A comma in English is required after. Commas in English

IN English language There are quite a few rules for placing a comma, but today we will learn only part of them - how to place a comma after introductory elements.

Let's first understand what introductory elements are in general and why they are needed. Probably, the very term “introductory” already makes you think that we are talking about something that precedes an English sentence. If you think so, then you are absolutely right. Introductory elements are usually found at the beginning of a sentence and relate to the meaning of the entire sentence, rather than its individual member. Read the following example:

Sadly, the old church was completely destroyed. – Unfortunately, the old church was completely destroyed.

The word sadly is introductory. Firstly, it is at the beginning of the sentence. Secondly, it cannot be attributed to any one member, but only to the entire sentence. Compare:

He looked at us sadly. “He looked at us sadly.

In this example, sadly is not at all at the beginning of the statement and does not refer to the entire sentence, but only to its individual member - verb look(look).

So, I think that we have figured out the concept of “introductory element”. Now let's move on and see what introductory elements there are, and how to use a comma after them.

Introductory elements can be different - quite large (whole sentences) and very small (individual words). In order for our story to have logic, we will start with the largest introductory elements and work towards reducing them.

Introductory sentences.

As you know, a complex sentence consists of a main clause and a subordinate clause. For example: Athletes must train every day if they want to win. The main thing is that athletes must train every day. This is why it is most important because it can exist without any add-ons in the form of subordinate clauses. After it, you can calmly put an end to it without any damage to the meaning. The same cannot be said about the subordinate clause. He needs to relate to something. Without the main clause, the subordinate clause is incomplete. In our case - ... if they want to win. - and there is a subordinate clause.

Now the question is - what is the connection between subordinate clauses and introductory clauses? Remember: if a subordinate clause is placed before the main clause, then in most cases it will be introductory. For example:

If they want to win, athletes must exercise every day. – If they want to win, athletes must train every day.

I think you already understand that introductory sentences are separated by a comma. Here's another example:

Because we’re going away that weekend, we can’t go to Julia’s party. - Since we are leaving this weekend, we will not be able to come to Julia's party.

Introductory sentences can have different clarifying meanings: time, place, condition, opposition, concession, reason, purpose and result. If your introductory sentence has one of the following meanings, be sure to separate it with a comma.

Depending on the meaning, the introductory sentence can be introduced by conjunctions: after (after), although (although), as (since), because (because), before (before), if (if), since (since ), though (though), until (before), when (when) and so on.

To better understand the information, read a couple more examples:

Although we had reviewed the film twice before, we never noticed these details about the shooting. – Although we watched this film twice, we never noticed these shooting details.
We put a comma after Although we had reviewed the film twice before, because This is an introductory sentence with the meaning of concession and the conjunction although.

As you are ready, let's go. - Since you're ready, let's go.
The comma after As you are ready is necessary because it separates the introductory sentence from the meaning of the reason and has the conjunction as.

Introductory phrase.

The introductory phrase, like the introductory sentence, clarifies the general meaning of the statement, and not its individual component, but structurally it is a little simpler - it has neither a subject (actor) nor a predicate (the action itself). Let's look at a specific example:

Having dusted the shelves, Mr. Smith left the building. – Having wiped the dust off the shelves, Mr. Smith left the building.

This sentence contains the introductory phrase Having dusted the shelves. As you can see, there is no subject in it (without the main sentence it is not clear who the character is) and no predicate (there is a verb, but there is no predicate as the main member of the sentence).

To make it easier to understand the essence of introductory phrases, let's consider their main types.

To stay in shape for competition, athletes must exercise every day. – To be in shape to compete, athletes must train every day. (Infinitive introductory phrase).

Coughing all night long, Steven went to see a doctor. – After coughing all night, Stephen went to see a doctor. (Participial introductory phrase).

A popular and well respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor. – A popular and respected mayor, Bailey was the clear favorite in the gubernatorial campaign.

The wind blowing violently, the townspeople began to seek shelter. Since the wind was blowing very strongly, the city's residents began to seek shelter. (The introductory phrase is an absolute participial phrase).

After his long nap in the backyard hammock, Mike felt better. – After a long sleep in a hammock on the back patio, Mike felt better. (Prepositional introductory phrase).

A small remark should be made regarding introductory phrases: if the phrase is short (three or fewer words), then, as a rule, it is not separated by a comma. For example, After his nap Mike felt better. – After sleep, Mike felt better.

Introductory words.

So, we got to the most minimal introductory elements - introductory words. They also appear at the beginning of a sentence, clarifying its entire meaning. Read some examples:

Fortunately, no one in the bridal party was in that car. “Luckily, no one from the wedding party was in that car.”

On the other hand, someone was badly injured. “On the other hand, someone was seriously injured.”

So, dear lovers of the English language, we have considered only some of the rules for placing a comma in English sentences related to introductory elements. Now you have become one topic smarter. Congratulations!

Alexey Ermakov

(,), which is used for highlighting and/or isolation.

In Russian, this sign is used very often: a comma is placed between homogeneous members, introductory constructions, connects complex sentences, and so on. In English, the comma is used in the same cases as in Russian, but along with this, there are also special cases of using the comma.

Cases of comma insertion

Homogeneous members

A comma separates homogeneous members of a sentence:

I want a dress, a clutch, shoes and a new boyfriend. –I Want dress, clutch, shoes And new guy.

Last summer I traveled to Switzerland, Belgium and Finland. –past in summer I visited V Switzerland, Belgium And Finland.

Some manuals indicate that a comma should also be placed before the conjunction and. However, as modern communication practice shows, adding a comma is not necessary.

Introductory structures

To form a coherent speech, plug-in constructions like however, nevertheless, as to and so on. After them, a comma is required.

However, I haven’ t gotten his message yet. “However, I haven’t received his message yet.”

What is more, Alan is a perfect skier. –More Togo, Alan – beautiful skier.

Besides, introductory structures may not only appear at the beginning of a sentence.

She is being late, however, she promised to come in time. –She is late, Although promised come during.

Brian is a very handsome man and, in addition to it, has a perfect sense of humor. –Brian Very Beautiful young Human And, in addition, at him excellent feeling humor.

Clarifying members of the sentence - explanations

If any information explains or reveals the content of the message, it is surrounded by commas on both sides.

Kristen is a very talented musician and, as you might have guessed, she is devoted to music. –Kristen – Very talented musician And, How You could guess, betrayed music.

Today is a day off, so, as you have noticed, I’m going to see my parents. –Today day off And, How You noticed, I going to visit parents.

Subordinate clauses

If a subordinate clause (most often a subordinate clause starting with if) is at the beginning, then a comma is placed after it to separate the main clause.

If I were you, I would marry Brad. “If I were you, I would marry Brad.”

If you come to Seattle again, by all means call me! – If you find yourself in Seattle again, be sure to call me!

Appeal

As in Russian, a comma in English is placed after the address. If the appeal is not at the beginning of the sentence, then commas should be framed on both sides.

Omaira, bring me some tea, please. –Omaira, bring it to me, Please, tea.

Robert, I have to go home now. –Robert, to me need to go home.

I’m not sure, Mary, that I will be able to stay with your son. –I Not sure, Mary, What I can stay With yours son.

Direct speech

The comma in English emphasizes direct speech. If in Russian a colon is placed after the words of the author, then in English there is a comma.

Kitty answered, ‘I will do it for you’.- Kitty replied: “I will do it for you.”

‘ Alright’, said Michael, ‘ I’ ll give you a new car’. “Okay,” said Michael, “I’ll buy you a new car.”

Negation

If a sentence contains a negation, a comma is placed before it:

This is my cup of tea, not yours. –This my cup tea, A Not yours.

Sorry, I’m tired and I’ll finish my work tomorrow, not today. –sorry, I tired And I'll finish work Tomorrow, A Not Today.

Official presentation

A characteristic feature of the English language is the use of a comma when calling your last name, and then your first name.

Good evening. Russell, Martin. –Kind evening. Roussel, Martin.

Drake, Rowena, 46 year old. –Drake, Rowena, 46 years.

Indication of place of residence

I'm from Dallas, Texas. –I'm from Dallas, Texas.

I’ve been living in Richmond, Virginia, for 14 years. –I lived V Richmond, state Virginia, 14 years.

Participle or participle(participle)

Gerunds and participles in English are necessarily separated by commas.

Nick was sitting in a chair, reading a new novel. – Nick was sitting in a chair, reading a book.

Dorothy was writing a letter, listening to the radio. – Dorothy, listening to the radio.

Cases of missing commas

Subordinate clause (if)

If the subordinate clause comes after the main clause, then there is no comma.

Let me see if I could help you. “Let me see if I can help.”

Emily will kiss you if you see her. “Emily will kiss you if you see her.”

Explanatory clause (that)

In English there is a comma before that not installed.

There are many complex topics in the English language that we spend most of our time studying. But there are also so-called “invisibility” themes. In my opinion, one of these topics is punctuation in the English language. Personally, no one really told me about it either at school, or at university, or even in individual lessons.

I think you'll agree with me, don't you? So how do you place commas in an English sentence? The first thing that comes to mind is to use the rules of the Russian language. But it is clear that this may not always be correct. So let's figure out where and in what cases it is put in English written speech. comma ['kɒmə], she's a comma.

1. When transferring

Everything is simple here, we see homogeneous members of the sentence (for example, the adjectives beautiful, smart, strong) - we put a comma. But there is also a significant difference from the rules of the Russian language, to which we are all accustomed. If there is a conjunction and/or before the last of the homogeneous members, a comma must also appear before it. And, by the way, if the listing ends with the abbreviation etc. (“etc.” in our opinion) - it should also be preceded by a comma.

I’ve been to Spain, France, Italy, and Germany
- I was in Spain, France, Italy and Germany.

Inside my backpack there are many colored pens, red ones, blue ones, green ones, etc.
There are a lot of colored pens in my backpack - red, blue, green and so on.

2. To highlight introductory words and phrases

Here are a few introductory expressions that can be found most often:

of course - of course,
on the one/other hand - on one/other side,
by the way - by the way,
nevertheless - nevertheless,
however - however,
unfortunately - unfortunately.

Unfortunately, it rained yesterday.
Unfortunately, it rained yesterday.

Of course, he was right.
Of course he was right.

3. To highlight explanations.

As in Russian, a comma is used to highlight clarifications that interrupt a sentence.

She is, as you have probably noticed, a very attractive and smart girl.
She, as you have probably noticed, is a very attractive and smart girl.

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a very beautiful city.
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a very beautiful city.

4. To separate two parts of a complex sentence.

If we have several simple sentences, then we separate them with a comma as in Russian. Moreover, a comma will still be needed, even if the parts of the sentence are connected by the conjunction and, or, but.

The weather was cold, the sky was grey, and the rain began.
The weather was cold, the clouds were gray, and it started to rain.

I’m going to the cinema this evening, and I have to buy a ticket.
I'm going to the cinema in the evening and I need to buy a ticket.

5. To separate a subordinate clause.

If a subordinate clause comes first, it is separated from the main clause by a comma. That is, if this first part (subordinate clause) depends on the second (main clause). We can easily ask a question from the main clause to the subordinate clause.

If you are not sure about this, let me know now.
If you are unsure about this, let me know now.

But unlike the Russian language, if the main clause comes first, then a comma is not placed before the subordinate clause.

Let me know now if you are not sure about this.
Let me know now if you are unsure about this.

6. To highlight direct speech.

A comma is placed before/after direct speech. Pay attention to the translation of the examples; we can immediately see how different the rules of the Russian language are.

She said, “I don’t know.”
She said, "I don't know."

“Why”, he asked. -
" Why?" - he asked.

7. Well, yes, now (okay, yes, now).

If a sentence begins with these words, you can safely put a comma after them.

Yes, I understand you.
Yes, I understand you.

Now, stop!
Stop immediately.

8. To highlight the appeal.

As in Russian, before addressing a person by name, we always put a comma.

9. When writing dates.

A comma is placed after the day of the month and after the year.

10. When is a comma not used?

English sentences do not use a comma:

1. Before the conjunction that.
Unusual, right? After all, in the Russian language we are used to always putting a comma before the conjunction what.

He promised that he would never start smoking again.
He promised that he would never start smoking again.

2. If there is no subject in the second sentence.
If a sentence consists of two simple sentences (it is complex), and they are talking about the same object, then if there is no subject in the second, we do not put a comma.

He drove quickly but still did not arrive in time.
He drove fast, but still did not arrive on time.

3. In city addresses.
In Russian, we are used to separating the street name, house and apartment numbers with commas. There are none in English at all.

I live at 115 Oxford Street.
I live at 115 Oxford Street.

Now we know for sure that the rules of Russian punctuation cannot always be applied to English sentences. So, my friends, let's write correctly. And if you have any questions, be sure to write in the comments to the article.

Since childhood, I have loved the cartoon “In the Country unlearned lessons" I love it at least because of how well it shows the importance of knowing the rules of punctuation. Do you remember the classic “execution cannot be pardoned”?

In English there is also a humorous phrase: “Let’s eat grandma” where, depending on the place of the comma, you can either invite your grandmother to dinner, or make her dinner yourself... I suggest we talk about commas in English.

In fact, this comma must be used only when without it the meaning of the sentence changes:

– Please bring Bob, a DJ and a clown

Without a comma, the sentence can be understood as “Please bring Bob the DJ and the clown,” that is, Bob is both the DJ and the clown.

– Please bring Bob, a DJ, and a clown.

With a comma, the meaning is different: “Bring Bob, a DJ and a clown” - that is, three different people.

WE RECOMMEND: Please note that in some cases, when listing homogeneous members, a comma is necessary before the conjunction and to avoid confusion. If you are afraid of not guessing this case, then you can always put this “Oxford comma” - it will not be a mistake.

2. Comma in sentences with subordinate clauses

In Russian, complex sentences require a comma. Here look:

If you are not sure about this, then let me know now.

Let me know now if you're not sure about this.

Let me remind you that a complex sentence (SPP) has a main and dependent part. The main clause in our example is “let me know now.” Subordinate – “if you are not sure.”

In English, the first case requires a comma, but the second does not.

If you are not sure about this, let me know now.

Let me know now if you are not sure about this.

This is due to the fact that, according to the rule, a comma should be placed only if the subordinate (dependent) clause comes BEFORE the main clause.

One more example:

If you're ever in New York, come and look me up. (If you ever find yourself in New York, come visit me).

Come and look me up if you’re ever in New York. (Visit me if you ever find yourself in New York).

3. Comma in qualifying clauses

There is another case when in English we may not put a comma in the SPP.
In Russian, we always put a comma before subordinate clauses with “the one that...” or “the one that...”:

I'm standing in the house that Jack built.

I see the house that Jack built.

Such subordinate clauses are called attributive clauses and answer the question “which one?” In English you don't have to use a comma:

They’re the people who want to buy our house. (These are people who want to buy our house).

But it’s not so simple here... If this determinative part can be removed, if it is not the main determinant of the subject, then a comma is added:

Clare, who I work with, is doing the London marathon this year. (Claire, who I work with, is organizing the London Marathon this year).

Note: We already identified Claire - we named her name. If we remove the commas, the meaning doesn't change much: "Claire is organizing the London Marathon."

This type of sentence can use conjunctions w ho, which, whose, whom(but not that) and a comma.

Now compare:

They’re the people that she met at Jon’s party. (These are people she met at John's party).

If you remove the second part, you will be left with: “These are people,” and the meaning of the sentence will be lost. Since we cannot mentally remove the second part, then a comma is NOT needed: this emphasizes the indivisibility of the statement.

