41 End Punctuation

Periods, question marks, and exclamation points often appear in advertising to create special effects or draw readers along from line to line.

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You have a choice to make.

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End punctuation tells us how to read each sentence—as a matter-of-fact statement, a query, or an emphatic request. Making appropriate choices with end punctuation allows readers to understand exactly what you mean.

Editing for End Punctuation

AT A GLANCE

  • If all or almost all of your sentences end with periods, see if some of them might be phrased more effectively as questions or exclamations. (41a–c)
  • Check to be sure you use question marks appropriately. (41b)
  • If you use exclamation points, consider whether each is justified. Does the sentence call for extra emphasis? If in doubt, use a period instead. (41c)