The Sentence Ending Team

One of the specialized jobs entrusted to the punctuation team, The Super Symbols, is telling the reader when a sentence has ended.  There are three Super Symbols Team members that have this power, and they are: The Period, The Question Mark, and The Exclamation Point.

These three sentence terminators all possess the power to signal the end of a sentence, but keep in mind that they are not simply here to end sentences—they’re also here to make a point!  Each of these super symbols is empowered with the ability to influence the character, voice, and mood of a sentence.  Are you calm, confused, angry, or determined?  Whichever it may be, the sentence ending team is ready to help you communicate it loud and clear. 

So, never forget to end your sentences with proper punctuation, and always remember that The Sentence Ending team is on your side—to the bitter end.

SENTENCE ENDING TEAM MEMBERS:

• The Period.
• The Question Mark?
• The Exclamation Point!

The Quotation Marks

The Quotation Marks are members of the Super Symbols (A.K.A. punctuation), and as the guardians of direct quotes, our heroes are sworn to protect and preserve the accuracy, correctness, and integrity of any text that is in their care.

Quotation marks are punctuation symbols that signal the beginning and ending of a direct quote.  Direct quotes repeat what someone else has written or said.  Here’s an example: The evil villain said, “I will annihilate you.”  The start quotation mark (“) signals the beginning of the quote, and the end quotation mark (”) signals the ending of the quote.  And, after seeing the quotation marks, we all know, word for word, exactly what the evil villain said: I will annihilate you.

Now keep in mind, good citizen, that when you quote someone, you’re responsible for repeating exactly what that person actually wrote or said—honest and true—and word for word.  This is a high standard to live up to, but being honest, truthful, and correct is always something worth fighting for.  And in the end, your sentences, and your readers, will thank you for it.

Of course, all this talk of truth isn’t to say that The Quotation Marks don’t have a sense of humor, far from it.  You see, these two characters have a second power that lets them add some pretty witty (and sometimes biting) remarks into our sentences.  It’s called The Power of Ironic Quotes, and this power allows The Quotation Marks to ironically twist the meaning of a word (or words) into the opposite of what they truly mean.  Ironic quotation marks are most often used when kidding, joking, or poking fun at something.

Here’s an example: Of course I’ll “surrender” my weapon.  At first glance, it looks like this villain is willing to give up his weapon, but not so fast!  The word—“surrender”—has ironic quotation marks around it, and these quotation marks are meant to imply that the villain is using this word ironically (he really means the opposite: he will not surrender his weapon).  The Power of Ironic Quotes is a sneaky power, but when it’s used correctly, it can really add some “serious” fun into your sentences.

And now, good citizen, you know both sides of our two heroes, The Quotation Marks.  They’re honorable, faithful, and true to their word, except when they’re senses of humor get the better of them.  Though, truth be told, even when they’re being ironic, these two heroes are still being true to themselves, and true to their form—and you can quote me on that.

THE QUOTATION MARKS HAVE TWO POWERS: 

• The Power of Direct Quotes
• The Power of Ironic Quotes

THE POWER OF DIRECT QUOTES: 
This power allows The Quotation Marks to repeat (quote) what someone else has written or said, word for word.  

#1)

Captain Cliché said, “You’ll never get away with this."

quotation marks: signaling a direct quote

#2)

“Block the exits,” the chief commanded, “and surround the building.” 

quotation marks: signaling a direct quote 

#3)

“Prepare for battle!” she exclaimed. 

quotation marks: signaling a direct quote 

THE POWER OF IRONIC QUOTES: 

This power allows The Quotation Marks to ironically twist words into the opposite of what they truly mean. 

#1)

This criminal “genius” forgot about the alarm. 

ironic quotes: meaning that this criminal is no genius.

#2)

I think I’ll “borrow” this diamond. 

ironic quotes: meaning that he’s not really borrowing. 

#3)

Your “foolproof” plan has failed again. 

ironic quotes: meaning that the plan was not foolproof.

The Parentheses

Just between us, The Parentheses are the very best at sneaking secret messages into your sentences (pretty cool, right?). 

