Punctuation is a set of marks that regulate and clarifies the meanings of different texts, The term punctuation has originated from the Medieval Latin word punctuation which means marking or signs. The purpose of the punctuation is to clarify the meaning of texts by linking or separating words, phrases, or clauses. For example, the sentence " Yesterday, rain-fog; frost-mist. But how fascinating each" hyphens are used to separate the compound words, while commas are used to separate the phrases. There are basic punctuation marks in English language. These include the period, comma, exclamation point, question mark, colon. semicolon, bullet point, dash, hyphen, parenthesis, bracket, quotation marks, ellipsis and apostrophe. The challenge among even English writers and language professionals is how to apply the punctuation at the relevant place so that the communication can flow orderly as expected by readers and listeners. The most important issue here is how we can all use punctuation carefully so the communication can effective and have the necessary impact. Punctuation can make an enormous difference in the meaning of whatever it is you are writing, let face it proper punctuation can make or break the impact of an otherwise well- constructed sentences.

Punctuation primarily helps to indicate the pauses and the emphasis on certain ideas or thought that are discussed in the text. Particularly, in academic writing, it is essential to accurately use punctuation as it help to strengthen arguments that are made in the text. The correct punctuation in written English helps you articulate the ideas clearly, accurately and foster understand of your message. Marks of punctuation play very important role in giving intended meaning to the language.