This type uses the same conjunctions who, which, whose and whom + that, which often replaces all of the above conjunctions in informal speech.

WE RECOMMEND: Please note that a comma is not placed before the attributive clause if without it the sentence completely loses its meaning. In such a sentence it can be used that. If definitive sentence is removed without losing the main meaning, then we cannot use in it that and put a comma.

4. Comma after combinations “I believe, I think, I believe”

In Russian, introductory “I think, I believe, I say”, etc. are separated by a comma. It’s not surprising: it’s part of a complex sentence! And we already remembered that in Russian it is strict with them:

I think everything will work out.

But in English there is no need for a comma here. As an example, Audrey Hepburn's famous quote:

I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day…

5. Comma in participial phrase

In Russian there is a participial phrase, coming after the qualifying word(⇐ here’s an example), separated by a comma. In English - no.

I see the sun rising above the horizon (I see the sun rising above the horizon).

Conclusion: rules for placing a comma in English

These are not all the nuances associated with English comma. In English there are generally far fewer cases where a comma is used.

Therefore, we will not stop at this article! 🙂 Our plans are to make a video about punctuation for YouTube channel. And the service will soon release a very cool online intensive about the most common mistakes in English. Of course, there is a separate section for punctuation. See you!

Punctuation(punctuation marks) in English, as in Russian, are used to separate sentences, parts of complex sentences and words, to express intonation and semantic emphasis on individual words.

English punctuation rules are less strict than Russian, and their use often depends on the author himself (especially the use of commas).

Dot

Dot (Period) in English, as in Russian, is placed at the end of a declarative sentence.

This is Lauren. - This is Lauren.
I didn't like that cake. – I didn’t like that cake.
I'm cold. Close the door. - I'm cold. Close the door.

The period is used when abbreviating words, abbreviations (except acronyms). If a sentence ends with an abbreviation with a period, then the second period not placed. Between letters in an abbreviation no space is included.

I wake up at 7 a.m.- I wake up at 7 am.
We will arrive on Fri. the 17th.– We will arrive on Friday the 17th.
Prof. Morrison is in room 302.– Professor Morrison is in room 302.

The use of periods in abbreviations also depends on the variety of English. For example, in British English In language, abbreviations that consist of the first and last letter of a word are used without a period. IN American In English, a dot can be used in such abbreviations.

Depending on the style of the text, the period may be placed in abbreviations of academic degrees and country abbreviations or omitted.

Julia Carroll, PhD
Richard Maxwell Ph.D.– Richard Maxwell, Ph.D.

Charles Morrison MBA– Charles Morrison, MBA
Christopher Merritt, M.B.A.– Christopher Merritt, MBA

USA – The United States of America
UK – The United Kingdom

U.S.A. – The United States of America
U.K. – The United Kingdom

A period is also placed in the initials of the name. The English language requires a space between abbreviations of people's names, but sometimes the space (and periods) are omitted to save space.

W. E. B. Du Bois – William Edward Burghardt Du Bois
J. K. Jerome – Jerome Klapka Jerome

She said, “Calm down, baby, everything will be alright.”“She said, 'Calm down, baby, everything will be fine.'
“Calm down, baby,” she said, “everything will be alright.”“Calm down, baby,” she said, “everything will be fine.”
“Calm down, baby, everything will be alright,” she said.“Calm down, baby, everything will be fine,” she said.

Comma is placed after a conditional sentence with if and subordinate tense with when, if they come before the main clause. If the main clause comes before the conditional if-clause or when-clause, then they are not separated by commas.

If you need help, just let me know.– If you need help, let me know.
If you are tired, take some rest.– If you are tired, rest.
When you feel lonely, just call me!– When you are sad, just call me!

Take some rest if you are tired.- Rest if you are tired.
Call me when you are home.- Call me when you get home.

Commas stand out dividing questions(tag questions).

You are mad, aren't you?-You're evil, aren't you?
He doesn’t know anything, does he?“He doesn’t know anything, does he?”

Colon

Colon (Colon) in English is used before a listing (list) or explanation of the previous part of a sentence.

We have to buy the following things: bread, butter, milk, a cake.– We need to buy the following: bread, butter, milk, pie.
I know what we should do: work.– I know what we have to do: work.
He has got what he deserves: a good punishment he will never forget.“He got what he deserves: a good punishment that he will never forget.”

When after colons If several sentences follow, explaining the previous one, they are written with a capital letter. If this is a quote from someone, these sentences may be placed in quotation marks.

Mom always told me: Be strong. Work Hard. Never Give Up.“Mom always told me: “Be strong.” Work hard. Never give up".
I will never forget his words: “Be careful with your dreams.”“I will never forget his words: “Be careful with your dreams.”

Colon not placed after a verb or preposition before listing items that are directly related to them.

I want a new dress, new shoes, a new bag and a little puppy.– I want a new dress, new shoes, a new bag and a little puppy.
I’ve read all his books including The Shining, The Dead Zone, Pet Sematary and others.– I read all his books, including “The Shining”, “The Dead Zone”, “Pet Sematary” and others.

Semicolon

Semicolon (Semicolon) is used to join independent clauses into one complex sentence. A semicolon indicates a pause, longer than a comma but shorter than a period. The semicolon is primarily used in formal documents or fiction.

His car is broken ; it is also very old.– His car is broken; She is also very old.
Some people like cats ; others prefer having a dog.– Some people love cats; others prefer to get a dog.

Semicolon also used to join parts of a sentence or independent clauses that already have commas.

Some people, for some reasons, like monkeys, racoons, rats; but others prefer having just a cat or a dog.– Some, for some reason, love monkeys, raccoons, rats; but others prefer to just get a cat or a dog.

Last summer i visited Moscow, Idaho; Washington, D.C.; Springfield, California and some other cities.– Last summer I visited the city of Moscow, Idaho; Washington, DC; Springfield, California and some other cities.

Quotes

Quotes (Quotation Marks) in English are used when quoting and introducing direct speech into a sentence.

Saying “I don’t care” was a big mistake.– The phrase “I don’t care” was a big mistake.
“I hope we will meet again one day,” said Jack.“I hope we meet again someday,” said Jack.

When quoting or direct speech dot And comma are placed in quotation marks, not after them. However, in British English, a period and a comma can be used after quotation marks.

American English
.”
.”

British English
My favorite song is “We are stars” ”. – My favorite song is “We are stars”.
She said, “It is the best thing I’ve ever read ”. “She said, 'This is the best thing I've ever read.'

Interrogative And exclamatory signs can appear either in quotation marks or behind them, depending on the part of the sentence to which they refer. If there is an exclamation point and a question mark in direct speech, then there is no period or comma after direct speech.

Jack asked, “Why is she here?”– Jack asked: “Why is she here?”
He yelled, “I don’t care!”- He shouted: “I don’t care!”
Why did you say “I don’t care”?– Why did you say “I don’t care”?

If in the middle of a quote or direct speech you need to enter another quote or phrase, then used single quotes.

“Never say ‘I can’t do that’,” said my father.“Never say “I can’t do it,” my father said.
“I saw the sign ‘Closed’ on the door but I entered anyway,” said Matt.“I saw the closed sign on the door, but I went in anyway,” Matt said.

According to the rules of the English language quotes also used when introducing into a sentence the titles of essays, articles, book chapters, songs from musicals, titles of film or television series, but not the titles of large individual works. The titles of complete works, individual songs, and films are often written italics.

I didn’t read the chapter “Traveling alone” of this book.– I haven’t read the chapter of this book “Traveling Alone”.
He wrote the song “Belle” for the musical Notre Dame de Paris.– He wrote the song “Belle” for the musical “Notre Dame de Paris.”

Quotes also used for terms and words that are used in a sentence in an unusual sense (often to express sarcasm).

Yesterday I had a phone call from my “best friend” Mark.– Yesterday my “best friend” Mark called me.
It leads to a deficit of total body water known as “dehydration.”– This leads to a decrease in the amount of water in the body, known as “dehydration.”

