End punctuation

The punctuation marks that signal the end of a sentence are the period, question mark and exclamation mark.

You use a period, by far the most common of the end punctuation marks, to terminate a sentence that makes a statement. You may also use periods with imperative sentences that have no sense of urgency or excitement attached:

• Without a doubt, Emily was much happier after her divorce.
• Turn right at the stop sign.
• Bring me a cup of coffee and a cheese sandwich.

When you want to express a sense of urgency or very strong emotion, end your imperative sentences and statements with an exclamation mark:

• Look out below!
• Leave this house at once!
• I hate him!

Exclamation marks are rare in formal writing, so use them sparingly, if at all.

Opt for a question mark at the end of a direct question:

• Who’s on first?
• Where is my black tuque?

Be careful not to use a question mark at the end of an indirect question. Indirect questions are simply statements, and therefore end with a period:

• I wonder who was chosen as Harvest King in the county fair.
• Bridget asked if she could play pinball.
• The manager asked who was working overtime that evening.