You’ve been using punctuation marks your whole life without even thinking about it. Commas, periods, and question marks are like old friends that you see everyday. But how well do you really know them? There are actually dozens of different punctuation marks, some that you use all the time and others that you’ve probably never heard of.

In this guide, we’ll explore 35 different types of punctuation marks and typographical symbols. You’ll learn the names and functions of everything from commas to ellipses to dashes. You’re going to learn about punctuation you never knew existed. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify everything from brackets to bullets and hyphens to slashes.

What is Punctuation?

Punctuation marks are symbols that help clarify meaning and structure in written language. They guide readers through text, indicating pauses, emphasis, and separating sentences or clauses. Punctuation marks are like road signs that guide readers through your writing. They separate sentences, clauses and words to clarify meaning and direct the flow.

Common examples include:

Period (.)
Comma (,)
Question mark (?)
Exclamation point (!)

How many types of punctuation are there?

Technically, there’s no definitive number; new symbols emerge as language evolves.

Are punctuation rules set in stone?

Not really. Guidelines exist, but writing is an art. Good writers know when to bend or break the rules for style or effect. As long as you’re clear and consistent, you’re golden.

Punctuation allows writers to enhance clarity and expression in their work. Punctuation brings clarity and rhythm to the written word.

Importance of Punctuation Marks

Without punctuation, reading would be a confusing mess! These little marks provide crucial signposts, making it easier to understand the writer’s intended tone and meaning. These are some of the importance of punctuation marks:

Clear Communication

Proper punctuation makes writing clear, precise and easy to understand. Commas, periods, and question marks guide the reader through sentences by signaling pauses, stops and inquiries.

Convey Tone and Emotion

Exclamation points (!) add excitement or emphasis. Question marks (?) encourage curiosity. Dashes (–) create dramatic pauses. Using them thoughtfully conveys your intended tone.

Avoid Confusion

Without punctuation, meaning gets muddled. For instance: “Let’s eat, Grandma” vs “Let’s eat, Grandma.” Commas make a big difference!

Follow Grammar Rules

Many grammar rules rely on punctuation, such as using apostrophes for possession and contractions. Following these rules makes you a better writer.

Clarify Relationships

Colons (:) and semicolons (;) link related ideas and lists. They organize thoughts for a smooth reading flow.

Set Off Information

Parentheses ( ) and dashes — like this — set apart supplemental information to avoid interrupting the main point.

Indicate Quotations

Quotation marks (” “) signal direct speech or borrowed text, giving proper credit. They’re essential for citing sources accurately.

Create Structure

Section dividers like asterisks (*), number signs (#), and underscores (_) visually organize content, especially in digital writing.

What is a Typographical Symbol?

The term typographical symbol refers to a character or symbol that is not classified as a punctuation mark but can nonetheless be used in writing for a variety of purposes. Typographical symbols are normally avoided in formal writing in most cases.

These are marks and characters beyond basic letters and numbers. Things like paragraph signs (¶), dingbats (✦), math symbols (∑), and more. Typographic symbols add visual flair and emphasis. They help break up text or highlight key points. Some have specific meanings, like the section symbol (§) indicating divisions of a document.

As you read more, keep an eye out for unique symbols. See if you can identify their purposes. With practice, using typographical symbols will feel natural, adding personality to your writing.

Importance of Typographical Symbols

Typographical symbols are like a secret language for designers and publishers. They add visual flair and convey meaning through symbols rather than words alone. These are some of the importance of Typographical Symbol:

Enhance Readability

Typographical symbols enhance text readability by visually separating words, sentences, and ideas. Periods, commas, and semicolons create pauses. Dashes and parentheses provide additional context.

Convey Tone & Emotions

Symbols like exclamation points, question marks, and ellipses convey tone and emotions. An exclamation point adds emphasis or excitement! Question marks invite curiosity or skepticism. Ellipses suggest a lingering thought…

Indicate Relationships

Symbols indicate relationships between words, phrases, and clauses. Apostrophes show possession; hyphens join compound words; slashes present alternatives or fractions. Mastering these symbols is key.