-->

These super stealthy punctuation symbols, The Parentheses, have the power to sneak secret messages into your unsuspecting sentences.  Their shadowy operations might make them appear to be rule-breakers, but in actuality, their extra level of concealed communication (when used correctly) only adds to the overall effectiveness of our sentences.  

Here’s how they work: the first parenthesis shields the front end of the secret message, and the second parenthesis closes off the back end.  Together, they create a covert barrier (like a cloaking device) that, both, hides the secret message away from the rest of the sentence and simultaneously keeps it visible to the reader (that’s you).  This way, the secret message never interferes with the structure of the sentence, but it still allows the reader to receive the hidden communication.  

This ability to infiltrate sentences with their parenthetical notes makes The Parentheses a strong and strategic addition to the Super Symbols Super-Team.  With their punctuation powers, we can add secret messages of various sizes (including: single words, phrases, or even entire sentences), and we can add them to various places within our sentences, too (such as: the beginning, middle, or end). 

Just make sure to keep this one thing in mind. The Parentheses are a team, so always keep them paired together.  If you don’t—you’ll totally blow their cover. (And that would really suck.)

SUPER POWERS:

The Parentheses have the power to sneak secret messages into your sentences. 

USE THE PARENTHESES TO:

• add clarification
• add useful information
• add commentary

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

He’s robbed every bank in the country (US).

Parenthetical note: adding clarification

#2)

 

I have traveled one lightyear (about 6 trillion miles) to be here.

Parenthetical note: adding useful information

#3)

That missile must be stopped (no matter the cost).

Parenthetical note: adding commentary

#4)

You’re an evil tyrant! (And you smell bad, too.)

Parenthetical note: adding commentary (sometimes very personal)

The Dash

Usually, punctuation symbols are not meant to be overly flashy characters, but in the case of this eye-catching heroine—The Dash—flashy is good.

The Dash is more than just glitz and sparkle, though.  She plays a very pivotal and functional role in your sentences by standing in for her Super Symbols punctuation teammates: The Comma, The semicolon, The Colon, and The Parentheses.  The Dash only stands in for them whenever a sentence calls for the extra emphasis that only she can deliver.  

Technically, a dash, whenever used to emphasize a part of a sentence, is called an em dash because her symbol (—) is the length of a capital letter M (em).  This long length gives her symbol the super striking character it needs to set off a segment of a sentence with style—and power! 

So, the next time one of your sentences needs to be empowered with some extra flair—remember The Dash.

SUPER POWERS:

The Dash has the power to take the place of (more subtle) punctuation symbols, like: commas, semi-colons, colons, and parentheses.  She does this whenever a sentence calls for extra emphasis.  

USE THE EM DASH:

• In place of commas
• In place of semicolons
• In place of colons
• In place of parentheses

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

Surrender your weapons—now!

The em dash: in place of a comma

#2)

His weakness—fire—is my strength.

The em dash: in place of commas

#3)

I will strike—you will fall.

The em dash: in place of semicolons

#4)

I only want what’s mine—money, power, and obedience.

The em dash: in place of colons

#5)

The aliens—no big surprise—had the technological advantage.

The em dash: in place of parentheses

WEAKNESS:

Although the Dash is a very appealing punctuation mark, she should be used sparingly so that she doesn’t become weak.  The more you use The Dash in a consecutive series of sentences, the weaker and less effective she becomes.

It can be very tempting to always use an em dash in your sentences, but remember, it’s the better part of valor if you don’t. 

The Hyphen

(Here’s another one of our latest character designs.  We had a lot of fun with this character, especially with his hair design.  We wound up using a lot more hair gel than we thought we’d need, but in the end, it was well worth it.)

* * *

All words have the power to communicate their own specific meaning, but very often, when you need to communicate a larger, more complex meaning—one word alone just won’t cut it.  That’s when you need the power of The Hyphen on your side.   

--> -->This punctuation superhero has the power to join two or more words together into a single, one-of-a-kind, supercharged word.  Thanks to The Hyphen, we can use extraordinary words and expressions like sub-zero, outer-space, and cloak-and-dagger in our sentences.  And although joining words together is by far his most impressive power, The Hyphen is also capable of showing the connection between the two parts of the same word which have been separated by a line break in a sentence.

