Period
A period is a punctuation mark that signifies a full stop at the end of sentences, particularly declarative and imperative sentences. It serves to indicate the completion of a thought, providing clarity and structure in written communication. The modern use of the period was shaped during the early days of printing in the 1500s, with notable contributions from figures such as Aldus Manutius the Elder and subsequent British scholars who helped standardize its application. The term "period" derives from the Latin word "periodus," meaning "complete sentence," reflecting its role in denoting completeness in writing.
In addition to concluding sentences, periods are employed in abbreviations, such as "ft." for feet or "Dr." for doctor, and in the initials of names, such as "R.J. Smith." Interestingly, certain style guides have evolved to omit periods in specific contexts, like in state abbreviations used by the US Postal Service. While widely recognized for its function in writing, the period also appears in web addresses, where it is often referred to as "dot." Overall, the period is an essential component of written language, facilitating effective communication across diverse contexts.
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Period
A period is a commonly used punctuation mark that indicates a full stop at the end of declarative sentences. These are sentences that make a statement. A period is also used at the end of imperative statements, which make a command. Additionally, periods are used in abbreviations and after initials. In British English, a period is called a full stop.
Overview
Dots similar to a period have been used in writing for many centuries. However, the period’s modern use was created when printing was developed in the early 1500s. Many scholars trace its origin to the Italian printer and humanist Aldus Manutius the Elder (c. 1449–1515), who created some rules for punctuation when mechanical printing began. In the following centuries, British scholars and writers, including Bible scholar and linguist William Tyndale (d. 1536), poet and playwright Ben Jonson (1572–1637), and statesman Francis Bacon (1561–1626) further standardized the use of the period. The punctuation mark takes its name from the Latin word periodus, which means “complete sentence.” The name choice is believed to have come from a printing mark called a full point, which was similar to the period in use and appearance.
A period is a small dot that appears at the end of a sentence or as part of an abbreviated word, name, or title. A period indicates a complete thought and separates the sentence from the one that follows it. The period is one of three punctuation marks used at the end of sentences. The question mark and the exclamation point are the other two.
Periods are used after declarative sentences, which make a statement, as in “Kelly wore a red jacket.” A period is also used at the end of an imperative sentence, which makes a command such as “Put away your phone and pay attention.” A period at the end of a sentence is followed by a single space.
Periods are also used in abbreviations, which are shortened words or phrases. When abbreviated, “feet” becomes “ft.” and “department” becomes “dept.” Periods are used in the abbreviations of Latin words, such as etc. for et cetera. Abbreviated titles also include periods, such as Dr. for “doctor.” Titles that appear after names often include periods, such as M.D. and PhD. However, some style guides have stopped using periods in titles.
In most cases, periods are used when an initial is used in place of a name, as in Robert J. Smith. Periods are no longer used in US Postal Service abbreviations for states, such as PA for Pennsylvania. When an abbreviation or title that includes a period ends a sentence, a second period is not needed, as in “The award went to John Smith, M.D.” Periods are also used in web addresses, though they are commonly referred to as “dot,” as in “dot com.”
Bibliography
“A Brief History of English Punctuation.” Alta Language, 2023, altalang.com/beyond-words/a-brief-history-of-english-punctuation/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.
Ellis, Matt. “Periods in Punctuation: Rules and Examples.” Grammarly,16 Sept. 2022, www.grammarly.com/blog/period/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.
“Full Stop vs. Period.” Grammarist, 2023, grammarist.com/usage/full-stop-period/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.
“The Period.” Butte College, 19 Dec. 2019, www.butte.edu/cas/tipsheets/punctuation/period. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.
“Period.” Punctuation Guide, 2023, www.thepunctuationguide.com/period.html. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.
“Period Punctuation: Rules and Examples.” ProWritingGuide, prowritingaid.com/Period. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.
“Punctuation: Period.” Western Michigan Writing Style Guide,2023, wmich.edu/writing/punctuation/period. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.
“Punctuation: Periods.” Walden University,2023, academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/punctuation/periods. Accessed 11 Nov. 2023.