Comma

Basic Usage

The comma is a versatile punctuation mark with multiple functions:

Rules for Using Commas

Here are the key rules for using commas correctly:

  1. Items in a series: Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. In American English, the Oxford (or serial) comma is often used before the final conjunction, while in British English it is often omitted unless needed for clarity.
    • American: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
    • British: I bought apples, oranges and bananas.
  2. Joining independent clauses: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) that joins two independent clauses.
    • It was raining, so we decided to stay home.
    • She wanted to go to the concert, but she couldn't find tickets.
  3. Introductory elements: Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses.
    • However, the results were inconclusive.
    • After the concert, we went to a restaurant.
    • When the rain stopped, we went for a walk.
  4. Non-essential information: Use commas to enclose non-restrictive clauses or parenthetical elements that could be removed without changing the basic meaning of the sentence.
    • My brother, who lives in London, is visiting next week.
    • The movie, in my opinion, was disappointing.
  5. Coordinate adjectives: Use commas between adjectives that independently modify the same noun. (You can test if adjectives are coordinate by inserting "and" between them or reversing their order; if the sentence still makes sense, they are coordinate.)
    • She wore a beautiful, elegant dress. (Both beautiful and elegant modify dress)
    • He lives in a small brick house. (No comma, as small modifies "brick house," not just "house")
  6. Dates, addresses, and numbers: Use commas to separate components.
    • July 4, 1776, was an important date in American history.
    • She lives at 123 Main Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
    • The population of the city is 1,234,567.
  7. Direct address: Use commas to set off names or titles of people being directly addressed.
    • Thank you, Professor Smith, for your help.
    • John, could you pass the salt?
  8. Quotations: Use commas to separate quoted material from the rest of the sentence.
    • "I'll be there soon," she said.
    • She said, "I'll be there soon."

Common Errors with Commas

Avoid these common mistakes when using commas:

The Semicolon

Basic Usage

The semicolon is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause greater than a comma but less than a period. Its primary functions include:

Rules for Using Semicolons

Here are the key rules for using semicolons correctly:

  1. Joining independent clauses: Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning without using a coordinating conjunction.
    • The concert was sold out; we couldn't get tickets.
    • She didn't study for the exam; she failed it.
  2. With conjunctive adverbs: Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, etc.) when they connect independent clauses, and follow the conjunctive adverb with a comma.
    • The concert was sold out; however, we managed to find tickets online.
    • She didn't study for the exam; consequently, she failed it.
  3. In complex lists: Use semicolons to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.
    • The conference had attendees from Paris, France; London, England; and Rome, Italy.
    • The committee included Dr. Smith, the chair; Mr. Johnson, the secretary; and Ms. Lee, the treasurer.

Common Errors with Semicolons

Avoid these common mistakes when using semicolons:

The Colon

Basic Usage

The colon is a punctuation mark that introduces something that follows. Its primary functions include:

Rules for Using Colons

Here are the key rules for using colons correctly:

  1. Introducing lists: Use a colon to introduce a list when the introductory text is a complete sentence.
    • I need three items from the store: milk, bread, and eggs.
    • The conference will cover three topics: climate change, renewable energy, and conservation.
  2. Introducing explanations or elaborations: Use a colon to introduce an explanation, elaboration, or example of what precedes it.
    • The reason is clear: they didn't follow the instructions.
    • She had one goal: to win the championship.
  3. Introducing quotations: Use a colon to introduce a quotation, especially a long or formal one.
    • The president stated: "We will not negotiate with terrorists."
    • Shakespeare wrote: "To be or not to be, that is the question."
  4. In specific formats: Use colons in time expressions, ratios, titles, and references.
    • The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.
    • The ratio of students to teachers is 20:1.
    • Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
    • See chapter 3: "The Industrial Revolution"

Common Errors with Colons

Avoid these common mistakes when using colons:

Question Marks and Exclamation Points

Question Marks

The question mark is used to indicate a direct question. Its primary functions include:

Rules for using question marks:

  1. Direct questions: Use a question mark at the end of a direct question.
    • Where is the library?
    • Have you finished your homework?
  2. Indirect questions: Do not use a question mark after an indirect question.
    • Incorrect: She asked where the library was?
    • Correct: She asked where the library was.
  3. Questions within a sentence: If a question occurs within a larger sentence, the question mark replaces the comma that would normally separate the clauses.
    • The question is, will they arrive on time?
    • "Where is the library?" she asked.
  4. Expressing doubt: Use a question mark in parentheses to express doubt about a statement.
    • The manuscript dates from 1500 (?).
    • He was born in 1982 (?).