SUPER POWERS:

The Hyphen has the power to join two or more words together, creating a new word or expression with a powerful, combined meaning.  The Hyphen can also show a connection between the two parts of a word which have been separated at a line break.

USE THE HYPHEN FOR:

• Two or more words that form a new word or expression
• Adding prefixes
• Compound numbers
• Spelled-out fractions
• To show a connection between the two parts of a word at a line break   

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

Her powers are mind-numbing!

mind-numbing: two or more words that form a new word

#2)

 

We’ll have to fight them back-to-back.

back-to-back: two or more words that form a new expression

#3)

My anti-gravity boots are working just fine.

anti-gravity: adding prefixes

#4)

I’ve broken out of prison twenty-six times. 

twenty-six: compound numbers

#5)

 

My body is three-quarters robotic.

three-quarters: spelling-out fractions

#6)

If we don’t shut down the power to the experi-

mental reactor, we will all be annihilated.

experi-mental: to show a connection at a line break

The Apostrophe

-->The Apostrophe is a Super Symbols Team member who is really packed with power.  In fact, this hero has three awesome powers all rolled up into his one very amazing punctuation mark.

As you can imagine, keeping track of three powers is a lot of hard work, but don’t worry.  Our hero, The Apostrophe, is super tough and super organized, too.  

Since the placement of an apostrophe can change the very meaning of a word, The Apostrophe uses a specific set of rules that he diligently follows down to the letter.  These rules assist him in making sure that he’s using each of his three different powers effectively and correctly.  Learn these rules; commit them to heart; and you too can possess the apostrophe’s amazing punctuation power—times three!

The Apostrophe’s three powers are: The Power of Contraction, The Power of Omission, and The Power of Possession.  This powerhouse of punctuation uses his first two powers to help keep our sentences streamlined and efficient, and his third power helps to keep us informed about ownership. 

SUPER POWERS:

• The Power of Contraction
• The Power of Omission
• The Power of Possession

1) THE POWER OF CONTRACTION:

The Apostrophe has The Power of Contraction.  He uses this power to contract (squeeze together) two separate words into one single, shorter, efficient word. 

Words like: I’m  (I am), you’re  (you are), they’d (they would), we’ll  (we will), and don’t  (do not) are all contractions.  The apostrophe symbol shows that the word is a contraction, and it also stays to represent the letters that are no longer visible. 

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

Where's my grappling hook?

contraction: Where’s = Where is

#2)

 

He's levitating the building.

contraction: He's = He is

#3)

You shouldn’t touch plutonium.

contraction: shouldn’t = should not

2) THE POWER OF OMISSION:

The Apostrophe has The Power of Omission.  He uses this power to omit (remove or leave out) part of a word to help make it shorter and quicker to say. 

The Apostrophe’s Power of Omission is very similar to his Power of Contraction, except that instead of affecting two words by squeezing them together; he’s only affecting a single word by removing a part of it to make it shorter.  The apostrophe symbol shows that part of the word has been omitted, and it also stays to represent the letters that are no longer visible. 

Keep in mind, however, that The Apostrophe’s power of Omission is considered a very casual form of writing (slang), and it should be avoided in formal writing.

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

I’m goin’ after him!

omission: goin’ = going

#2)

 

That ‘gator is gigantic.

omission: ‘gators = alligators

#3)

Prepare for a world o’ hurt!

contraction: o’ = of

3) THE POWER OF POSSESSION:

The Apostrophe has The Power of Possession.  He uses this power to allow single nouns and plural nouns to show possession (ownership).  

This is an important and useful power because it allows us to show and talk about the relationships between ourselves and other people (I'm Frog-man's sidekick.), as well as the things that belong to each of us (Kitty-Kat's claws are deadly.).  

THE APOSTROPHE SHOWS:

• Possession for Single Nouns
• Possession for Plural Nouns

POSSESSION FOR SINGLE NOUNS:

To show that a single noun is in the possessive form, add an‘s.  (Like this: Hero’s)

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

The creature’s breathe is horrible.

#2)

 

The rocket’s thrusters are jammed.

#3)

Turtle-man’s shell is bullet proof.

For single nouns that already end in s (do the same thing), add ‘s.

#4)

The Mantis’s fighting style is tough to beat.

#5)

 

The Boss’s plans always work.

