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Periods

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The Period

The Period serves as a stop sign and tells us where a sentence ends and where the next one begins. It signals the end of declarative sentences (sentences which state facts or opinions) and commands that do not express great urgency. A period marks the end of a complete thought. Periods are also used in abbreviations of words, such as in Co. (company), St. (street), or U.S.A. (United States of America).

Rules for using the Period

Rule 1: Use a period at the end of a statement.

It is sunny and warm outside today.     ("Today" is the last word of the statement - use a period)

I will take the dog for a walk.     ("Walk" is the last word of the statement - use a period)

Bob runs very quickly.     ("Quickly" is the last word of the statement - use a period)

Rule 2: Use a period in an abbreviation.

I went to visit Washington, D.C.     ("D.C." is the abbreviation for District of Columbia - use a period)

She lives on Oak St. in Baltimore.     ("St." is the abbreviation for street - use a period.)

My father worked for the Water Co. for many years.     ("Co." is the abbreviation for company - use a period)

Rule 3: Use a period in an abbreviation.

Jane asked me why we left early. (Use a period for a sentence that describes a question but does not ask one.)

She asked what we had for homework. (Use a period for a sentence that describes a question but does not ask one.)

Sam asked why I didn\t understand the story. (Use a period for a sentence that describes a question but does not ask one.)

Rule 4: Do not end a sentence with a period if the last word in the sentence ends with the period.

Harry lives in the U.S.A. ("U.S.A." ends with a period, so you don't add one to the end of the sentence.)

SI have an appointment with Anna Smith, M.D. ("M.D." ends with a period, so you don't add one to the end of the sentence.)

The handy chart below can help you remember the rules and uses of the period.

Name Punctuation Mark UsageExample
Period.
  • Use at the end of statements and indirect questions.
  • Use in abbreviations.
  • Used at the end of an indirect question, which describes a question, but does not ask one.
  • Do not use if the last word in a sentence ends with an abbreviation.
  • I live in a big house.
  • Judy asked my why we ate early
  • Harry lives in the U.S.A.
  • She asked what we had for homework.
  • I have an appointment with Anna Smith, M.D.