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The full stop, a period, is a key punctuation mark to indicate a sentence’s end. It’s essential for clear communication, helping readers understand where one idea finishes and another begins.
Learning to use full-stop punctuation correctly is crucial for improving your writing skills. This guide will teach you how to identify, use, and avoid common mistakes with full stops, providing practical examples and easy-to-follow rules for beginners.
What is a Full Stop?
A full stop, also known as a period, is a punctuation mark used to show the end of a sentence. It is a simple dot (.) placed after the last word to let the reader know that the sentence is complete. Full stops are used in statements, commands, and indirect questions.
Use of Full Stop:
She went to the park.
It tells the reader that the thought is finished, and no more information is coming in that sentence.
Identification
The full stop (.) is easily identified as a small dot placed at the end of a sentence. It marks the end of a complete thought or idea. Whenever you finish writing a statement, command, or indirect question, you use a full stop to show that the sentence is complete. For example:
- The sun is shining.
In this sentence, the full stop tells the reader that the statement is finished.
How to Use
A full stop (.) is one of the most basic and important punctuation marks in English. It signals the end of a complete sentence, helping to make communication clear and organized. Here are key rules and points to remember when using a full stop:
End of a Declarative Sentence
Use a full stop to mark the end of a statement or declarative sentence.
- She went to the store.
End of an Imperative Sentence
A full stop is used at the end of an imperative sentence that gives commands, advice, or instructions.
- Please close the door.
After Abbreviations
A full stop can be used in certain abbreviations like Dr. (Doctor), e.g. (for example), and etc. (and so on).
- The meeting is at 10 a.m.
Avoid Using with Other Punctuation
Do not use a full stop if the sentence already ends with other punctuation like a question mark or an exclamation point.
- What time is it? (not: What time is it?.)
- Wow! (not: Wow!
Using a Full Stop after Initials
After Each Initial in a Name
When initials are used to represent someone’s name, a full stop should be placed after each initial.
- J.K. Rowling
- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Avoid Spaces Between Initials
When using initials, avoid placing spaces between them and the full stops.
- Correct: R.S. Sharma
- Incorrect: R. S. Sharma
Full Stops in Formal Writing
In formal or professional writing, full stops are often used consistently after initials for clarity and correctness.
Using a Full Stop at the End of an Indirect Question
An indirect question does not ask something directly but rather reports a question or expresses curiosity. Unlike direct questions, indirect questions end with a full stop, not a question mark. Here’s how to use them correctly:
End with a Full Stop
Since an indirect question is a statement rather than a direct inquiry, it should end with a full stop.
- She asked if I could help her.
- I wonder when he will arrive.
No Question Mark
Avoid using a question mark at the end of an indirect question, as it is not directly asking the reader or listener.
- Correct: He asked where you were.
- Incorrect: He asked where you were?
Use in Formal Writing
Indirect questions are common in formal writing when reporting speech or conveying thoughts without directly asking.
Using a Full Stop in Website URLs and Email Addresses
A full stop is essential for separating different parts of website URLs and email addresses. It helps define the domain, extensions, and username components.
In Website URLs
In URLs, the full stop separates the domain name from the extension (like .com, .org, .net).
In Email Addresses
In email addresses, full stops are used between the username and the domain, as well as between the domain and its extension.
Multiple Full Stops in Domain Names
Some domains may include more than one full stop, especially in country-specific domains or subdomains.
- www.company.co.uk
- blog.example.net
Avoid Extra Full Stops
Ensure no extra full stops are added accidentally, as this can make the URL or email address invalid.
- Correct: info@domain.com
- Incorrect: info@domain..com
Examples Sentences:
Here are 10 examples of sentences using a full stop:
- The cat is sleeping on the couch .
- She finished her homework before dinner .
- We are going to the beach tomorrow .
- He loves playing soccer with his friends .
- The book was interesting and informative .
- They live in a small town near the mountains .
- The children are playing in the park .
- She drinks coffee every morning .
- He asked for directions to the nearest bus stop .
- The movie starts at 7 p.m. tonight .
Common Mistakes
✗ I went to the store
✓ I went to the store .
✗ He likes reading books , she enjoys painting
✓ He likes reading books . She enjoys painting
✗ They are coming over later I need to clean the house
✓ They are coming over later . I need to clean the house
✗ She went to the park and played there
✓ She went to the park . And played there .
✗ The meeting is at 5 p.m see you there
✓ The meeting is at 5 p.m . See you there
We are going to the party tomorrow make sure you’re ready
✓ We are going to the party tomorrow . Make sure you’re ready
✗ She enjoys cooking but she doesn’t like cleaning
✓ She enjoys cooking . But she doesn’t like cleaning
✗ He forgot his keys so he had to go back
✓ He forgot his keys . So he had to go back
✗ The weather is nice today let’s go for a walk
✓ The weather is nice today . Let’s go for a walk
✗ I studied all night but I’m still nervous for the exam
✓ I studied all night . But I’m still nervous for the exam
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