A period is a dot-shaped punctuation mark. It is one of the most frequently used ones in the English language. The symbol was introduced by Greek librarian Aristophanes during the 3rd century BCE. After its introduction, the period was mostly placed at the top edge of the end of a sentence. However, by the 9th century, a dot at the lower edge of a sentence became a universally accepted symbol to signify the end of a sentence.
How to Use a Period
Usage of periods is straightforward. Below are a few illustrated with examples.
A period is used:
1. At the end of a sentence
In writing, a period placed at the end of a sentence indicates the completion of that sentence. It also is an indication that one has to briefly pause while reading.
Examples:
- I ran as fast as I could, but I still missed the school bus.
- The lovely pitbull that Amanda rescued last week is up for adoption.
- John regrets not visiting his parents more often.
- I didn’t see any hummingbirds in the garden earlier today.
- Let the cat out, so he can get some fresh air.
2. At the end of a statement
Statements that aren’t questions or interjections end with a period. A statement can be anything from a fact to an opinion or an idea.
Examples:
- The dog is fully vaccinated.
- Let’s get some pizza.
- I don’t think you should let the dog out.
- I’m unwell.
- Rosaline isn’t a good therapist.
3. At the end of indirect questions
An indirect question is when a direct question is reported in speech or presented as a statement or a sentence. While direct questions end with question marks, indirect questions end with a period.
Examples:
- Alexie asked me if we would be interested in going to the game with her and Josh.
- Kramer asked Jenny if she wanted to go out with him.
- Vinny wants to know how much money she owes you.
- He asked her if visiting her parents, without calling them first, was a good idea.
- Ann wanted to know how many days’ leave she is eligible for.
4. At the end of or in between an abbreviation
A period is used in between letters in an abbreviation or at the end of an abbreviation. While a period is used to abbreviate a word in American English, it is not mandatory to use a period after an abbreviation in British English.
Examples:
- a.m. (ante meridiem, meaning before noon)
- p.m. (post meridiem, meaning after noon)
- i.e. (that is)
- e.g. (example)
- etc. (etcetera)
If an abbreviation with a period appears at the end of a sentence, then there is no need to add an additional period.
5. To indicate contractions
Contractions are short forms of longer words or phrases. They often end with a comma or a period. Below are some examples of contractions that end with a period.
Examples:
- Corp. (Corporation)
- Inc. (Incorporated)
- Dr. (Doctor)
- Mr. (Mister)
- Govt. (Government)
6. After initials in a name
When only a letter is used to represent a part of a name or a surname, then such a letter (known as an initial) is followed by a period.
Examples:
- J.R.R. Tolkien
- John F. Kennedy
- J.K. Rowling
- C.S. Lewis
- H.G. Wells
Grammar Rules to Follow while Using a Period
There are a few grammar rules that apply to the usage of periods:
- A period is always placed inside the parenthesis if the sentence ends with a parenthesis.
- In case of quotation marks, a period is placed inside the quotes.
- If there is an abbreviation or contraction at the end of a sentence with a period, then there is no need to add an extra period.
- If there is an abbreviation or contraction at the end of a sentence within a parenthesis, then an additional period should be added after the parenthesis.
- When three periods are used together in succession, they are together called ellipsis.
Periods are not just used in the English language. They are a part of several different languages around the world. In fact, not just different languages, but different subjects use periods as well. Be it units of measurement, time in math, or notation of location in geography, a period is an indispensable punctuation.
