Punctuate

Pronunciation: /ˈpʌŋktʃueɪt/

Definitions of punctuate

verb to insert punctuation marks into (writing) in order to make the meaning clear and to separate phrases and sentences

Example Sentences

A1 She used a comma to punctuate the end of each item in the list.

A2 The teacher asked the students to punctuate their essays with proper grammar and punctuation.

B1 In order to improve readability, it is important to punctuate your writing effectively.

B2 The author's use of dashes to punctuate the dialogue added a unique style to the novel.

C1 The editor carefully punctuated the manuscript to ensure clarity and coherence.

C2 The playwright's skillful use of punctuation punctuated the emotional intensity of the dialogue.

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

formal It is important to punctuate your writing correctly to ensure clarity and coherence.

informal Don't forget to punctuate your text messages so they're easier to understand.

slang Gotta punctuate those sentences or they'll look like a mess.

figurative The silence was punctuated by the sound of distant thunder.

Grammatical Forms of punctuate

• past tense: punctuated
• plural: punctuates
• comparative: more punctuated
• superlative: most punctuated
• present tense: punctuate
• future tense: will punctuate
• perfect tense: has punctuated
• continuous tense: is punctuating
• singular: punctuate
• positive degree: punctuate
• infinitive: to punctuate
• gerund: punctuating
• participle: punctuating

Origin and Evolution of punctuate

First Known Use: 1624 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'punctuate' originated from the Latin word 'punctuare' which means to mark with points or dots.

Evolution of the word: Initially, 'punctuate' was used in the context of adding punctuation marks to written text to indicate pauses or emphasis. Over time, the word's usage expanded to include the idea of adding structure or emphasis to spoken language as well.