#6)

The Killer Cactus’s needles are deadly.

POSSESSION FOR PLURAL NOUNS:

A lot of plural nouns are already going to end with the letter s (because it’s the letter s that is making them plural in the first place,) so for these words, add the apostrophe after the letter s.  (Like this: Heroes’)

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

His fists’ knuckles are like iron.

#2)

 

The thieves’ loot was left behind.

#3)

The scientists’ creation was out of control.

For plural nouns that do not end in s, add ‘s.

#4)

He is the people’s hero.

#5)

 

The fungi’s spores are toxic.

#6)

The children’s gratitude was his reward.

Punctuation

-->(We’ve already talked a little bit about how we’re planning on using super-teams in Super Grammar, but here we have the beginnings of our first super-team line-up.  This super-team is called The Super Symbols, and they are, of course, the punctuation marks that we need, and greatly rely on, to write our sentences.  These guardians of punctuation will all share a similar style uniform which will serve to distinguish them from the other super-teams.  Currently, we have four of the twelve super symbol team members pictured here, but we’ll be adding more characters to this line-up image soon, so stay tuned.)  

Never—ever—underestimate the power of punctuation! They may be small, and they may not be words, but these guys have a lot to say in your sentences.  These super symbols give great functionality, clarity, and resolution to each and every one of your sentences.  Each punctuation symbol has a specific power, and once you've mastered their code, The Super Symbols of punctuation will work to keep your sentences bullet-proof.

THE SUPER SYMBOLS TEAM MEMBERS:

• The Period.
• The Question Mark?
• The Exclamation Point!
• The Comma,
• The Colon:
• The Semicolon;
• The Apostrophe'
• The Dash—
• The Hyphen-
• "The Quotation Marks"
• (The Parenthesis)
• The Ellipsis ...

The Exclamation Point

-->From time to time, everyone needs a sentence which can really stand out above all the rest.  It's the kind of sentence that really makes you sit up and take notice.  It commands your attention, demands your respect, and refuses to be ignored. There is only one member of The Super Symbols Super-Team with the punctuation power to give an entire sentence this kind of extraordinary emphasis. This bold hero of intensity is: The Exclamation Point!

The Exclamation Point is the strongest, and loudest, punctuation that can be used to end a sentence.  When you see him, it means that the sentence you’re reading has something very important, very emotional, or very urgent to say.  The Exclamation Point can also mean that you’ve turned the volume up on a sentence, so it’s often used to show when someone is yelling, shouting, or screaming.  

I’m not kidding!

Back to the point, he’s simply the perfect punctuation to use when you need an important sentence to stand out and be noticed, so remember, the next time you need to end a sentence with power—call on The Exclamation point!

SUPER POWERS:

The Exclamation Point is the strongest member of the Sentence Ending Team, and he has the power to give a sentence strong emotion and strong emphasis.

USE THE EXCLAMATION POINT FOR:

• Emphasis
• Urgency
• Emotion
• Commands

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

 

I am master of this planet!

(Emphasis)

#2)

I need my power pack, now!

(Urgency)

#3)

I hate giant spiders!

(Emotion)

#4)

Hold it right there!

(Command)

WEAKNESS:

This punctuation hero should be used sparingly because the more you use The Exclamation Point in a consecutive series of sentences, the weaker and less effective he becomes.

SUPER EXAMPLE:

#1)

You rescued me from that monster!  I didn’t even know I was in danger!  If it weren’t for you, I’d be a goner for sure!  Thank you for saving my life!

Weak: If every sentence has an exclamation point, then none of them stands out as being important or special.  Also, using too many exclamation points can make it seem like you’re constantly shouting for no good reason.

You rescued me from that monster.  I didn’t even know I was in danger.  If it weren’t for you, I’d be a goner for sure.  Thank you for saving my life!

Strong: only one exclamation point to emphasis the most important sentence.

It can be very tempting to always use the exclamation point, but remember, it’s the better part of valor if you don’t. 

 ___________________________________

 

Before we decided on the unified look of the Super Symbols team, we explored having a unique look for each of the characters.  This is one of the early design sketches where we were having fun exploring the possibilities of The Exclamation Point's emphatic personality.

