Get the gist of it here as media update's Robyn du Preez gives a quick squiz on the topic:A full stop (also known as a period) indicates a sentence's conclusion.
A full stop
will:
- precede a character without a space at the end of a full sentence if that sentence is a statement or command, and
- only have one space after it when followed by a new full sentence in the same paragraph
It can be used:
- with shortened or removed information (abbreviations or initials), and
- in an indirect question — Jarod had asked what the time was.
Full stops are
not used:
- after an exclamation mark or question mark
- outside of quotation marks in direct quotes — James said, "Hello there".
- outside of parentheses that stand on their own — (Definitely not).
- inside parentheses at the end of a sentence — She wanted the candy (it was her favourite.)
In lists, full stops are:
- used with full-sentence items when the lead-in isn't dependent on the points finishing its sentence — They are based on the following points:
- not used with full-sentence items when the lead-in is dependent on the points finishing its sentence — They can:
Have any questions about the full stop that you want explained in more detail? Reach out in the comment section!
*Image courtesy of Canva