Rules and Examples
Theasterisk is a punctuationmark that looks like a little star ( * ).
Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses
The asteriskis made on your keyboard by holding the SHIFT key andpressing the 8on the top number line.
We use the asterisk in English writing to show that a footnote,reference or comment has been added to the original text.
Pronunciation
Many people incorrectly pronounce (say) the word "asterisk."
The word "asterisk" is pronounced "aste-risk."
Word Origin
The word "asterisk" comes from the Latin word "asteriscus" and theGreek word "asterikos" meaning "little star."
The asterisk was first used in printing and writing in the early1600s.
Uses of the asterisk
1. Use an asterisk or asterisks to indicate a footnote at the bottom ofthe page.
- A footnoteis an explanation or a comment at the bottom of a page thatrefers back to a specific part of the text.
- If there are multiple footnotes (more than one), use oneasterisk forthe first footnote, two asterisks for the second and so on.
*first footnote
**second footnote
***third footnote - Be sure that footnotes at the bottom of the page match theasterisks inthe original text.
Example: The periodis used as the end of a sentence that is acommand or a statement.* The period tells the reader that the sentencehas ended.
Thereare many forms of punctuation in the English language. Threecommon forms of end punctuation are the period, question mark andexclamation mark.
The questionmark ends sentences that are written asquestions. These sentences may begin with words such as why, how, when,where or what.
The exclamationmark is used at the end of sentences to give emphasisor show excitement.**(Thereare two footnotes, or comments, added to this text. The two footnotesare then explained at the bottom of the page.)
*The period is alsocalled "full stop" because it tells the reader thatthe sentence has ended.**Theexclamation mark is also called an exclamation point.
2. Use an asterisk in advertisem*nts to indicate there is extrainformation.
Examples:
Sunglasses25%offTodayOnly!*
*discount is good in-store and online
Get a new mobile phone in November for only $29.99*
*price is for new customers only
These were the uses of the asterisk. Now that you know them, it istime to practice! Read and doexercises.
Get Updates, Special Offers, and English Resources
Download your FREE GIFT (thefirst two chaptersof
English Short Stories Book and Workbook)
as soon as you join!
By submitting your email, you consent to receiving updates and newsletters from us and to the sharing of your personal data with third parties for the purposes of sending you communications. We will not spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please see ourprivacy policy.
Please share this page with others:
