The Period
The period is used to end all sentences except those that are direct questions or exclamations.Periods are also used in abbreviations.
1.Use a period to end a declarative or imperative sentence.
- A declarative sentence makes a statement.
All is fair in love and war.
- An imperative sentence issues a request or command.
Please do not leave until you have said good-bye.
See Also
Proper Texting Etiquette: Guidelines for Respectful Texting in the WorkplaceAre Your Texts Passive-Aggressive? The Answer May Lie In Your PunctuationHow To Use Punctuation In Text MessagesThe Period, Full Stop or Point | EF United States- Do not use a period if the sentence is a genuine exclamation.Use an exclamation point.
That speech was fantastic!
- Do not use a period with a sentence that asks a direct question.Use a question mark.
Will the picnic be canceled?
- However, do use a period if the sentence is a statement reporting a question indirectly.
Sara asked if the picnic would be canceled.
2.Use a period in certain abbreviations.
- The following are examples of some abbreviations which use periods:
| Mr. | B.A. | e.g. | A.M. or a.m. | ft. |
| Mrs. | M.A. | i.e. | P.M. or p.m. | oz. |
| Ms. | Ph.D. | etc. | Capt. | dept. |
| Dr. | R.N. | Ave. | c.o.d. | P.O. |
Do not use a period with U.S. Postal Service abbreviations for states.
Long Beach, CA
Longview, TX
Detroit, MI
- Do not use a period with most abbreviated names of organizations or with commonly used abbreviations that replace words.
| NATO | IRS | CSU | NBA |
| NAACP | TV | VCR | CD-ROM |
However, sometimes usage varies, such as in the abbreviation USA or U.S.A., both of which are acceptable.When in doubt, consult a dictionary or style manual, or a publication by the agency or group in question.
If a sentence ends with a period marking an abbreviation, do not add a second period.
You will need to bring your own towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.
Content Editor:
Tina Day
530-895-2958
