Period (.)

Punctuation is a mark that makes a meaning of a sentence clear. The most common punctuation mark is the period. A period is used to indicate the end of a sentence. It is used to make a statement.

Period at the End of a Sentence

A period is used at the end of a sentence. It is used to make a statement.

• My name is Bill.
• I am 24 years old.
• I live in Seattle.
• I am a teacher.

Period after a Single Word

Sometimes a single word can be a complete sentence.

• Hello.
• Good-bye.
• Stop.
• Go.

Period in Abbreviated Words

A period is used in abbreviated words or shortened words. Many words can be abbreviated. These are a few common examples.

Mister Misses Doctor Sergeant	Mr. Mrs. Dr. Sgt.
Street Road Avenue Boulevard	St. Rd. Ave. Blvd.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday	Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.
January February March April May June July August September October November December	Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Period in Numbers

Periods used in numbers are called decimal points. Decimal points separate a whole number and a fraction of a whole number. It is used when referring to temperature and money.

The book is $10.99. ($10.99 = ten dollars and ninety-nine cents)
Normal body temperature is 98.6 Fahrenheit. (98.6 = ninety-eight point six)