Organize Information

Bullets, numbers, and other symbols organize lists, outlines, and other formatted content. This logical structure aids skimming and comprehension.

Add Clarity

Brackets, virgules, accents – these typographic details add clarity. Brackets provide parenthetical asides; virgules separate items; accents indicate proper pronunciation.

Transcribe Speech

Certain symbols transcribe spoken language, like ellipses for pauses… and accent marks for foreign words, like résumé or naïve.

Cite Sources

Quotation marks, asterisks, and other reference marks properly cite sources, giving credit where due while avoiding plagiarism.

Indicate Quantity

Percent and numerical symbols like # accurately indicate quantities, measurements, and math operations when combined with numbers.

Types of Punctuation Marks and their Uses

Punctuation marks are like the unsung heroes of language. You know they’re there, doing their job, but you rarely stop to appreciate their impact. These little symbols pack a punch, shaping how we read and understand text.

Period (.)

The period, or full stop (.), is one of the most common punctuation marks. It indicates a full stop or pause at the end of a sentence.

Use a period when you want to end a sentence that is a statement. You’ll use it in almost every sentence you write! Just think of it as the punctuation equivalent of taking a breath. Always put one space after a period before starting a new sentence.

Example of Sentences With Periods .

I am heading to the store. What do you need?
The cloudy weather persisted all day. I stayed inside reading.
Please take out the trash. And don’t forget to recycle!
We’re planning a trip to Hawaii. It will be our first time there.
Did you finish your homework? If not, get it done before dinner.

Question mark (?)

The question mark (?) is a punctuation mark used to indicate a direct interrogative sentence, in other words, a question. It lets the reader know that the preceding statement or phrase is posed as a query requiring a response.

Use a question mark at the end of any direct question. Indirect questions don’t require question marks.

Example of Sentences With Question Marks ?

Are you going to the party tonight?
What time does the movie start?
Could you pass the salt, please?
I wonder if it will rain later?
How much further until we reach our destination?

The primary function of the question mark is to transform a statement into an inquiry. It signals to the reader that a response or answer is expected based on the phrasing of the sentence. Essentially, it helps clarify the intent behind the communication.

Comma (,)

A comma (,) is a punctuation mark that separates parts of a sentence. It creates a brief pause or indicates a separation of ideas within a sentence.

Use a comma when joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or so. Commas separate items in a list or address elements like city and state.

Place a comma before coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences. Use commas after introductory words or phrases. Commas set off nonrestrictive clauses or phrases.

Examples of Sentences With Commas ,

The cat purred, and her tail swished happily.
I bought eggs, milk, and bread at the store.
After lunch, we will continue our meeting.
Joseph, my brother, is an excellent cook.
The blazing sun, high in the cloudless sky, beat down relentlessly.

By properly using commas, you create a natural flow and clarity in your writing. They guide the reader through the sentence structure effortlessly.

Exclamation Mark (!)

An exclamation mark (!) is a punctuation mark indicating strong emotion, emphasis or an outcry. It’s like screaming your sentence out loud!

Use an exclamation mark to express excitement, anger, surprise or to convey a sense of urgency. But don’t overdo it; too many can seem aggressive or immature.

Example of Sentences With Exclamation Marks !

Wow, I can’t believe we won the championship!
Stop right there! Don’t move another inch.
I’m so excited about our trip to Hawaii!
That was an incredible concert last night!
We’re going to Disneyland tomorrow! Yay!

With its loud, expressive nature, the exclamation mark packs a punch. Use it wisely to really make your statements stand out.

Colon (:)

A colon (:) is a punctuation mark that looks like two periods stacked on top of each other. It’s often used to introduce lists, explanations, quotes or to join two related sentences.

Use a colon before a list, explanation, quotation, or to connect two closely related sentences. It signals that what comes next is directly related to the first part.