Exclamation Points

The exclamation point is used to express strong emotion or emphasis. Its primary functions include:

Rules for using exclamation points:

  1. Strong emotion: Use an exclamation point to express strong emotion.
    • That was an amazing performance!
    • I can't believe you did that!
  2. Commands: Use an exclamation point to add emphasis to commands or requests.
    • Stop!
    • Help!
  3. Interjections: Use an exclamation point after interjections or exclamatory words.
    • Wow! That was impressive.
    • Oh! I didn't see you there.
  4. Quotations: Place the exclamation point inside the quotation marks if it is part of the quoted material, outside if it applies to the entire sentence.
    • She shouted, "Watch out!"
    • I can't believe she said "maybe"!

Common Errors with Question Marks and Exclamation Points

Avoid these common mistakes when using question marks and exclamation points:

Apostrophes

Basic Usage

The apostrophe is a punctuation mark with several important functions:

Rules for Using Apostrophes

Here are the key rules for using apostrophes correctly:

  1. Singular possession: Add 's to singular nouns to show possession, even if the noun already ends in s.
    • The student's book (one student)
    • James's car (belonging to James)
    • The boss's office (belonging to the boss)
  2. Plural possession: Add an apostrophe after the s for regular plural nouns that already end in s. Add 's for irregular plurals that do not end in s.
    • The students' books (multiple students)
    • The bosses' offices (multiple bosses)
    • The children's toys (irregular plural)
    • The women's rights (irregular plural)
  3. Joint possession: Use the possessive form only for the last noun to indicate joint possession. Use the possessive form for both nouns to indicate separate possession.
    • Jack and Jill's house (one house owned jointly)
    • Jack's and Jill's houses (two separate houses)
  4. Contractions: Use an apostrophe to indicate where letters have been omitted in contractions.
    • don't (do not)
    • isn't (is not)
    • they're (they are)
    • it's (it is or it has)
  5. Plurals of letters, numbers, and symbols: In some style guides, apostrophes are used to form plurals of single letters, numbers, and symbols to avoid confusion. However, this practice is becoming less common, and many style guides now recommend using italics for the letter and no apostrophe for the plural.
    • Traditional: Mind your p's and q's. She got all A's on her report card.
    • Modern: Mind your ps and qs. She got all As on her report card.

Common Errors with Apostrophes

Avoid these common mistakes when using apostrophes:

Quotation Marks

Basic Usage

Quotation marks are punctuation marks used to set off speech, quoted material, and certain titles. Their primary functions include:

Rules for Using Quotation Marks

Here are the key rules for using quotation marks correctly:

  1. Direct speech: Use quotation marks to enclose the exact words spoken or written by someone.
    • "I'll be there at 7," she said.
    • He asked, "Where is the library?"
  2. Quotations: Use quotation marks to enclose material quoted from another source.
    • According to the article, "The economy is showing signs of recovery."
    • Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage."
  3. Titles: Use quotation marks to enclose titles of short works such as articles, short stories, poems, songs, and episodes of TV shows. (Longer works like books, movies, and albums are italicized.)
    • I read "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson.
    • My favorite song is "Imagine" by John Lennon.
  4. Quotes within quotes: Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes in American English. In British English, the convention is reversed: single quotation marks are used for the primary quote, and double quotation marks for quotes within quotes.
    • American: She said, "He told me, 'I'll be there at 7.'"
    • British: She said, 'He told me, "I'll be there at 7."'
  5. Punctuation with quotation marks: In American English, periods and commas go inside closing quotation marks, while colons and semicolons go outside. Question marks and exclamation points go inside if they are part of the quoted material, outside if they apply to the entire sentence. In British English, punctuation goes inside the quotation marks only if it is part of the quoted material.
    • American: She said, "I'll be there at 7."
    • British: She said, 'I'll be there at 7'.
    • American: Did she say, "I'll be there at 7"?
    • American: She said, "Will you be there at 7?"

Common Errors with Quotation Marks

Avoid these common mistakes when using quotation marks:

Hyphens and Dashes

Hyphens

The hyphen is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words. Its primary functions include:

Rules for using hyphens:

  1. Compound words: Some compound words are hyphenated, while others are written as one word or as separate words. Consult a dictionary when in doubt.
    • mother-in-law, self-esteem, check-in (noun)
    • cooperate, online, worldwide
    • high school, ice cream, post office
  2. Compound modifiers: Use hyphens to join words that together modify a noun when they come before the noun. Hyphens are generally not needed when the modifier comes after the noun.
    • a well-known author (before the noun)
    • The author is well known. (after the noun)
    • a high-quality product (before the noun)
    • The product is of high quality. (after the noun)
  3. Prefixes and suffixes: Use hyphens with certain prefixes (ex-, self-, all-) and when adding a prefix to a proper noun or number.
    • ex-husband, self-aware, all-inclusive
    • pre-Renaissance, mid-July, post-2000
  4. Avoiding ambiguity: Use hyphens to avoid ambiguity or awkward combinations of letters.
    • re-cover (to cover again) vs. recover (to get better)
    • co-op (cooperative) vs. coop (chicken coop)
    • shell-like (to avoid three l's in a row)
  5. Numbers and fractions: Use hyphens in written-out numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine and in fractions used as adjectives.
    • twenty-one, forty-five, sixty-seven
    • a two-thirds majority, a one-quarter share

