period

Periods end declarative statements, mildly declarative statements, rhetorical statements, and indirect questions. Most screen readers read a period as a short pause.

A period is used after an initial in a name, for example, John F. Kennedy, T.S. Elliot, Lindon B. Johnson.

When a direct quote begins with attribution, the quote closes with a period inside the quotation mark. For example:

Sen. James said, We will pass the bill.

For the use with acronyms, see acronyms.

← Return to Punctuation

User feedback survey

Please take a moment to tell use how you use the OAJ Style and Accessibility Guide.

Open survey
How I describe my profession. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

Where I work. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

How I use the OAJ Style and Accessibility Guide. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

How often I use the OAJ Style and Accessibility Guide. (Required)

Select only one.

Other guides I use. (Required)

Select as many as apply.

The information given within the Feedback Form will be used for service improvement only and are strictly confidential.

Thank you for your participation!

Didn’t find what you need?

Try searching the Style and Accessibility Guide in the box below

Donations build this guide

The Style and Accessibility Guide is built, maintained and free to use because people like you have generously donated to this project. Consider giving $5 a month — or any amount you choose.