Example of Sentences With Colons :

You need three things for a great party: food, drinks, and music.
The instructions were clear: finish the report by Friday.
Her final words echoed in his mind: “Never give up.”
There are two choices: we can stay, or we can go.
I know one thing for certain: this won’t be easy.

Semicolon (;)

The semicolon (;) is a powerful punctuation mark that allows you to link closely related independent clauses without using a conjunction like ‘and.’ In a single sentence, it creates a subtle pause and elegantly separates two complete thoughts.

Use a semicolon when you want to join two independent clauses that could stand alone as sentences. It’s perfect for establishing a clear connection between closely related ideas.

Example of Sentences With Semicolon ;

I have a busy morning; I need to run errands and prepare for a meeting.
The concert was incredible; the lead singer’s voice gave me chills.
He loves hiking in the mountains; she prefers exploring city streets.
My favorite colors are blue and green; they remind me of nature.
You can have the last slice; I’m too full from dinner.

With the semicolon’s versatility, you can craft smooth transitions and emphasize relationships between statements, a must-have for concise yet impactful writing.

Hyphen (-)

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s primarily used to join words or parts of words. It’s that little horizontal line you see in phrases like “well-known” or “re-open”. Pretty simple, right?

Hyphens are handy for forming compound words and clarifying prefixes. Use them when combining words into one adjective before a noun (e.g., a well-known author). They also help avoid confusion with re-words like re-evaluate.

Example of Sentences With Hyphens –

My sister-in-law is an award-winning chef.
Let’s reschedule our meeting for next week.
The state-of-the-art technology impressed everyone.
Please go over the step-by-step instructions carefully.
I need to pick up some non-dairy milk alternatives.

By using hyphens properly, you’ll make your writing clear and readable. Just don’t over-hyphenate, or your text could look cluttered.

En dash (–)

The en dash (–) is a versatile punctuation mark that’s slightly wider than a hyphen. It’s used to mark ranges, connections, and opposites.

Use an en dash to show a span or range of values like dates, times, or numbers. It also connects compound adjectives and can substitute for words like “to” or “versus.”

Examples of Using an En Dash –

The event runs from 9 am–5 pm on June 1–3.
The Lagos–Abuja flight takes 5 hours.
She works in a writer-editor role.
The score was 14–7 in our team’s favor.
Choose the chocolate–vanilla swirl flavor.

With its clean look and multiple uses, the en dash is a typographic superstar! Just remember its specific spacing rules.

Em dash (—)

An em dash (—) is a versatile punctuation mark that creates a strong break in a sentence. It’s longer than a hyphen and more emphatic than commas, colons or parentheses.

Em dashes have multiple uses, which include the following:

Offsetting parenthetical phrases or explanations—like this one—within sentences
Indicating an interruption or abrupt change in thought
Replacing other punctuation like commas, parentheses or colons for emphasis

Use em dashes sparingly for maximum impact. Overuse makes writing cluttered and hard to follow.

Example of Sentences With Em dash —

My dog—a rambunctious labrador—chewed up my favorite slippers.
I’ll never forget the day we met—it was raining cats and dogs.
There’s only one rule: always use em dashes—never hyphens—for this purpose.
After months of preparation—all that hard work—the event was finally happening.
She was the best student in class—focused, disciplined and brilliant.

With its dramatic flair, the em dash adds punch when used judiciously in writing. Just don’t go overboard—a little goes a long way!

Square Brackets []

Square brackets [] are a type of punctuation mark used to enclose words, phrases or numbers to provide additional context or information. They are often used to add commentary, clarification, or to set something apart from the main text.

Use square brackets when you need to:

Insert explanatory notes or comments within the quoted text
Add missing words or clarify something in a quote
Show that you have altered the original source material
Include parenthetical expressions within parentheses

Examples Using Square Brackets []

The meeting was attended by the “big three” [executives].
She said, “I [would] rather stay home tonight.”
According to the report, “Costs have increased by [35%].”
“Her favorite phrase is ‘[Oh my!]’ whenever she’s surprised.”
The instructions state: “Add [2 cups] of flour to the mixture.”

