Blog about English
Using sentence-ending punctuation correctly.
Practice: build the sentences →Full stops, question marks, and exclamation marks normally mark the end of different types of sentences.
A full stop commonly ends a statement, a question mark ends a direct question, and an exclamation mark expresses strong emotion or emphasis.
The meeting starts at nine.
Встреча начинается в девять.
A full stop ends the declarative sentence.
Where are you going?
Куда ты идёшь?
A question mark ends the direct question.
What a surprise!
Какой сюрприз!
An exclamation mark expresses strong emotion.
She is ready.
Она готова.
A full stop ends a neutral statement.
Stop!
Стой!
An exclamation mark expresses urgency.
A full stop normally ends a declarative sentence or a neutral statement.
For example, The meeting starts at nine.
The meeting starts at nine.
Встреча начинается в девять.
A full stop ends a declarative sentence.
She lives in London.
Она живёт в Лондоне.
A full stop ends a neutral statement.
We are going home.
Мы идём домой.
A full stop ends the sentence.
He works in an office.
Он работает в офисе.
A full stop ends the declarative sentence.
They arrived yesterday.
Они приехали вчера.
A full stop ends a statement.
A question mark normally ends a direct question.
For example, Where are you going? and Did she call?
Where are you going?
Куда ты идёшь?
A question mark ends a direct question.
Did she call?
Она позвонила?
A question mark ends a yes/no question.
What time is it?
Который час?
A question mark ends a wh-question.
Can you help me?
Ты можешь мне помочь?
A question mark ends a polite request.
Are they coming?
Они приходят?
A question mark ends a direct question.
An exclamation mark commonly expresses strong emotion, surprise, urgency, emphasis, or an emphatic command.
For example, What a surprise! and Stop!
What a surprise!
Какой сюрприз!
An exclamation mark expresses surprise.
Stop!
Стой!
An exclamation mark expresses urgency.
Excellent!
Отлично!
An exclamation mark expresses strong emotion.
Look out!
Берегись!
An exclamation mark expresses urgency.
Well done!
Молодец!
An exclamation mark expresses emphasis.
A direct question normally ends with a question mark, while an indirect question inside a statement normally ends with a full stop.
For example, Where is she? versus I do not know where she is.
Where is she?
Где она?
A direct question ends with a question mark.
I do not know where she is.
Я не знаю, где она.
An indirect question ends with a full stop.
What time does it start?
Во сколько это начинается?
A direct question ends with a question mark.
She asked what time it starts.
Она спросила, во сколько это начинается.
An indirect question ends with a full stop.
Did she call?
Она позвонила?
A direct question ends with a question mark.
Each independent direct question can end with its own question mark when questions are presented separately.
For example, Where are you going? What time will you arrive?
Where are you going? What time will you arrive?
Куда ты идёшь? Во сколько ты приедешь?
Each independent direct question has its own question mark.
Did she call? Did she leave a message?
Она позвонила? Она оставила сообщение?
Each question is punctuated separately.
What is your name? Where do you live?
Как тебя зовут? Где ты живёшь?
Each direct question has its own question mark.
Are you ready? Can we leave?
Ты готов? Мы можем идти?
Two separate questions, two question marks.
Who called? What did they want?
Кто звонил? Что они хотели?
Each question ends with a question mark.
A compound question can sometimes use one final question mark when the coordinated parts form a single interrogative unit.
For example, Are you staying or are you leaving?
Are you staying or are you leaving?
Ты остаёшься или уходишь?
A compound question uses one final question mark.
Do you want tea or coffee?
Ты хочешь чай или кофе?
Coordinated alternatives form one interrogative unit.
Should we go now or wait?
Нам идти сейчас или подождать?
One question mark for the whole question.
Is she coming with us or staying here?
Она идёт с нами или остаётся здесь?
A single question mark at the end.
Will you call me or send an email?
Ты позвонишь мне или отправишь письмо?
One question mark for the compound question.
A direct question inside quotation marks normally retains its question mark.
For example, She asked, "Where are you going?"
She asked, "Where are you going?"
Она спросила: «Куда ты идёшь?»
The quoted question retains its question mark.
He said, "Did you call me?"
Он сказал: «Ты мне звонил?»
