All sentences must end with an ending mark such as a period, exclamation point, or question mark.
(Note: These same marks may also have other uses in addition to ending sentences.)

Periods (.)

Place a period after a complete statement.
Example: The weather is hot today.

Periods can also be used to end common abbreviations (e.g. Dr. or Mrs.).
Note: Periods are not used with acronyms (e.g. FBI, UN, NAACP, IRS, etc.)

Three periods together (...), or four (....) at the end of a sentence, is called an ellipsis and is used to show omitted words from quoted material or to allow a sentence to trail off.

Exclamation points (!)

Place an exclamation point at the end of a sentence that expresses a strong feeling.
Example: I'm so excited! Stop!

Use the exclamation point sparingly, and in formal writing, do not use multiple exclamation points at the end of a sentence. It loses its effect when used to often.

Question marks (?)

Place a question mark at the end of a direct question.
Example: Will you go to the store for me?

Use a single question mark in sentences that express a double question such as a quoted question following a question.
Example: Did George ask, "Are we going to the park?"

Do not use question marks with indirect questions.
Example: She asked me why there was a hole in the garden.