With their ability to provide context, square brackets are indispensable for clarifying quotes, adding commentary, and ensuring accuracy when reproducing text verbatim.

Inverted Exclamation (¡)

The inverted exclamation mark (¡) is a punctuation symbol used to begin interrogative and exclamatory sentences in written Spanish or other related languages. It’s placed before exclamatory sentences or phrases to indicate a tone of exclamation, surprise or strong emotion is coming.

You’ll use the ¡ symbol before any exclamatory sentence in Spanish. Place it right before the first word, with no space between.

Here are 5 examples of how to use Inverted Exclamation ¡ properly

¡Qué bonito día!
¡Feliz cumpleaños!
¡Ay, me duele la cabeza!
¡Bienvenido a Miami!
¡Cuidado con el perro!

The inverted style helps readers identify the exclamatory tone right from the start. It’s a useful convention that adds clarity to written Spanish.

Parentheses ()

Parentheses () are curved punctuation marks used to enclose supplemental information, explanations, translations, examples or commentary within a sentence. They allow you to provide additional details without changing the main flow of the text.

Use parentheses when you want to:

Add extra information or clarify part of a sentence
Provide translation or definition for a word/phrase
Include citations, references or notes
Show pronunciation guides or abbreviations

Example of Sentences With Parentheses ()

She loved her new pet (a golden retriever named Buddy).
I studied biology (which covers life sciences) in college.
The capital of Nigeria is Abuja (not Lagos).
To make an omelet, crack two eggs (or three for a larger portion).
ASAP means “as soon as possible” (not a person’s name).

Curly brackets {}

Curly brackets { } are punctuation marks used to group or contain items. They are tall, curved brackets that look a bit like squiggly parentheses.

You use curly brackets in programming, math, and specialized notation systems. In programming, they group code statements together into blocks. In math, they denote sets or represent special operations.

How to Use Curly Brackets

In code, curly brackets { } contain functions, loops, conditionals, and other blocks
In math, { x | x > 0 } denotes the set of all positive numbers
In poetry or lyrics, { } can mark lines to be repeated

Examples of Curly Brackets {} in Sentences

The website code has brackets within brackets { div { p } }.
Find the intersection of the sets {1, 3, 5} and {2, 3, 4}.
She opened the dusty book to line { 3 }: “Once upon a midnight dreary…”
The report lists items produced {chairs, tables, dressers}.
I can’t leave { } blank in this form field.

Angle brackets <>

Angle brackets <> are punctuation symbols used to enclose text, characters or markup tags. They are common in programming, URLs, math/science notation and more.

These brackets function as container symbols. Use them to:

Surround HTML/XML tags like <div>, <p>, <h1>
Express relationships in set theory like A = {x | x < 5}
Indicate vector directions like <1, 2, 3>
Show file paths like C:\Users<username>\Documents

Examples of Angle Brackets <> in Sentences

The <b>bold</b> tag makes text bold in HTML.
For x < y, x is said to be less than y.
Position vector <2, -4> has x=2 and y=-4.
In C:\Windows<SystemRoot>, <SystemRoot> is an environment variable.

Apostrophe (‘)

An apostrophe (‘) is a punctuation mark that serves two main purposes: showing possession or indicating omitted letters in a contraction. It’s a tiny, curled mark that packs a big punch!

To show ownership or possession, add an apostrophe + ‘s’ to a singular noun (the boy’s ball) or just an apostrophe after a plural noun ending in ‘s’ (the girls’ toys). Pretty simple!

Contractions smash two words together, replacing omitted letters with an apostrophe (‘s for is, ‘d for had, etc). They’re super common in casual speech and writing.

Examples of Apostrophe ‘ in Sentences

She’s going to the store for milk. (She is)
That’s my favorite shirt! (That is)
The cat’s toy is under the couch. (Possession)
The kids’ backpacks are so heavy. (Plural possession)
I’ve never been to Paris before. (I have)

So apostrophes are versatile little critters; use ’em correctly for clearer, more natural-sounding writing!

