Which punctuation mark ends a sentence in standard grammar?

Which punctuation mark ends a sentence in standard grammar?

• A. A period ends a sentence.
• B. A semicolon ends a sentence.
• C. A colon ends a sentence.
• D. A dash ends a sentence.

Answer: (A)

In standard grammar, a period marks the end of a declarative sentence, signaling its completion. A semicolon connects two closely related independent clauses within one sentence, so the sentence doesn’t end there. A colon introduces explanation, a list, or elaboration, with the sentence continuing after the preceding clause. A dash creates a pause or emphasis and isn’t the usual end punctuation for a completed sentence. So the period is the punctuation that ends a standard declarative sentence.

In standard grammar, a period marks the end of a declarative sentence, signaling its completion. A semicolon connects two closely related independent clauses within one sentence, so the sentence doesn’t end there. A colon introduces explanation, a list, or elaboration, with the sentence continuing after the preceding clause. A dash creates a pause or emphasis and isn’t the usual end punctuation for a completed sentence. So the period is the punctuation that ends a standard declarative sentence.