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i. Abbreviations: Capt., Prof., Wg. Cmdr, St. (saint), St. (street), etc. The full
stop is necessary when the last letter of the abbreviation does not coincide with
the last letter of the abbreviated word. For example: Prof. = Professor.
But, it is not necessary when they do coincide; for example, Mr = Mister.

ii. Acronyms: U.N.O., S.A.A.R.C., M.B.B.S., P.L.O., etc. The general practice is
to write acronyms without the full stops. For example,

UNO, SAARC, MBBS, PLO, etc.

The Question Mark

Uses

The question mark, also called the mark of interrogation, is used to indicate the end
of an interrogative sentence, whether it is a direct question or an indirect one, i.e.,
a sentence with a question tag.
For example,
• Why is the window open? (a direct question)
• After all, it’s chilly, isn’t it? (a sentence with a question tag)

Note
A common mistake:

When a question in direct speech is reported, it becomes an assertive sentence,
and so should end in a full stop, and not a question mark. For example,
• She asked him why he was late. (NOT She asked him why he was late?)

The Exclamation Mark

Uses

1. The exclamation mark is used after an interjection and at the end of any
exclamatory sentence and some imperative sentences. For example,
• Phew! That was tough! (an interjection, followed by a forceful assertive sentence)

• How fast he runs! (an exclamatory sentence)

2. It can also be used at the end of an assertive sentence if it has to be expressed
forcefully. In general, it is used to express a sudden emotion, such as praise,
surprise, wonder, joy or sorrow. For example,
• Get out! (an imperative sentence)

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