Stop punctuation is any punctuation that is used to finish a sentence. We stop reading at the end of a sentence because the thought has been completed. The stop punctuation tells us to stop.
A period (.) is one type of stop punctuation. Use a period to end a sentence that makes a factual statement.
Today is Tuesday.
I bought a new bicycle.
Dad likes to grill hot dogs and bratwurst.
A sentence is a complete thought. Anytime you write a sentence that makes a statement, you must put a period at the end to show that your thought is complete.
▶ It’s your turn. Which of these is a complete thought that needs a period at the end? John my neighbor or Susan lives next door I hope you chose the second group of words as a complete thought. I hope you put a period at the end of that complete thought. Way to go!