Quotation marks (“”)

Quotation marks (” “) are punctuation marks used to identify words that someone else said or wrote. They set off direct quotations from a person’s speech or written text.

Use quotation marks anytime you are directly quoting someone’s exact words, whether it’s speech or written material. This shows you aren’t paraphrasing but providing their verbatim statement.

Examples of Quotation marks ” ” in Sentences

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
She said, “I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”
The novel begins with the line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Did you read the article titled “10 Ways to Increase Productivity”?
The sign clearly stated, “No Parking Anytime.”

Slash (/)

The slash (/), also known as a forward slash or virgule, is a punctuation mark that serves multiple purposes. It’s commonly used to separate alternatives, indicate fractions or divisions, or create abbreviations.

Use slashes to:

Show choices or alternatives (e.g. and/or)
Divide numbers or units (e.g. 3/4)
Create abbreviations (e.g. c/o)
Separate parts of a web address or file path

Examples of Slash / in Sentences

You can have the soup and/or salad for your meal.
The fraction 3/8 is less than 1/2.
Please send all mail c/o my assistant.
Visit example.com/blog for the latest posts.
The file is located in C:/Users/Documents.

With its versatility, the slash allows you to neatly convey multiple concepts in just one character. When used properly, it enhances clarity and concision.

Ellipses (…)

Ellipses (…) are three-spaced periods used to indicate an omission of words or to create a pause for suspense or emphasis. They show words or sentences left out on purpose.

Use ellipses when quoting someone to show you’ve omitted words from the original quote. They also create dramatic pauses…building anticipation for what’s next.

Examples of Ellipses … in Sentences

“I really…don’t know what to say.”
The hiker looked down at the map and trail and said, “We’re lost…”
After the shocking news, she fell silent…
“The meaning of life is…well, it’s complicated.”
Sarah left the warning unfinished: “If you go in there…”

Ellipses are versatile punctuation marks for skipping words or creating suspense. Use them intentionally for maximum impact in your writing.

Types of Typographical Symbols and Their Uses

Typographical symbols are everywhere! You see them daily when reading books, browsing websites, or even just texting friends.

Formatting symbols such as bold, italics and bullet points allows writers to emphasize key points and organize content. Things like dashes, asterisks and numbers serve similar purposes.

Behind the scenes, more obscure typographical symbols tell software how to display text correctly. They may be invisible to you, but these encoding marks are vital for digital documents and webpages to render properly across devices.

Ampersand (&)

An ampersand (&) is a typographic symbol that looks like a curly “et” ligature. It’s derived from the Latin word “et”, meaning “and”. In English, we use it to mean “and” as a conjunction between words or abbreviations.

The ampersand serves two main functions:

Replacing the word “and” with abbreviations like R&D (Research & Development), B&B (Bed & Breakfast), etc.
Joining two words together like fish & chips, rock & roll, etc.

Examples of Ampersand & in Sentences

AT&T is one of the largest telecom companies in Nigeria.
I love peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.
The book was co-authored by Abimbola & Emmanuel.
P&G manufactures household products like Tide & Bounty.
We offer web design & development services.

Use the ampersand sparingly in formal writing, as it’s considered informal. But it’s perfect for social media, texts, product names, and creative branding!

Asterisk (*)

An asterisk (*) is a typographic symbol or glyph that resembles a tiny star. It’s one of the more common punctuation marks used in writing.

You’d use an asterisk to:

Indicate a footnote or endnote reference
Censor or omit part of a word
Denote multiplication in mathematical expressions
Draw attention to a particular word or phrase

Examples Using Asterisks *

Here are five example sentences using asterisks correctly:

This book has so many big words* I need a dictionary to read it.
The boy’s favorite food is p*zza with extra cheese.
In the equation 5 * 3 = 15, the * symbol represents multiplication.
*Please note that all sales are final on clearance items.
At the bottom, click the * button to read more details.

Asterisks are handy little symbols that add clarity and emphasis. Use them wisely in your writing!

