Practice
Full stops: end a sentence clearly
Sign in to saveYour reader needs to see where one statement finishes before the next one begins. A full stop gives that clear signal.
Use a full stop to end a complete statement and recognize common abbreviations that include one.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
full stop /ˌfʊl ˈstɒp/
The short answer
Use a full stop after a complete statement. Do not add one after a question mark or an exclamation mark because those marks already end the sentence.
The library closes at six.
Why it works: This sentence gives complete information, so a full stop marks its ending.
5 more examples
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Our train leaves at eight.
The words give a complete piece of information, so the sentence ends with a full stop.
Not this:What time does our train
leave?What changes: This sentence asks for information, so it needs a question mark instead of a full stop. -
Please put your coat on the chair.
This is a calm instruction. A full stop gives it a neutral ending.
Not this:Please put your coat on the
chair!What changes: The exclamation mark makes the instruction sound stronger or more urgent. -
The meeting is on Tuesday. Please arrive early.
The full stop separates two complete statements. The new sentence starts with a capital P.
Not this:The meeting is on
Tuesday pleasearrive early. What changes: Without a full stop or another suitable mark, two complete statements run together. -
The museum opens at ten.
This is a statement that gives information, so a full stop finishes it.
Not this:Does the museum open at
ten?What changes: The question mark shows that the writer is asking for confirmation. -
Leave your bag by the door.
The instruction sounds neutral when it ends with a full stop.
Not this:Leave your bag by the
door!What changes: The exclamation mark makes the instruction sound more urgent.
Read the full guide
Ask whether the words make a complete statement. If they do, a full stop often belongs at the end. If the sentence asks a question or shows a strong feeling, choose the mark that matches that purpose instead.
Finish a complete statement
Use a full stop when you have said something complete. A statement can give information, make a calm request, or give an instruction.
My sister works in a hospital.
Choose the mark that matches the sentence
A full stop is not the ending for every sentence. Use a question mark when you ask a direct question. Use an exclamation mark when you want to show a strong feeling or urgent command.
The shop is open. is a statement. Is the shop open? is a question.
Start the next sentence clearly
After a full stop, begin a new sentence with a capital letter. This helps the reader see where a new idea starts.
I made tea. Then I called my friend.
Notice full stops in abbreviations
A full stop can also be part of an abbreviation. For example, e.g. means for example, and i.e. means that is. Keep the punctuation as part of the abbreviation.
Bring something warm, e.g. a sweater or jacket.
Check for two ideas joined together
Read a long sentence slowly. If you can hear two complete statements, they may need a full stop between them. Do not add a full stop inside a phrase that cannot stand by itself.
Where should the full stop go in this sentence: I finished my work I went home?
Put it after work: I finished my work. I went home. Each part is a complete statement.
Before you go
Remember this
Use a full stop to finish a complete statement. Do not place another full stop after a question mark or exclamation mark. Check abbreviations and titles against the style used by your school, employer, or publication.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Full stops: end a sentence clearly"
What is a full stop?
A full stop is the dot used at the end of a complete statement. It tells the reader that one sentence has finished. In American English, the same mark is usually called a period.
Our train leaves at eight.
Do I use a full stop after every sentence?
Use a full stop after a complete statement. A direct question ends with a question mark, and a sentence with a strong feeling or urgent command can end with an exclamation mark.
What time does our train leave?
Should the next word start with a capital letter?
Usually, yes. A full stop marks the end of one sentence, so the first word of the next sentence normally begins with a capital letter. Names and other special forms follow their own capitalization rules.
Please put your coat on the chair!
Why do some abbreviations have full stops?
Some abbreviations include full stops as part of their usual written form. For example, e.g. and i.e. contain full stops between the letters. Keep the punctuation when you use those abbreviations.
The meeting is on Tuesday please arrive early.
Do Mr and Dr need a full stop?
Both forms occur in published English. Some styles write Mr and Dr without a full stop, while others write Mr. and Dr. Follow the style guide or the existing style of the document you are writing.
The museum opens at ten.