Chapter 5 Mechanics of Writing Business Communication Copyright 2010 South-Western Cengage Learning

Punctuation Helps readers interpret your ideas and questions Shows where one thought ends and the next begins External Marks and the Comma © Stockbyte / Getty Images Punctuation clarifies and adds emphasis to your writing.

Punctuation Includes Internal Marks External Marks Commas Semicolons Colons Quotation marks Parentheses Dashes Apostrophes Hyphens Periods Question marks Exclamation points 3

The Period a punctuation mark used to signal the end of a sentence or an abbreviation External Marks and the Comma

The Period Can be used At the end of sentences The choir members will sing in Italy during the holiday season. With abbreviations Mr. In lists 1. One change of clothing 2. Bathing suit, swim cap, sandals, towel, and sunscreen External Marks and the Comma

The Question Mark a punctuation mark used after a direct question and after each part in a series of questions External Marks and the Comma

The Question Mark Can be used After direct questions Do you agree that summer seems to pass more quickly than winter? In a series Did she apply to Temple University? to Boston College? to Florida International University? External Marks and the Comma

The Exclamation Point a punctuation mark that shows strong emotion External Marks and the Comma

The Exclamation Point May follow a word, a group of words, or a sentence Quick! Here’s an opportunity to make money! Should be used sparingly in business documents External Marks and the Comma

The Comma an internal punctuation mark used to separate items in a sentence External Marks and the Comma

The Comma Can be used With introductory elements Meanwhile, I will begin the next phase of the project. In compound sentences I will go to the hockey game on Friday, or I will babysit for my niece. With interrupting elements The most interesting part of the movie, I believe, is the chase scene External Marks and the Comma

The Comma With direct address Dr. Oakes, you have been exceedingly helpful to my family. In a series Even’s college essay was thoughtful, humorous, and brief. Between adjectives The short, thin teenager envied the tall, husky football players External Marks and the Comma

The Comma With omission of words The treasurer is Yoshi; the secretary, Elena; and the president, Warren. In numbers and dates On May 3, 2010, the day was overcast and chilly. With abbreviations Maps, tools, supplies, etc., will be needed. 13