1. Ending Punctuation
…is my friend.

2. Why? Punctuation marks mean something. Sometimes they mean a lot.
They not only put the brakes on a sentence (which should be a full-time job all by itself) but also suggest its tone.

3. The Period Use a period at the end of a statement. That’s a good idea.
Use a period at the end of an imperative. (An imperative is a command.)
Take out the trash.
A period achieves a neutral effect; it lets the reader create meaning from the works only.

4. The Question Mark
Use a question mark at the end of a direct question. A question asks something.
That’s a good idea?
Take out the trash?
A question mark implies a question or wonderment, bewilderment or anxiety.

5. The Exclamation Point
Use an exclamation point to express strong feelings or overt excitement.
That’s a good idea!
Never use more than one.
Take out the trash!!!!!!!!
Don’t overuse or it will lose its effect!
I mean it! I’m not kidding!! See what I mean!
It starts to look like everything else! It loses
its emotion!