Grammar: A1 - Writing Mechanics - Basics - Lesson 2: Basic Punctuation: Full Stop / Period (.)

✨ Lesson 2: Basic Punctuation: The Full Stop (.)

In English writing, we use special marks called punctuation¹ to make our sentences clear. They are like traffic signals for reading.

The most important punctuation mark is the full stop². In American English, it is called a period. It looks like a small dot ( . ).

The Main Rule: End a Statement

We use a full stop at the end of every complete statement³ (a positive or negative sentence). A full stop is a signal⁴ to the reader that one idea is finished.

• I live in Kampot.
• The weather is hot today.
• He is not a teacher.
• They don't have a car.

Full Stops and Capital Letters

A full stop and a capital letter always work together. This is a very important rule!

Always use a capital letter for the word that comes after a full stop.

Look how the sentences connect:

My name is Vanna. I am a student. My school is near the market.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Forgetting the full stop between ideas.
  Incorrect: I like seafood it is delicious
  Correct: I like seafood. It is delicious.
• Mistake: Forgetting the capital letter after a full stop.
  Incorrect: The river is long. it is beautiful.
  Correct: The river is long. It is beautiful.

🧠 Practice Quiz: Add Punctuation

Read the text below. Add the correct full stops and capital letters.

Original Text: my friend works in a hotel he is very busy his job is difficult but he likes it

---

Correct Answer:

My friend works in a hotel. He is very busy. His job is difficult, but he likes it.

📝 Homework: Write a Short Paragraph

Write three complete sentences about your family. Remember to use a full stop at the end of each sentence and a capital letter at the start of the next one.

Example: My father is a fisherman. He works on a boat. My mother works at home.

---

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Punctuation: (Noun) - វណ្ណយុត្តិ (vônnâyŭt) - Special marks (like . , ?) used in writing to separate sentences and make meaning clear. ↩
2. Full Stop / Period: (Noun) - ខណ្ឌ / ចំណុច (khan / châmnŏch) - The punctuation mark ( . ) used at the end of a statement. ↩
3. Statement: (Noun) - ប្រយោគ (brâyoŭk) - A sentence that tells you something. ↩
4. Signal: (Noun) - សញ្ញា (sanhnha) - A sign or action that gives a message. ↩