The question mark is inside the quotation marks.
"What time is it?" she asked.
«Который час?» — спросила она.
The question mark remains inside the quotation.
They asked, "Can we leave now?"
Они спросили: «Мы можем уйти сейчас?»
The quoted question keeps its question mark.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
«Ты готов?» — спросил он.
The question mark is part of the quotation.
When a quoted question is followed by a reporting clause, punctuation depends on the quotation structure and style convention.
For example, "Where are you going?" she asked.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
«Куда ты идёшь?» — спросила она.
The question mark comes before the reporting clause.
She asked, "Where are you going?"
Она спросила: «Куда ты идёшь?»
The reporting clause can precede the quotation.
"Did you call?" he asked.
«Ты позвонил?» — спросил он.
The question mark is retained in the quotation.
He asked, "What time is it?"
Он спросил: «Который час?»
Punctuation depends on the quotation structure.
"Are you ready?" she whispered.
«Ты готов?» — прошептала она.
The question mark remains inside the quotation.
A question mark can be used in parentheses or other marked contexts to indicate uncertainty about a fact or date.
For example, The building was completed in 1850 (?) indicates uncertainty.
The building was completed in 1850 (?).
Здание было построено в 1850 (?) году.
The question mark in parentheses indicates uncertainty.
He was born in 1620 (?).
Он родился в 1620 (?) году.
The question mark signals an uncertain date.
The manuscript dates from 1400 (?).
Рукопись датируется 1400 (?) годом.
Parenthetical question mark indicates doubt.
The author died in 1730 (?).
Автор умер в 1730 (?) году.
The question mark marks uncertainty.
The battle took place in 1066 (?).
Битва произошла в 1066 (?) году.
A question mark in parentheses expresses doubt.
A rhetorical question normally uses a question mark when it has the grammatical form of a question, even when no answer is expected.
For example, Who could possibly believe that?
Who could possibly believe that?
Кто мог бы в это поверить?
A rhetorical question uses a question mark.
Isn't it obvious?
Разве это не очевидно?
A rhetorical question ends with a question mark.
Who cares?
Кого это волнует?
A rhetorical question uses a question mark.
How many times do I have to tell you?
Сколько раз мне тебе повторять?
The rhetorical question ends with a question mark.
What difference does it make?
Какая разница?
A rhetorical question retains the question mark.
A sentence with declarative word order can still function as a question in informal speech and may be written with a question mark.
For example, You are coming with us?
You are coming with us?
Ты идёшь с нами?
Declarative word order can function as a question.
She finished the project?
Она закончила проект?
The sentence functions as a question with a question mark.
They moved to Berlin?
Они переехали в Берлин?
The declarative form acts as a question.
He found a new job?
Он нашёл новую работу?
The question mark signals the interrogative function.
You liked the film?
Тебе понравился фильм?
The statement-shaped question uses a question mark.
A command can end with a full stop or an exclamation mark depending on the level of force or emotion.
For example, Please sit down. versus Stop!
Please sit down.
Пожалуйста, сядьте.
A polite command ends with a full stop.
Stop!
Стой!
An emphatic command ends with an exclamation mark.
Close the door.
Закрой дверь.
A neutral command ends with a full stop.
Get out!
Убирайся!
A forceful command ends with an exclamation mark.
Turn off the light, please.
Выключи свет, пожалуйста.
A polite command ends with a full stop.
Short interjections expressing strong emotion can take an exclamation mark.
For example, Wow! Oh no! Excellent!
Wow!
Вау!
An interjection takes an exclamation mark.
Oh no!
О нет!
An interjection expressing dismay.
Excellent!
Отлично!
An interjection expressing strong approval.
Ouch!
Ай!
An interjection expressing pain.
Hooray!
Ура!
An interjection expressing joy.
What can introduce an exclamative noun phrase followed by an exclamation mark.
For example, What a beautiful day!
What a beautiful day!
Какой прекрасный день!
"What" introduces an exclamative noun phrase.
What a surprise!
Какой сюрприз!
"What" + noun phrase + exclamation mark.
What a mess!
Какой беспорядок!
Exclamative "what" with a noun phrase.
What a lovely view!
Какой прекрасный вид!
