English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 50 PDF page 56 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

Place question marks or exclamation points outside the quotation marks if they punctuate

the entire sentence.

EXAMPLE: Why did she say, "We are too late"?

PARENTHESES

Elements inside parentheses are related to the sentence but are nonessential.

Parentheses set off additions or expressions that are not necessary to the sentence. They tend

to de-emphasize what they set off.

EXAMPLE: We visited several European countries (England, France, Spain) on our trip last

year.

Parentheses enclose figures within a sentence.

EXAMPLE: Grades will be based on (1) participation, (2) in-class writing, and (3) exams.

When the group inside the parentheses forms a complete sentence but is inserted inside a

larger sentence, no period is needed. However, if a question mark or exclamation point is

needed, it may be used.

EXAMPLE: The snow (she saw it as she passed the window) was now falling heavily.

When parentheses are used to enclose an independent sentence, the end punctuation

belongs inside the Parentheses.