1. Use a period at the end of declarative sentences, indirect questions, and most imperative sentences.

This book is very helpful. (declarative sentence)

He asked what the score was. (indirect question)

Write your name at the top of each sheet. (imperative sentence)

2. Use a period after most abbreviations. (See the section on abbreviations)

3. Use three periods (called suspension points or ellipsis marks) to show that material has been omitted from a quotation. Use four periods when the omission comes at the end of a sentence.

"There are four ways . . . to remedy the situation." Original: "There are four ways, none of which has been mentioned by my opponent, to remedy the situation."

4. A period may be used after a polite request phrased as a question.

5. Do not use a period at the end of the title of a book, magazine, article, poem, or essay.

6. In a typed manuscript there should be two spaces between a period and the beginning of the next sentence.

7. In a typed manuscript, abbreviations do not have internal spacing.

1. Use a question mark at the end of a direct question. Do you have the money?

"Do you have the money?" he asked. (Note that a comma is not used after the question mark.)

2. Use a question mark after each query in a series if you wish to emphasize each element.

3. Use a question mark enclosed in parentheses to show uncertainty about a word, fact, or number.

4. In a typed manuscript there should be two spaces between a question mark and the beginning of the next sentence.

1. Use the exclamation mark after a forceful interjection or imperative sentence.

2. In a typed manuscript there should be two spaces between an exclamation mark and the beginning of the next sentence.