"What" introduces the exclamative.
What a pity!
Как жаль!
Exclamative with "what".
How can introduce an exclamative adjective or adverb phrase followed by an exclamation mark.
For example, How beautiful it is! and How quickly she runs!
How beautiful it is!
Как это красиво!
"How" introduces an exclamative adjective phrase.
How quickly she runs!
Как быстро она бегает!
"How" introduces an exclamative adverb phrase.
How wonderful!
Как чудесно!
Exclamative "how" with an adjective.
How strange it seems!
Как это странно!
"How" + adjective + subject + verb.
How well she sings!
Как хорошо она поёт!
"How" introduces an exclamative adverb phrase.
Some abbreviations use full stops depending on regional convention and the style being followed.
For example, Dr., Mr., etc., and e.g. can use full stops in many styles.
Dr. Smith is here.
Доктор Смит здесь.
"Dr." uses a full stop in many styles.
Mr. Jones called.
Мистер Джонс звонил.
"Mr." uses a full stop in many styles.
We bought apples, oranges, etc.
Мы купили яблоки, апельсины и т. д.
"etc." uses a full stop.
Use fresh fruit, e.g. apples.
Используйте свежие фрукты, например яблоки.
"e.g." uses full stops.
Mrs. Brown is our teacher.
Миссис Браун — наша учительница.
"Mrs." uses a full stop.
Many modern abbreviations and initialisms are written without full stops, especially in technical and institutional contexts.
For example, BBC, UK, USA, and NATO.
The BBC is a British broadcaster.
BBC — британская телерадиокомпания.
"BBC" is written without full stops.
She lives in the UK.
Она живёт в Великобритании.
"UK" is written without full stops.
The USA is a large country.
США — большая страна.
"USA" is written without full stops.
NATO was founded in 1949.
НАТО была основана в 1949 году.
"NATO" is written without full stops.
The EU has many member states.
В ЕС много государств-членов.
"EU" is written without full stops.
An ellipsis is a distinct punctuation mark or sequence conventionally represented by three dots and should not be confused with ordinary sentence-ending full stops.
For example, I thought ... well, never mind.
I thought ... well, never mind.
Я думал... ну, неважно.
The ellipsis indicates a pause or trailing off.
She hesitated ... then agreed.
Она колебалась... потом согласилась.
The ellipsis shows hesitation.
If only I had known ...
Если бы я только знал...
The ellipsis indicates an unfinished thought.
He said he would ... but he didn't.
Он сказал, что сделает... но не сделал.
The ellipsis marks an omission.
Well ... I am not sure.
Ну... я не уверен.
The ellipsis indicates hesitation.
Multiple exclamation marks are common in informal digital communication but are generally avoided in formal writing.
For example, Wow!!! is informal and highly emphatic.
Wow!!!
Вау!!!
Multiple exclamation marks are informal.
That is amazing!!!
Это потрясающе!!!
Multiple exclamation marks add emphasis informally.
I can't believe it!!!
Я не могу в это поверить!!!
Repeated exclamation marks are informal.
Congratulations!!!
Поздравляю!!!
Multiple exclamation marks are used in digital communication.
This is the best day ever!!!
Это лучший день в жизни!!!
Avoid multiple exclamation marks in formal writing.
Multiple question marks can indicate strong surprise or disbelief in informal writing but are normally avoided in formal prose.
For example, What??? is highly informal.
What???
Что???
Multiple question marks are informal.
You did what???
Ты сделал что???
Multiple question marks show disbelief.
Really???
Правда???
Repeated question marks are informal.
Are you serious???
Ты серьёзно???
Multiple question marks indicate strong surprise.
How did this happen???
Как это произошло???
Avoid multiple question marks in formal prose.
A question that also expresses strong surprise can use combined question-and-exclamation punctuation in informal writing.
For example, What?! You did that?
What?! You did that?
Что?! Ты это сделал?
The combined punctuation expresses surprise and a question.
Really?! That is incredible!
Правда?! Это невероятно!
The question mark and exclamation mark combine informally.
You won?!
Ты победил?!
The combined punctuation is informal.
How could you?!
Как ты мог?!
The combined punctuation expresses strong surprise.
What were you thinking?!
О чём ты думал?!
