Full Stop (period)

[Pari]

Full stops (also called »periods«) are not only used at the end of a sentence, but also in abbreviations and decimals.

Full Stop at the End of Sentences

• Use a full stop to end affirmative sentences.
  • Example: I go shopping every day.
• Use a full stop to end orders.
  • Example: Leave me alone.

Note: Americans often type two blanks after the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.


Full Stop after Abbreviations

• The full stop after abbreviations is optional in American English, but not usually used in British English.
  • Example:
    • BE: Mrs Robinson, 5 kg, NBC
    • AE also: Mrs. Robinson, 5 kg., C.N.N.
• Don't use a full stop after acronyms.
  • Example: NATO, AIDS