THE CONTRIBUTION OF PUNCTUATION TO MEANING CONTRIBUTION IN ENGLISH SENTENCES

Abstract

This research aims to examine the contribution of punctuation to meaning in English sentences and to describe how incorrect punctuation affects clarity in students’ writing. This study uses a qualitative method because it focuses on interpreting real writing data and understanding students’ perspectives regarding punctuation usage. The data were collected through documentation of students’ written work, observation of writing activities, and interviews with students and lecturers. The findings show that punctuation is not only a grammatical symbol, but a crucial component that influences the readability, interpretation, and accuracy of ideas in written communication. Incorrect punctuation often leads to ambiguity, misinterpretation of meaning, and misunderstanding of sentence structure. Each punctuation mark has a specific function, such as indicating pauses, showing emphasis, clarifying relations between clauses, and guiding intonation. Therefore, mastering punctuation supports students in developing effective academic writing. This study confirms that systematic teaching of punctuation, supported by writing practice and text analysis, is necessary to improve writing quality and communication effectiveness among English learners.