Brackets

Brackets (Parentheses) in English are used to introduce additional information into a sentence. Such information can be highlighted commas or colon instead of parentheses, but the parentheses indicate that this information is not important or required.

He got a small reward for his help ($20 or something) .– He received a small reward for his help ($20 or so).
He didn't answer (after 5 minutes of hesitation) that he has never seen that girl.– He replied (after 5 minutes of doubt) that he had never seen this girl.

Points And commas always put after brackets. However, there are cases when a whole sentence is conveyed in brackets, in which case a period can be placed in brackets.

Matt got a bonus for his work ($100), but although Clark didn’t work that much his bonus was way bigger ($200).– Matt received a bonus for his work ($100), but Clark's bonus was much larger ($200), even though he didn't work that hard.
You should watch this video! (You'll be surprised.)– You should watch this video (you will be surprised)!

Interrogative And exclamatory signs can stand in parentheses, if they refer to the phrase in brackets.

You completely forget about my birthday (didn’t you?).– You completely forgot about my birthday (didn’t you?).
He came to my house (just imagine!) and asked for some money.– He came to my house (just imagine!) and asked me for money.

Square brackets (Brackets) are mainly used to enter author's remarks or corrections in someone's text, quotes or direct speech.

He didn’t know the truth about Matt’s situation.– He (the teacher) did not know the truth about Matt’s situation.
“Leningrad is the second largest city in USSR...”– “Leningrad (today we know this city as St. Petersburg) is the second largest city in the USSR...”

Apostrophe

Apostrophe (Apostrophe) in English is used to create possessive form of nouns(ending -’s).

Kate's dog is really funny. Kate's dog is really funny.
My brothers-in-law’s room is big.– My stepbrothers’ room is large.
Guys’ parties are always really noisy.- Guys' parties are always very noisy.

Apostrophe also used in abbreviations and truncated forms of words in place of missing letters.

Let's rock 'n' roll!- Let's have a blast!
I 'd better go now.- I better go now.
You ’re my best friend.- You are my best friend.
Kate won 't do this anyway.“Kate still won’t do it.”

Question mark

Interrogative sign (Question Mark) in English is placed at the end of interrogative sentences.

Are you going to the party tonight?-Are you going to the party tonight?
Why didn't you go there? – Why didn’t you go there?
You are tired, aren’t you? -You're tired, aren't you?

IN complex sentences with direct speech or with inserted sentences interrogative sign is placed after the part of the sentence to which it refers.

“Why is she so angry today? " asked Jim.- “Why is she so angry today?” – asked Jim.
I asked him, “What can I do for you?” ”“I asked him: “Is there anything I can help you with?”
It is hardly surprising (isn’t it? ) that emerging markets have recently lost some of their appeal as means of diversifying risk.– It’s hardly surprising (is it?) that emerging markets have recently lost some of their appeal as a route to market diversification.

There is no question mark for questions in indirect speech and in many rhetorical questions.

Why don’t you help this old lady.“Why don’t you help this old lady.”
I asked him whether he could go with me.“I asked him if he could come with me.”

Exclamation mark

Exclamation mark (Exclamation Mark) is placed at the end of exclamatory sentences (sentences expressing surprise, joy, anger, command, etc.).

Stop it right now! – Stop it now!
You look fantastic! - You look amazing!
That's incredible! Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in literature!- Incredible! Bob Dylan received the Nobel Prize for Literature!

Exclamation mark can also be placed after interjections instead of a comma.

Gosh! That was so tasty!- Crap! It was so delicious!
Oh dear! I completely forgot about cookies in the stove.- Mommies! I completely forgot about the cookies in the oven.

Exclamation mark can be placed in the middle of a sentence to emotionally emphasize a word, express sarcasm or surprise. In this case, the exclamation mark is taken in brackets.

Ann says she bakes really (!) tasty cakes.– Ann says that she bakes very tasty pies.
Jim was preparing (!) for his exams when I came.– Jim was preparing (imagine!) for exams when I arrived.