Punctuation is the use of symbols such as full stops or periods, commas, or question marks to divide written words into sentences and clauses.
He was known for his poor grammar and punctuation.
2. uncountable noun
Punctuation is the symbols that you use to divide written words into sentences and clauses.
Jessica scanned the lines, none of which had any punctuation.
English Easy Learning GrammarPunctuation in numbersDates Full stops or slashes are often used in dates. American usage
12.3.09 3/12/09 2.28.15 2/28/15 Scientific usage Full stops are not used in ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarParts of speechSentences are made up of words. A sentence can be made up of any number of words. He left us. The man in the corner lowered his newspaper. Whenever I see ... Read more
punctuation in British English
(ˌpʌŋktjʊˈeɪʃən)
noun
1.
the use of symbols not belonging to the alphabet of a writing system to indicate aspects of the intonation and meaning not otherwise conveyed in the written language
2.
the symbols used for this purpose
3.
the act or an instance of punctuating
punctuation in American English
(ˌpʌŋktʃuˈeɪʃən)
noun
1.
the act of punctuating; specif., the act or practice of using standardized marks in writing and printing to separate sentences or sentence elements or to make the meaning clearer
2.
a system for using such marks
3.
such a mark or marks
Derived forms
punctuative (ˈpunctuˌative)
adjective
Word origin
ML punctuatio: see punctuate
Examples of 'punctuation' in a sentence
punctuation
The findings suggest that a government move to drill pupils in punctuation and spelling in primary schools is not working.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The findings suggest that a government move to drill pupils in punctuation and spellingin primary schools is not working.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Or was he just being a thug with poor punctuation?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You may want to show employers you can spell and use grammar and punctuation correctly.
The Sun (2010)
Perhaps they might also reintroduce spelling and punctuation.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Now the city council has agreed to put correct punctuation on signs in future.
The Sun (2014)
She uses a roar of laughter the way other people use punctuation.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
All accompanied by some dodgy spelling and hyperbolic punctuation.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Do not use punctuation after the formula.
Porush, David A Short Guide to Writing About Science (1995)
Tougher standards for spelling, punctuation and grammar are also being introduced.
The Sun (2011)
Learning the times tables and correct spelling and punctuation is not intrinsically fun, but necessary.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The targets require four and five-year-olds to write simple sentences and use punctuation.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Pupils will also be tested explicitly on grammar and punctuation, while spelling tests will be harder.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The problem was that they didn't know where and how to use the punctuation.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Don't be too worried about spelling and punctuation.
The Sun (2012)
Because the comma is the most frequently used punctuation symbol, most errors occur in comma use.
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
But they are not as big a turn-off as bad punctuation and spelling.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But now they have been told to focus a bit more on their own spelling, punctuation and grammar.
The Sun (2014)
A new test at the end of primary school will focus specifically on grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
If this is it, the final punctuation point, one more fact is worth emphasis.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It's only his sloppy use of punctuation that stops me giving him an A*.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There is no specific, comparative testing at 16 about spelling and punctuation.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
From this September good spelling, punctuation and grammar will be rewarded.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
And prise open the bars of the national curriculum to give them a bit more time to read... not for grammar or punctuation but for pleasure.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
punctuation
British English: punctuation /ˌpʌŋktjʊˈeɪʃən/ NOUN
Punctuation is the system of signs such as full stops, commas, and question marks that you use in writing to divide words into sentences and clauses.
He was known for his poor grammar and punctuation.