There are three wicketkeepers, not just one, involved in this game the full-stop or the period (.), the exclamation mark (!), and the question mark. The basic function of these end-of-the-sentence punctuation marks is to see to it that the play of words does not cross the limits set by the wickets.

Well, each of these wicketkeepers has been assigned a different role, though the objective is the same to give meaning, with a sense of completion, to the written word, and to provide very clear instructions to the reader or speaker of these writings.

In the words of the writer Pico Iyer, “Punctuation... has a point to keep law and order.” How right he is! A close observation of these terminal punctuation marks shows that all of them carry a point (.). This point is like the red signal. It is like a definite cue given, to stop, to take a breath, and then only to proceed further.

Let's identify the role of the full-stop, also called the period. A period denotes the longest pause. It comes at the end of a statement, a command, or a request. Examples

 (a) I will not go to that supermarket again. Statement
 (b) You should never go to that supermarket again. Command
 (c) Please do not lock the door when you go to the supermarket tomorrow. Request
The full-stop also appears at the end of all indirect questions. Examples

(a) He wants to know why we are waiting outside instead of going in.
(b) She inquired why the curtains were drawn.

The period is often used in abbreviations like etc. for et cetera, p.m. for post meridian. However the current trend in English language is towards dropping the period. It is happening with abbreviations of names of world organisations. Hence the previously written W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) is now WHO. Likewise, MA (Master of Arts) has become the modern version of M.A.; and Dr, Mr and Mrs have shed their full-stops too.

As we come to the next terminal punctuation mark on our list we find that the role of the question mark at the end of a direct question is to make it imperative that it should be answered. In this respect it is quite unlike the indirect question which does not require an answer. It simply reports what somebody has asked. The following examples would explain this point quite well

(a) I asked him how many times this year he has been to a sale at this department
store. Indirect Question
(b) How many times this year have you been to a sale at this department store? Direct Question
A question mark is also used to denote surprise or doubt. In such a case it may appear somewhere in the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. Examples
(a) What? She can't make it? Doesn't she know I am waiting for her?
(b)  So? When do you think she would arrive?
Sentences that end in a tag question also carry this punctuation mark. Examples
(a) You are ready to leave, aren't you?
(b)  He is not serious, is he?

It is important to note here that, whether of a positive or negative nature, the tag questions are meant to establish the action introduced in the first part of the sentence.
Our third terminal punctuation mark is the exclamation mark. It is used to show strong feelings. Examples

(a) What a beautiful painting it is!
(b) How strange was my dream!
The exclamation mark may also be used somewhere in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence. Examples

(a) Hark! I can hear some voices.
(b) The song, oh! It was lovely.

Whatever the placement of the exclamation mark in a sentence, a definite pause is required whenever you come across one. One should also guard against the overuse of this punctuation mark. This trend which has become popular in amateur writings should be curtailed. Wow!!! What a tasty dish! Is more effective if punctuated simply as
 
Wow! What a tasty dish! It is, therefore, advisable not to use a string of exclamation marks at the end of either a phrase or a sentence denoting strong feelings. Just one mark of exclamation is enough.

In the same way care should be taken when using the question mark and the full-stop. Use the question mark at the end of all direct questions, and the full-stop at the end of indirect questions.

Finally, remember to punctuate the endings of all sentences, and also do it carefully, so that the meanings between the words you write are clear for your readers to pick up and enjoy without any frustration or confusion.

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