What are the rules for using punctuation marks?

Answer 1

Some rules in punctuating written text :

• Use a full stop (period) at the end of the sentence - only titles and some acronyms should normally use abbreviations within a sentence.
• Use commas for a break or making a list. Commas can provide a natural pause between lengthy clauses.
• Only use question marks if you are asking a question. (In US usage, question marks must stand alone - no period - even when a sentence ends with a quotation.)
• Use exclamation marks for strong emotion.
• Use brackets for a word when it follows its description.
• Use brackets to interpolate words within a quotation. (e.g. "The doctor did not see [the injury to] his leg.")

(see related link)

Answer 2

No, not usually. Punctuation marks are generally the following - . , ? ! ; : while brakets [ ] or { }, similar to parenthesees ( ) are considered similar to quotes " " or other notation symbols.

Answer 3

Use commas to separate independent clauses in a sentence. Use commas after introductory words, phrases or clauses that come before the main clause. Use a pair of commas to separate and aside from the main body of the sentence.

Answer 4

You would punctuate the content within the brackets the same as you would punctuate content outside of brackets. There is no difference between the two.

Answer 5

There are several rules for when to use and when not to use quotation marks. See Sources and related links for a good guide.