En Dashes

The en dash (–) is slightly longer than a hyphen and has different functions:

Rules for using en dashes:

  1. Ranges: Use an en dash to indicate ranges of numbers, dates, or time.
    • pages 125–150
    • 2010–2020
    • Monday–Friday
  2. Connections: Use an en dash to indicate a connection or relationship between words, especially when those words are already compound or consist of multiple words.
    • New York–London flight
    • conservative–liberal debate
    • Pulitzer Prize–winning author
  3. Scores: Use an en dash to indicate scores in games.
    • The final score was 3–2.
    • They won the match 6–4, 7–5.

Em Dashes

The em dash (—) is the longest of the three and has several functions:

Rules for using em dashes:

  1. Interruptions: Use an em dash to indicate an abrupt change in thought or an interruption.
    • I was going to the store—but wait, I forgot my wallet.
    • "I think—" she began, but was interrupted.
  2. Emphasis: Use an em dash to emphasize a part of a sentence, especially at the end.
    • The concert was sold out—every single seat.
    • After months of searching, she found it—the perfect house.
  3. Attribution: Use an em dash to attribute a quotation to its source.
    • "To be or not to be, that is the question"—William Shakespeare
  4. Parenthetical information: Use em dashes to set off parenthetical information for emphasis or when the parenthetical information contains commas.
    • The three countries—France, Germany, and Spain—agreed to the treaty.
    • Everything I had—my career, my home, my savings—was gone.

Common Errors with Hyphens and Dashes

Avoid these common mistakes when using hyphens and dashes:

Parentheses and Brackets

Parentheses

Parentheses are punctuation marks used to set off supplementary or explanatory material. Their primary functions include:

Rules for using parentheses:

  1. Additional information: Use parentheses to enclose additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
    • The concert (which was sold out) was amazing.
    • He graduated from Harvard University (class of 2010).
  2. Abbreviations and acronyms: Use parentheses to introduce abbreviations or acronyms after the full term.
    • The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines.
    • She has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
  3. Citations: Use parentheses for in-text citations in some citation styles.
    • According to recent research (Smith, 2020), the trend is increasing.
    • The economy is showing signs of recovery (Johnson, 2019, p. 45).
  4. Numbered or lettered lists: Use parentheses to enclose numbers or letters in a list.
    • The steps are: (1) prepare the ingredients, (2) mix them together, and (3) bake for 30 minutes.
    • Please complete sections (a), (b), and (c) of the form.
  5. Punctuation with parentheses: If the parenthetical material is part of a sentence, the period goes after the closing parenthesis. If the parenthetical material is a complete sentence, the period goes inside the closing parenthesis.
    • He lives in Paris (the capital of France).
    • He lives in Paris. (He moved there last year.)

Brackets

Brackets ([ ]) are punctuation marks with more specialized functions than parentheses:

Rules for using brackets:

  1. Editorial insertions: Use brackets to insert editorial comments, corrections, or clarifications in quoted material.
    • "They [the government] announced a new policy yesterday."
    • "She arrived in Paris [France] last week."
    • "The ship sank in 1912 [actually, it was 1913]."
  2. Indicating errors: Use [sic] to indicate that an error or unusual usage in quoted material appears in the original source.
    • "The company made it's [sic] first profit in five years."
  3. Omissions in quotations: Use ellipses in brackets [...] to indicate omissions in quoted material.
    • "The economy is showing signs of recovery [...] but challenges remain."
  4. Parentheses within parentheses: Use brackets for parenthetical material within parentheses.
    • The results (as predicted by Smith [2020]) were significant.

