Period

Definition

In writing and grammar, a period is a punctuation mark (.) that signifies the end of a declarative sentence or a complete thought. It is crucial for establishing clear boundaries between sentences, ensuring that readers understand when one idea concludes and another begins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The period is essential for indicating the completion of thoughts in academic writing, which helps maintain clarity and coherence.
2. When used in lists or outlines, a period can indicate the conclusion of each point, improving organization and readability.
3. In MLA formatting, periods are used consistently at the end of each complete citation entry in the Works Cited page.
4. Using a period incorrectly can lead to confusion in writing, resulting in run-on sentences or fragmented thoughts.
5. In some cases, particularly in informal writing or dialogue, a period may be replaced by other punctuation marks, but its conventional use remains critical in formal contexts.

Review Questions

• How does the use of periods impact the clarity of academic writing?
  • Periods play a significant role in enhancing clarity in academic writing by signaling the end of declarative sentences. This helps readers to easily identify where one idea ends and another begins, promoting better understanding and flow of information. When periods are used correctly, they contribute to the overall organization of thoughts, making the text more accessible and easier to follow.
• Discuss the importance of proper punctuation, including periods, in MLA formatting for citations.
  • Proper punctuation is crucial in MLA formatting because it ensures that citations are correctly structured and easily understood by readers. Each entry on the Works Cited page must end with a period to clearly mark its conclusion. This not only maintains consistency but also upholds the standards of academic integrity by clearly delineating each source, allowing readers to locate references without confusion.
• Evaluate the consequences of misusing periods in formal writing and its effects on reader comprehension.
  • Misusing periods in formal writing can lead to significant misunderstandings for readers. For instance, failing to use periods appropriately may create run-on sentences that blend multiple ideas together, making it difficult for readers to parse information. Conversely, overuse or incorrect placement of periods can result in choppy or fragmented writing that disrupts the flow. Overall, such misuse negatively impacts reader comprehension and undermines the effectiveness of the communication.

Related terms

Punctuation: The use of symbols such as periods, commas, and question marks to clarify meaning and separate elements in writing.

Sentence: A group of words that expresses a complete thought, usually containing a subject and a predicate.

Declarative Sentence: A type of sentence that makes a statement or expresses an opinion, typically ending with a period.