The Question Mark

Are you looking for answers?  If so, The Question Mark is on your side.

The Question Mark is a very curious superhero.  This inquisitive piece of punctuation constantly seeks the answers to all of life’s questions, big and small.  He wants to know: who, when, where, and why? which one, how many, and for how long? would we, could we, should we, have we?  All of these questions—and a whole lot more—are possible because of this knowledge seeking hero, The Question Mark.

So, if you're looking for answers, you should definitely team up with this investigative and interrogative hero because he has the perfect power to help you find them.

SUPER POWERS:

The Question Mark is a member of The Sentence Ending Team, and he has the power to turn any sentence into a question.

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1)

Where are the diamonds?

#2)                       

Who dropped the stink bomb?

#3)

When is doomsday happening this year?

THE POWER OF THE RHETORICAL QUESTION:

Before you think that The Question Mark is totally in the dark about everything, you should know about his ability to use a rhetorical* question.  

The rhetorical question gives The Question Mark the power to ask a question that he already knows the answer to.  The Question Mark uses this power when he wants to emphasis a point, be clever, or just plain be a super smarty-pants.

#1)

 Is it any wonder he's our hero?

Rhetorical question: emphasizing a point

#2)                       

How many lumps would you like, one or two?

Rhetorical question: being clever

#3)

Do you still think capes are a good idea?

Rhetorical question: being a super smarty-pants

*Rhetorical [ri-tor-i-kuhl] means that you’re using words and/or sentences in an artistic, flashy, skillful, and (sometimes) tricky way.

The Comma

Let us take pause to appreciate one of the most useful, versatile, and nimble members of punctuation, The Comma.

The Comma, though slight in stature, has tremendous strength and agility.  She can appear several times in the same sentence performing a multitude of different functions which help give that sentence greater structure, stability, and clarity.  If you underestimate her capabilities, then you do so at your own peril. 

SUPER POWERS:

The Comma has an array of useful powers.  Among them are the abilities to separate words or groups of words that occur in a series (like when you're making a list of three or more items: "I'm strong, fast, and fearless.").  Her stronger powers include being able to join phrases and dependent clauses to the main clause of a sentence.

SUPER TEAMWORK:
The Comma is very well known for teaming up with her ally, The Conjunction.  They join forces to correctly join two or more independent clauses into one solid sentence.  Neither of them is strong enough to do this task on their own, but together, they get the job done with ease.  Also, The Comma is always ready to assist The Interjection and The Adjective whenever they’re in need of her help.

USE THE COMMA:

• To separate words in a series (A.K.A. the serial comma)
• With a coordinating conjunction
• After an interjection
• To separate multiple adjectives
• When directly addressing a person

SUPER EXAMPLES:

#1) 

I need a mask, a cape, some gloves, and stretchy pants!

commas: to separate three or more words or groups of words in a series

#2) 

Give me the money, or things will get ugly.

commas: place before a coordinating conjunction

#3)

Wow, that’s super sticky.

commas: after an interjection

 #4)

Do not press that large, ominous button.

commas: to separate multiple adjectives

  

#5)

Captain Catch, you saved my life.

commas: when directly addressing a person (at the beginning of a sentence)

  

#6)

You’re my hero, Captain Catch.

commas: when directly addressing a person (at the end of a sentence)

A SINGLE COMMA CAN MAKE A SUPER DIFFERENCE:

If you don’t use a comma between two items, they’re considered a single unit. 

#1) 

Mr. Crook, Mr. Bandit and Mr. Thief will each get an equal share of the loot.

There’s no comma between Mr. Bandit and Mr. Thief, so they’re a single unit.

This means Mr. Crook gets 50%, Mr. Bandit gets 25%, and Mr. Thief gets 25%.

In this sentence, the three criminals did not actually get equal shares of the loot.

#2) 

Mr. Crook, Mr. Bandit, and Mr. Thief will each get an equal share of the loot.

There’s a comma separating each criminal, so they’re each a single unit.   

This means Mr. Crook gets 33%, Mr. Bandit gets 33%, and Mr. Thief gets 33%.

In this sentence, the three criminals got equal shares of the loot.

They say that crime doesn’t pay, but it will pay even less if you don’t use your commas correctly.