Common Errors with Parentheses and Brackets

Avoid these common mistakes when using parentheses and brackets:

Punctuation in the ЕГЭ English Exam

Common Punctuation Errors in Exam Writing

In the ЕГЭ English exam, certain punctuation errors are particularly common:

Strategies for Avoiding Punctuation Errors

To avoid punctuation errors in the exam:

Punctuation and Formality Levels

Different writing tasks in the ЕГЭ English exam require different levels of formality, which can affect punctuation choices:

Writing TaskFormality LevelPunctuation Considerations
Formal letter/email High
  • Avoid contractions (use "do not" instead of "don't")
  • Use more conservative punctuation (fewer exclamation points)
  • Follow standard punctuation rules carefully
Essay High
  • Avoid contractions
  • Use semicolons and colons appropriately for complex sentences
  • Use parentheses sparingly
  • Avoid exclamation points
Semi-formal letter/email Medium
  • Limited use of contractions is acceptable
  • More flexibility with punctuation, but still follow standard rules
  • Occasional use of exclamation points is acceptable
Informal letter/email Low
  • Contractions are expected
  • More relaxed punctuation (more exclamation points, dashes)
  • Still avoid major errors like comma splices and apostrophe misuse

Practice Examples

Identify and correct the punctuation errors in these sentences.

  1. The concert was amazing the audience loved it.
  2. After the movie we went to a restaurant.
  3. The students who failed the exam will need to retake it.
  4. She said "I'll be there at 7".
  5. Its going to rain tomorrow, so you'd better take your umbrella.

Answers:

1. The concert was amazing; the audience loved it. (or) The concert was amazing, and the audience loved it. (Comma splice corrected with semicolon or conjunction)

2. After the movie, we went to a restaurant. (Missing comma after introductory phrase)

3. The students, who failed the exam, will need to retake it. (or) The students who failed the exam will need to retake it. (Depends on meaning: if all students failed, no commas; if only some failed, use commas)

4. She said, "I'll be there at 7." (Missing comma after "said" and period should be inside quotation marks in American English)

5. It's going to rain tomorrow, so you'd better take your umbrella. ("Its" is possessive; "it's" is the contraction of "it is")

Add appropriate punctuation to these sentences.

  1. The three countries France Germany and Spain agreed to the treaty
  2. She asked where is the library
  3. The reason is clear they didnt follow the instructions
  4. I need three items from the store milk bread and eggs
  5. The experiment which was conducted last year yielded significant results

Answers:

1. The three countries—France, Germany, and Spain—agreed to the treaty. (or) The three countries (France, Germany, and Spain) agreed to the treaty.

2. She asked, "Where is the library?" (or) She asked where the library was. (Depending on whether it's direct or indirect speech)

3. The reason is clear: they didn't follow the instructions. (or) The reason is clear; they didn't follow the instructions.

4. I need three items from the store: milk, bread, and eggs.

5. The experiment, which was conducted last year, yielded significant results.

Choose the correct punctuation for each sentence.

  1. The students (who / , who) passed the exam will receive certificates.
  2. The concert was sold out (so / ; / ,) we couldn't get tickets.
  3. She asked (if / "if") he would be attending the meeting.
  4. The company's (CEO's / CEOs / CEO's) office is on the top floor.
  5. The meeting is scheduled for (2-4 / 2–4 / 2—4) p.m.

Answers:

1. The students who passed the exam will receive certificates. (No commas needed for restrictive clause that is essential to the meaning)

2. The concert was sold out; we couldn't get tickets. (Semicolon joins two independent clauses) (or) The concert was sold out, so we couldn't get tickets. (Comma + coordinating conjunction)

3. She asked if he would be attending the meeting. (No quotation marks for indirect speech)

4. The company's CEO's office is on the top floor. (Possessive of a singular noun)

5. The meeting is scheduled for 2–4 p.m. (En dash for range)

Rewrite these sentences with correct punctuation for the given context.

  1. Context - Formal essay: The results of the study were inconclusive however further research is needed.
  2. Context - Informal email: Im really excited to see you tomorrow cant wait to hear about your trip!
  3. Context - Academic writing: The participants in the study 25 men and 30 women completed the survey.
  4. Context - Direct quotation: The president stated we will not negotiate with terrorists.
  5. Context - List with explanations: The company has offices in three locations new york the headquarters london the european branch and tokyo the asian branch.

Answers:

1. Formal essay: The results of the study were inconclusive; however, further research is needed. (or) The results of the study were inconclusive. However, further research is needed.

2. Informal email: I'm really excited to see you tomorrow! Can't wait to hear about your trip!

3. Academic writing: The participants in the study (25 men and 30 women) completed the survey. (or) The participants in the study—25 men and 30 women—completed the survey.

4. Direct quotation: The president stated, "We will not negotiate with terrorists."

5. List with explanations: The company has offices in three locations: New York (the headquarters), London (the European branch), and Tokyo (the Asian branch).

Key Points to Remember

Exam Tip!

In the ЕГЭ English exam, correct punctuation contributes to your overall writing score. Remember:

Remember that while correct punctuation is important, it's just one aspect of your writing. Focus on clear communication, appropriate vocabulary, and correct grammar as well.