Using the Period

When to use a period is usual not a problem because it indicates the end of a declarative sentence. However, it isn't always easy to tell when a sentence should end or not. The period is also used to mark abbreviations and decimal points.

1. Use a period to mark the end of a declarative sentence.

Ex. A: The pictures were coming out so quickly that the printer could not keep up with them.

Ex. B: The most recent stock purchase did not do well, although the rest of the portfolio made good gains.

Ex. C: Never use a sentence fragment unless you can provide a good reason.

Ex. D: Theronia asked her clients whether she should take the case to the Supreme Court or accept the decision handed down by Judge Realto.

Caution: Do not use a period where you need a comma. Doing so will create a sentence fragment, and writers should use sentence fragments only when they can provide a good reason for doing so. The incorrect examples below are not complete thoughts and do not indicate a good reason for their use.

Ex.  A:

Incorrect: Since Señora Devon y Galtierra was not made an officer of the court.

Correct: Since Señora Devon y Galtierra was not made an officer of the court, she could not argue the case before the judge.

Ex.  B:

Incorrect: Simply giving and never receiving, sacrificing and never being selfish, or seeking peaceful resolutions and never choosing war.

Correct: Simply giving and never receiving, sacrificing and never being selfish, or seeking peaceful resolutions and never choosing war are the hallmarks of a true spiritual leader.

Ex.  C: "Did you believe him when he said that he wanted to work with everyone involved?"

"No, absolutely not.

Explanation: The above example is clearly a fragment, but it is justified by the context in which it was used. If writers want to use a sentence fragments, they can, but readers must be able to see clearly that the fragment's use is justified.

2. Use a period to indicate an abbreviation or to mark a decimal point.

Ex. A: Throughout the sixth century B. C. E. (before the common era), the Buddha was preaching throughout China.

Ex. B: Taken literally, the results were 6.2% worse than they were a year ago.

2. Always put a period inside quotation marks.

Ex. A: Carolyn replied, "I've always wanted to go to Iceland to swim in the Blue Lagoon." A few months later she did.

Ex. B: There is no reason for anyone to react physically because she or he feels "disrespected."

Return to Grammar and Punctuation or OWL.