Combined punctuation is informal.
Sentence-ending punctuation helps separate independent sentences and should normally correspond to the grammatical structure.
A declarative sentence normally ends with a full stop, while a direct interrogative ends with a question mark.
The meeting starts at nine. We can leave now.
Встреча начинается в девять. Мы можем уйти сейчас.
Two independent sentences with full stops.
Where are you going? Are you coming with us?
Куда ты идёшь? Ты идёшь с нами?
Two independent questions with question marks.
She is ready. He is not.
Она готова. Он нет.
Two declarative sentences.
Stop! The door is closing.
Стой! Дверь закрывается.
An exclamation mark ends the first sentence.
Did she call? I did not hear the phone.
Она позвонила? Я не слышал телефон.
A question mark then a full stop.
Headings and titles often omit final full stops, although punctuation can be retained when the heading is intentionally phrased as a complete question or exclamation.
For example, How to use commas is normally written without a full stop, while Why does this happen? retains the question mark.
How to use commas
Как использовать запятые
A heading normally omits the final full stop.
Why does this happen?
Почему это происходит?
A heading phrased as a question retains the question mark.
Writing Effective Emails
Написание эффективных писем
A title heading normally omits final punctuation.
What a great idea!
Какая отличная идея!
An exclamatory heading retains the exclamation mark.
Introduction to Grammar
Введение в грамматику
A heading normally has no final full stop.
A fragment can receive sentence-ending punctuation in informal and stylistic writing even though it is not a complete clause.
For example, What a mess! and No idea.
What a mess!
Какой беспорядок!
A fragment can take an exclamation mark.
No idea.
Понятия не имею.
A fragment can take a full stop.
Really?
Правда?
A fragment can function as a question.
Not again!
Только не снова!
A fragment can take an exclamation mark.
So far, so good.
Пока всё хорошо.
A fragment can take a full stop.
List items may or may not end with full stops depending on whether they are complete sentences and on the chosen style.
Complete sentence items normally use final punctuation, while short fragments often do not.
First, open the file.
Сначала откройте файл.
A complete sentence in a list takes a full stop.
Second, check the settings.
Затем проверьте настройки.
Each complete sentence item ends with a full stop.
Open the file
Откройте файл
A short fragment in a list may omit the full stop.
Check the settings
Проверьте настройки
A short fragment may not need final punctuation.
Save your work.
Сохраните работу.
A complete sentence item takes a full stop.
A parenthetical statement can have its own punctuation depending on whether the parenthetical material forms a complete sentence.
For example, He left early (he was feeling ill). versus He left early. (He was feeling ill.)
He left early (he was feeling ill).
Он ушёл рано (он плохо себя чувствовал).
The parenthetical is integrated into the main sentence.
He left early. (He was feeling ill.)
Он ушёл рано. (Он плохо себя чувствовал.)
The parenthetical is a complete sentence with its own full stop.
The plan worked (surprisingly well).
План сработал (удивительно хорошо).
The parenthetical is part of the main sentence.
The plan worked. (It was a surprise.)
План сработал. (Это было неожиданно.)
The parenthetical is a complete sentence.
She arrived late (as usual).
Она пришла поздно (как обычно).
The parenthetical is integrated into the main sentence.
The first word of a new sentence normally begins with a capital letter after a sentence-ending mark.
For example, Are you ready? We can leave now.
Are you ready? We can leave now.
Ты готов? Мы можем уйти сейчас.
The word "We" after the question mark is capitalized.
The work is finished. We can leave now.
Работа закончена. Мы можем уйти сейчас.
The word "We" after the full stop is capitalized.
Stop! The door is closing.
Стой! Дверь закрывается.
The word "The" after the exclamation mark is capitalized.
She called. I answered.
Она позвонила. Я ответил.
The word "I" after the full stop is capitalized.
Where are you? Are you coming?
Ты где? Ты идёшь?
The word "Are" after the question mark is capitalized.
Reported or indirect questions do not automatically take a question mark merely because their meaning originates from a question.
For example, She asked where I lived. is a statement, while Where do you live? is a direct question.
She asked where I lived.
Она спросила, где я живу.
An indirect question ends with a full stop.
Where do you live?