Pound symbol (#)

The pound symbol (#), also known as the hash symbol or the number sign, is a typographical symbol that looks like a hash mark or a square mesh. It consists of two vertical parallel lines crossed by two horizontal parallel lines.

The # symbol has multiple uses in various contexts:

In social media, it’s used to create and categorize content through hashtags like #TravelPhotos or #FitnessGoals.
In programming and computing, it often denotes comments or special instructions like #include in C++.
In phone systems, it can indicate a “pound” key for additional inputs.
In text formatting, it creates headings or sections, like on Reddit or in Markdown.

Here are a few example sentences using Pound symbol # correctly

Don’t forget to use the relevant #hashtags when posting on Instagram.
The code won’t compile if you don’t // remove or /* comment out */ the #include lines.
Please enter your 4-digit PIN followed by the # pound key.
This document uses # headings to organize the different sections.
The # symbol is quite versatile across digital mediums.

Tilde (~)

The tilde (~) is a squiggly typographical symbol or punctuation mark that resembles a curvy or wavy line. It has various uses in writing, programming, and other applications.

You’d use a tilde in informal writing to indicate an approximation, similarities, or rough ideas. In programming and computing, it represents a specific directory or has other technical functions.

Here are 5 example sentences using the Tilde Symbol ~ correctly

I got home ~8 pm after running some errands.
The shirt’s color is a bluish-green ~ teal shade.
In Unix, the ~ symbol refers to your home directory.
Type ~/Desktop to navigate to your Desktop folder.
Spanish has the ñ character, which uses a tilde (~) diacritic.

With its versatility across writing styles and technical applications, the humble tilde packs a multifaceted punch despite its small, squiggly appearance.

Caret symbol (^)

The caret symbol (^) is a punctuation mark that looks like a little tent or roof. It’s often used to indicate superior or superscript text, characters that should appear slightly above the normal line of text.

You’ll see the ^ symbol used most frequently in mathematical equations, linguistic notations, and proofreading marks. It signals an instruction or indicates how something should be formatted.

Simply insert the ^ before the character or text you want to be raised above the line. No spaces are needed.

Examples of caret symbol ^ in Sentences

The formula for the area of a circle is πr^2.
She added a ^th to emphasize the “th” in “fourth.”
The editor used ^ital to mark text for italicization.
In Spanish, the ñ is written as n^~.
Typing x^y gives you a superscripted y.

The caret’s a subtle symbol, but it’s super handy for elevating your writing, literally! Use it wisely, and your text will stand out in all the right ways.

Bullet Point (•)

A bullet point (•) is a typographical symbol used to introduce items in an unordered list. It draws the reader’s attention to each individual point without prioritizing one over the other.

Use bullet points when you want to present a set of parallel thoughts, steps, or examples in a clear, skimmable format. They’re perfect for lists that don’t require numerical ordering.

Simply start each point on a new line and preface it with the bullet symbol (•). Keep the points concise yet descriptive. Maintain a parallel structure for a clean look.

Examples of Bullet points • in Sentences

My favorite books include • Pride and Prejudice • To Kill a Mockingbird • The Kite Runner
To prepare for a trip, remember to • pack essentials •, book accommodation •, get travel insurance
Qualities of a good leader include • integrity • vision • communication skills
Hobbies I enjoy are • painting •, hiking •, playing chess
Healthy habits involve • eating nutritious foods • exercising regularly • getting enough sleep

Bullet points (•) are versatile punctuation marks that enhance readability and organization in your writing.

At symbol (@)

The @ symbol, pronounced as “at” or “commercial at”, is a typographic character with a unique looping shape. It originated as a scribal abbreviation for the Latin preposition “ad”, meaning “toward” or “by”.

The main function of the @ symbol is to separate the username from the domain/server name in email addresses (e.g. name@email.com). It’s also used on social media to mention or tag other users. You’ll find it on keyboards, smartphones, and anywhere involving electronic communication.

