Full Stops
A full stop or period is usually used to show the end of a sentence. In this lesson, we will learn all about this punctuation mark.
What Is a Full Stop?
A full stop (also called a period) is a punctuation mark (.) that is necessary to be used at the end of the sentences.
When Do We Use a Full Stop?
A full stop can be used on different occasions such as:
- at the end of a sentence
- in abbreviations
- at the end of fragment sentences
- in honorific titles
Using Full Stops at the End of Sentences
A full stop is used at the end of a complete sentence or in other words, at the end of a complete concept with complete meaning. Check out the examples:
She is beautiful and smart.
Marco was accepted to be the chef of the restaurant.
Using Full Stops in Fragment Sentences
Some sentences are not actually real sentences because they do not have subjects or verbs, but they imply complete meaning. It means, people can understand them by hearing them. These sentences are called fragment sentences and we must use a full stop at the end of them.
Are you sure it is the best idea?
Yes, that's her.
Using Full Stops in Abbreviations and Acronyms
Full stops can be used in some abbreviations. Because in abbreviations we usually use a letter which stands for the word, so if it is made of more than one word; we should separate them by using a full stop (period). Here are a few examples:
in. → stands for inches
lb. → stands for libra pondo (pound)
p.m. → stands for post meridiem
Using Full Stops in Honorific Titles
When we use honorific titles to call somebody or refer to them, we usually use a period in the end. Here are the examples that may help you learn them:
Dr. Russel, is there any chance for her?
Mr. Johns seems to be still mad at me.
How to Use a Full Stop?
Remember, with acronyms and initials, we do not usually use a period. For example:
United States of America → USA
DNA, UK
With quotation marks, we use the period inside the quotation marks. Check out the example:
She said, "you have to be patient."
When an abbreviation has a period in the end and it is also used at the end of the sentence, then you should use only one full stop (period) at the end of the sentence. for example:
✗ I had to go on a date at 7:00 p.m..
✓ I had to go on a date at 7:00 p.m.
The first letter after a period has to be capitalized. Here is the example:
I talked to Jimmy.
Review
Full stops are used in the following cases:
- at the end of a sentence
- in abbreviations
- at the end of fragment sentences
- in honorific titles
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