What are the punctuation marks? In general, to represent pauses in speech, in the case of semicolons and semicolons; or intonations, in the case of the exclamation point and question mark, for example.
In addition to pauses in speech and intonation of the voice, punctuation marks reproduce, in writing, our emotions, intentions and anxieties.
Here are some jobs:
1. Comma (,)
It is used for:
a) separate terms that have the same syntactic function in the prayer: The boy screamed, cried, kicked and finally slept.
In this sentence, the comma separates the verbs.
b) isolate the vocative: So, my dear, there's nothing more to say!
c) isolate the bet: João, a former member of the commission, came to attend the meeting.
d) isolate anticipated terms, as a complement or adjunct:
1. An indescribable urge to drink water, I felt when I looked at that sweaty glass! (anticipation of verbal complement)
2. Nothing was done, at that moment, for us to leave! (anticipation of adverbial adjunct)
e) separate explanatory expressions, conjunctions and connectives: that is, ie, for example, beyond that, because, however, but, however, so, etc.
f) separate local names from dates: Brasília, January 30, 2009.
g) isolate explanatory adjective sentences: The film, which you indicated for me, is much more than I expected.
2. Points
2.1 - End (.)
It is used at the end of sentences to indicate a total pause:
a) I don't want to say anything.
b) I love my family.
And in abbreviations: Mr., a. C., Ltda., vv., num., adj., obs.
2.2 - Question Mark (?)
The question mark is used for:
a) Ask direct questions:
Do you want to go to the movies with us?
Do you wish to participate in the get-together party?
b) To indicate surprise, express indignation or an attitude of expectation in the face of a given situation:
What? I can't believe you did that! (attitude of indignation)
I didn't expect to receive so many compliments! Do I deserve all this? (surprise)
What will my place in the contest result be? Will it be the same as I imagine? (expectation)
2. 3 – Exclamation mark (!)
This punctuation mark is used in the following circumstances:
a) After sentences that express different feelings, such as: enthusiasm, surprise, plea, order, horror, amazement:
We will travel! (enthusiasm)
He was the winner! (surprise)
Please don't leave me here! (supplication)
How horrible! I didn't expect such an attitude. (amazement)
Be quick! (order)
b) After vocatives and some interjections:
Hey! what a scare you gave me. (interjection)
It was you, boy! (vocative)
c) In sentences expressing desire:
Oh, God help me!
Noteworthy remarks:
* When the communicative intention expresses, at the same time, questioning and admiration, the use of question and exclamation marks is allowed. Watch:
What can I do now?!
* When you want to further intensify the admiration or any other feeling, it is okay to repeat the exclamation or question mark. Note:
No!!! – screamed the desperate mother when she saw her son in danger.
3. Semicolon (;)
Is used for:
a) separate enumerated items:
Mathematics is divided into:
- geometry;
- algebra;
- trigonometry;
- financial.
b) separate a period that is already divided by commas: He said nothing, just looked away, sat on the grass; wanted to be alone with his dog.
4. Two points (:)
It is used when:
a) if you are going to make a quote or introduce a speech:
He replied: no thank you very much!
b) if you want to indicate an enumeration:
I want to tell you a few things: don't talk to strangers, don't fight with your classmates, and don't respond to the teacher.
5. Quotation marks (“”)
They are used to indicate:
a) quote from someone: “The order to close the Guantanamo prison shows a firm start. Also in the edition, the 25th anniversary of the MST and the blockade of 2 billion dollars of Oportunity abroad” (Capital Letter online, 01/30/09)
b) foreign expressions, neologisms, slang: Nothing can be done with “billboard” advertising.
6. Ellipsis (...)
They are used to indicate suppression of an excerpt, interruption or to give an idea of continuity to what was being said:
a) (...) Where is she, Love, our house,
What good do I envy most in this world?
The soft nest where our kiss
Will it be purer and sweeter than a wing? (...)
b) And then came a feeling of joy, peace, happiness...
c) I liked the new house, but the backyard...
7. Parentheses ( )
They are used when you want to better explain something that was said or to make simple indications.
He ate, and ate, and slept, and then left. (the e appears repeated and, therefore, there is a predominance of commas).
8. indent (–)
The dash is indicated for:
a) Indicate the change of interlocutor in a dialogue:
- What ideas do you have to reveal?
- I don't know if they'll be welcome.
- It doesn't matter, the fact is that you will be contributing to the elaboration of this project.
b) Separate interspersed sentences, performing the functions of the comma and parentheses:
We must always believe – said the confident student – that everything will work out.
Don't act like that - said the angry mother - because it can be risky.
c) Highlight a phrase, expression or word:
The award went to the best student in the class – a very hardworking person.
I would like to congratulate the person speaking – my best friend.
By Sabrina Vilarinho
Graduated in Letters
Vania Duarte
Graduated in Letters
Brazil School Team
Essay - Brazil School
