Tag: Grammar

Comma (,) ✍️

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✍️ Comma (,)

A comma (,) is a punctuation mark used to show a short pause in a sentence. Commas help make writing clearer, organized, and easier to read. They separate ideas, list items, and prevent confusion. 😊

1. To Separate Items in a List 📝

Commas are used to separate three or more words, phrases, or items in a sentence.

I bought apples 🍎, bananas 🍌, oranges 🍊, and grapes 🍇.
She packed pencils ✏️, notebooks 📓, erasers, and a ruler.
We visited Paris 🇫🇷, London 🇬🇧, Rome 🇮🇹, and Berlin 🇩🇪.

2. Before Conjunctions (and, but, or) ⚡

Commas are often used before conjunctions to join two independent clauses.

I wanted to go to the park 🌳, but it started raining 🌧️.
She likes ice cream 🍦, and he prefers cake 🎂.
He studied hard 📚, so he passed the exam 🎯.

3. After Introductory Words or Phrases 🌟

Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses at the start of a sentence.

Yes, I will help you. ✅
After school, we went to the library 📖.
In the morning, the birds 🐦 were singing.

4. To Separate Extra Information (Non-Essential Clauses) 🧩

Commas are used to set off extra information that is not essential to the main meaning.

My brother, who is very tall, plays basketball 🏀.
The book, written by a famous author, is on the table. ✍️
Our dog, a playful Labrador, loves swimming. 🐕

5. With Direct Speech 🗣️

Commas are used before or after direct speech to separate it from the rest of the sentence.

She said, “I am going to the park.”
“Please sit down,” the teacher said.
“Hurry up,” shouted the coach. 🏃‍♂️

6. With Dates, Addresses, and Numbers 📅📍

Commas help organize dates, addresses, and large numbers.

He was born on August 15, 2005.
I live at 12, Elm Street, Colombo.
The population of the city is 1,234,567.
✨ Summary
Commas make writing clear, smooth, and readable. They show short pauses, separate items, organize ideas, and prevent confusion. Remember: a comma can change the meaning of a sentence, so use it carefully! 📝😊

Inverted Commas (Quotation Marks)

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Inverted commas, also known as quotation marks (“ ”), are punctuation marks used to show exact words spoken, quotations, titles, or to highlight special words. They help make writing clearer and more expressive. 😊

🔹 1. To Show Direct Speech 🗣️

“I’m going to school now,” said Rani. 🎒
“What time is it?” asked Tom.
“Please help me,” the boy cried.

🔹 2. To Quote Someone’s Words 📖

The teacher said, “Reading makes you smarter.” 📚
My mother always says, “Be kind to everyone.” 💛

🔹 3. To Show Titles of Short Works 🎵📘

I love the song “Shape of You.” 🎶
We read the poem “The Road Not Taken.”
Did you watch the episode called “The Lost Map”?

🔹 4. To Highlight Special or Unusual Words ✨

The word “courage” means bravery. 💪
He gave me a “look” that I will never forget.
This machine can detect even the smallest “signals.”

🔹 5. Punctuation with Inverted Commas ⚠️

“Sit down,” the teacher said.
“Thank you.” 😊
✨ Inverted commas are essential for dialogue, quoting, titles, and highlighting words. Place punctuation correctly inside the marks. 📝✨

Apostrophe Used to Show Possession ✍️

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An apostrophe ( ’ ) is used to show possession, meaning that something belongs to someone or something. This is one of the most important uses of the apostrophe in English. When we add an apostrophe, we show who owns or possesses something. 😊

🔹 1. Possession with Singular Nouns

For most singular nouns, we add ’s to show ownership.

The girl’s bag 🎒 (the bag belongs to the girl)
The teacher’s book 📘
The dog’s bone 🦴
The child’s toy 🧸
My brother’s bicycle 🚲

🔹 2. Possession with Plural Nouns Ending in -s

If the noun is plural and already ends with s, we add only an apostrophe ( ’ ) after the s.

The students’ classroom 🏫
The teachers’ meeting
The cars’ engines 🚗

🔹 3. Possession with Plural Nouns NOT Ending in -s

If the plural noun does not end in s, we add ’s.

The children’s playground 🛝
The men’s uniforms
The women’s handbags 👜

🔹 4. Possession with Names Ending in -s

For names ending in s, both forms are acceptable, but the most common is ’s.

James’s car
Chris’s laptop
The Joneses’ house (family name, plural)

🔹 5. Possession of Things

We can also show possession with things, places, or groups.

The country’s population 🌍
The school’s rules
The company’s offices
✨ Summary
Use an apostrophe to show ownership, but remember the correct form depends on whether the noun is singular, plural, or ends with s. Apostrophes make writing clearer and more meaningful. 📝😊

Quiz: Apostrophes in Contractions ✍️

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