Где ты живёшь?
A direct question ends with a question mark.
He asked what time it was.
Он спросил, который час.
An indirect question ends with a full stop.
What time is it?
Который час?
A direct question ends with a question mark.
I wondered whether she would come.
Я размышлял, придёт ли она.
An indirect question ends with a full stop.
Exclamation marks are relatively uncommon in formal academic and professional writing and should generally be used only when stylistically justified.
A neutral statement is often preferable to an emphatic punctuation mark in formal prose.
The results were surprising.
Результаты были неожиданными.
A neutral statement is preferred in formal writing.
This finding is significant.
Это открытие важно.
Formal writing uses neutral punctuation.
The experiment failed.
Эксперимент не удался.
A full stop is used in formal prose.
The results were extremely surprising!
Результаты были чрезвычайно неожиданными!
Exclamation marks are uncommon in formal writing.
Further research is needed.
Необходимы дальнейшие исследования.
A full stop is standard in academic writing.
Dialogue uses sentence-ending punctuation to represent the grammatical form and emotional force of spoken utterances.
For example, "Are you ready?" she asked. and "Stop!" he shouted.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
«Ты готов?» — спросила она.
The question mark reflects the spoken utterance.
"Stop!" he shouted.
«Стой!» — крикнул он.
The exclamation mark reflects the emotional force.
"I am leaving," she said.
«Я ухожу», — сказала она.
A full stop or comma is used with the reporting clause.
"Where were you?" he asked.
«Где ты был?» — спросил он.
The question mark reflects the grammatical form.
"What a lovely day!" she said.
«Какой прекрасный день!» — сказала она.
The exclamation mark reflects the emotional force.
Direct address does not determine the sentence-ending mark itself, but commas separate the addressed person from the rest of the sentence.
For example, John, are you ready? and Thank you, John.
John, are you ready?
Джон, ты готов?
A comma separates the direct address from the question.
Thank you, John.
Спасибо, Джон.
A comma separates the direct address from the statement.
Mary, come here!
Мэри, иди сюда!
A comma precedes the direct address before a command.
Could you help me, Doctor?
Не могли бы вы помочь мне, доктор?
A comma separates the direct address from the question.
Good morning, Mrs. Smith.
Доброе утро, миссис Смит.
A comma separates the direct address from the greeting.
Declaratives, interrogatives, and exclamatives normally correspond to full stops, question marks, and exclamation marks respectively, with context allowing marked exceptions.
For example, You are ready. Are you ready? You are ready!
You are ready.
Ты готов.
A declarative sentence ends with a full stop.
Are you ready?
Ты готов?
An interrogative sentence ends with a question mark.
You are ready!
Ты готов!
An exclamative sentence ends with an exclamation mark.
She is coming.
Она идёт.
A declarative sentence ends with a full stop.
Is she coming?
Она идёт?
An interrogative sentence ends with a question mark.
Digital communication often uses repeated punctuation, omitted punctuation, and unconventional combinations to convey tone, but these conventions should not automatically be transferred to formal writing.
For example, ??? and !!! can signal surprise online but are generally unnecessary in formal prose.
What???
Что???
Multiple question marks are informal.
Wow!!!
Вау!!!
Multiple exclamation marks are informal.
Are you serious???
Ты серьёзно???
Repeated punctuation is common in digital writing.
This is amazing!!!
Это потрясающе!!!
Digital writing uses repeated punctuation for tone.
Really?!
Правда?!
Combined punctuation is informal.
Choose final punctuation according to the grammatical type and intended tone of the sentence.
Common mistakes include putting a question mark after an indirect question, using exclamation marks excessively, omitting punctuation between independent sentences, and using multiple question or exclamation marks in formal writing.
She asked where I lived.
Она спросила, где я живу.
Correct: an indirect question ends with a full stop.
She asked where I lived?
Она спросила, где я живу?
Incorrect: an indirect question does not take a question mark.
The meeting starts at nine.
Встреча начинается в девять.
Correct: a declarative sentence ends with a full stop.
The meeting starts at nine!!!
Встреча начинается в девять!!!
Incorrect: multiple exclamation marks are informal.
Where are you going?
Куда ты идёшь?
Correct: a direct question ends with a question mark.