Examples of At symbol @ in Sentences

Please email the report to me at @company.org by tomorrow morning.
Check out @friendsname’s latest post – the photos look amazing!
The email is addressed to @boss but was sent to the wrong recipients.
Did you see @celebrity’s controversial tweet that went viral?
I need to update my resume and apply for that @jobposting I saw online.

With its distinct looping shape and widespread usage, the indispensable @ symbol has become iconic in the digital age for email, social media, and electronic communication.

Backslash (\)

The backslash (\) is a unique typographical mark used mainly in computing. Use a backslash when you need to insert special characters, escape sequences, or override formatting in plain text or code. It signals that the following character should be treated literally, not as part of a code.

Examples of Backslash \ in Sentences

File paths: C:\Users\YourName\Documents
Newline: “Hello\nWorld” prints on two lines
Tabs: “Once\tupon\ta\ttime” adds tab spacing
URLs: https://www.example.com~userData
Code: print(“Hello \ World”) outputs Hello \ World

The backslash is an essential tool for precisely controlling text output across programming languages, markup, and plain writing.

Pipe symbol (|)

The pipe symbol (|) is a vertical line character used for various functions in computing and writing. It acts as a delimiter, separating different elements or options.

You’ll find the pipe symbol on your keyboard, usually on the same key as the backslash (). Use it between words, numbers or commands to indicate alternatives or choices.

Examples of Pipe symbol | in Sentences

The file is located in C:|Users|Documents.
Select cherry|apple|orange for your pie filling.
For breakfast, I’ll have eggs|toast|coffee.
Code: print (“|%d|”, value); will print the value within pipes.
This|That decision must be made by tomorrow.

The pipe neatly separates different possibilities in a compact, readable way. Its usage enhances clarity in computing, writing and various other contexts.

Registered Trademark (®)

A registered trademark (®) is a legal symbol that indicates a word, phrase, logo or design is officially registered and protected under trademark law. It signifies that no other company can use that mark to represent their products or services.

You can only use the ® symbol after your trademark has been officially registered with the appropriate government trademark office. Place it immediately next to your trademarked word or logo on marketing materials, packaging, websites, or anywhere your brand appears.

Examples of Registered Trademark Symbol ® in Sentences

The famous Nike® “Swoosh” logo is one of the most recognizable registered trademarks.
Be sure to include the ® symbol next to “Coca-Cola®” on all product labels and ads.
Apple® has vigorously defended its registered trademark Apple logo with a bite mark.
When referring to the Microsoft® operating system, don’t forget the ® symbol.
Under trademark law, only Xerox® can use the ® with the term “xerox” for photocopiers.

Copyright (©)

The copyright symbol (©) signifies that a work is protected by copyright law. It alerts others that reproducing or using the work without permission could lead to legal consequences.

You should include the copyright symbol on any original creative works you produce, such as writings, music, artwork, etc. Place it near the title or your name as the creator.

Following copyright laws by using the © symbol properly protects your hard work from unlawful copying or distribution. It establishes your ownership over the intellectual property.

Double Dagger (‡)

The double dagger (‡) is a proofreader’s mark that indicates a comment or annotation in the margin. Think of it as a subtle way to highlight something without being too distracting.

Use the double dagger when you need to draw attention to a specific part of the text. It’s great for adding notes, citations, or additional context.

Place the double dagger symbol immediately after the word or phrase you want to reference. Then, add your note or comment in the margin next to the corresponding symbol.

Examples of Double Dagger Symbols ‡ in Sentences

The hypothesis was proven incorrect‡. ‡See page 27 for full analysis.
The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM‡ sharp. ‡Don’t be late!
As Dickens‡ wrote, “It was the best of times…” ‡Charles Dickens, English novelist
Vote for your favorite‡ candidate. ‡Refer to the enclosed voter guide.
I’ll have the veggie platter‡, please. ‡No dairy, I’m vegan.

The double dagger is a handy proofreading tool that lets you annotate text cleanly and precisely.

Dagger (†)

The dagger symbol (†) is a typographical mark used to call out a footnote or annotation. It resembles a small cross or plus sign.

You insert the dagger where you want to reference additional information. Then, at the bottom of the page, you reprint the symbol and include the supplementary content. Use the dagger when you need to provide an explanatory note or citation without distracting from the main text. It’s handy for academic papers, legal documents and fact-dense writing.

Examples of Dagger Symbol † in Sentences

The case was dismissed with prejudice.† † Meaning the plaintiff cannot refile the same claim again.
Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption.† † Sources include sunlight, fatty fish and fortified milk.
The law is clear on this matter.† † See statute 12.8(b) for full details.

By adhering to proper usage, the dagger enhances clarity and credibility in formal writing. Just be judicious with footnotes so you don’t overwhelm readers.

Degree (°)

The degree symbol (°) represents units of plane angle measurement, indicating a fraction of one complete revolution. It’s a typographic mark that looks like a small circle or oval.

Use the degree symbol when writing about temperature, geographic coordinates, angles in geometry/math, or any other measurement of an angle or revolution. It clarifies the units being discussed.

Examples of Degree Symbol (°) in Sentences

The oven preheated to 375° Fahrenheit for the roast.
My hometown is located at 40.7° N, 73.9° W.
A water molecule has an angle of 104.5° between the hydrogen atoms.
The curve turns at a 35° angle from the original path.
Rotate the wrench 180° clockwise to tighten the bolt.

The degree symbol clearly denotes angular units in contexts like temperatures, coordinates, geometry, and direction. Use it properly for precise technical writing.

Ditto (〃)

Ditto (〃) is a proofreading and typographical symbol used to indicate the word(s) above should be repeated. It’s a handy punctuation mark that avoids rewriting words, saving time and space.

Use ditto when you need to repeat the same word(s) from the line above. It prevents redundancy and makes the text more concise. Simply place the ditto symbol (〃) on the line where you’d normally rewrite the repeated word(s).

Examples of Ditto Symbol (〃) in Sentences

Favorite food? Pizza 〃
Best friend? Sarah 〃
Vacation spot? Hawaii 〃
Dream job? Entrepreneur 〃
Biggest fear? Failure 〃

Ditto is a compact way to communicate repetition, saving ink and your sanity! Its unique symbol ensures your point comes across clearly.

Pilcrow (¶)

A pilcrow (¶) is a typographical character used to mark the start of a new paragraph. It’s a backwards P that resembles a stylized paragraph symbol.

You’d use a pilcrow when writing instructions, code samples or other technical documentation to explicitly show where new paragraphs begin. It helps break up text for readability.

Examples of Pilcrow Symbol ¶ in Sentences

¶ This is a new paragraph marked with a pilcrow symbol.
The update log reads: ¶ Bug fixes ¶ Performance improvements ¶ UI enhancements
¶ In HTML, use the <p> tag to start a new paragraph.
¶ Step 1: Do this. ¶ Step 2: Then do that.
Ancient manuscripts often used the ¶ character as a paragraph marker.

Section (§)

The section sign (§) is a typographical symbol used to denote a section, division or paragraph in legal documents, technical writing and reference works. It visually separates and organizes different parts of a text.

Use the section symbol before a section number or heading or to refer to a specific clause or passage. It’s commonly seen in legal contracts, academic papers and technical manuals.

Examples of Section Symbol (§) in Sentences

§12 covers employee termination policies.
As per §3.2, all claims must be filed within 30 days.
The methods are explained in §4 of the user guide.
You can find more details in §B of the appendix.
The rental agreement’s §5 prohibits subletting.

The section sign neatly compartmentalizes information, making it easier to navigate dense content. Use it judiciously to enhance the reading experience.

Conclusion

And there you have it, 35 of the most common types of punctuation marks and typographical symbols you’ll encounter in your writing and reading. While it can seem daunting at first, a little practice goes a long way when it comes to using punctuation correctly. The key is to read your work aloud, pause at commas and periods, and pay attention to how the marks affect the flow and meaning. With time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of when to use which punctuation. And if you’re ever unsure, you can always reference this guide! Proper punctuation takes your writing to the next level by improving clarity and impact.