Lesson 6: Punctuation Keys

Punctuation makes writing readable

Letters make words, but punctuation makes sense of them. Commas, periods, apostrophes, and question marks appear in almost every message you write, so they need to feel as natural as letters. This lesson shows where each mark lives and which finger presses it.

Finger map for punctuation

Comma (,) is the right middle finger (green), one step down from K.
Period (.) is the right ring finger (orange), one step down from L.
Slash (/) and question mark (?) are the right pinky (red). The question mark needs Shift, so use the left pinky for Shift.
Semicolon (;) is the right pinky (red), at its home position.
Apostrophe (') is the right pinky (red), just to the right of the semicolon.

The right pinky does a lot of work in this lesson. Treat it kindly and take short breaks if it feels tired.

How to practice

Start with single marks. Type k, k, k, to feel the comma, then l. l. l. for the period.
Practice a pause: finish a word, press the mark, press space, and continue. Make this a single rhythm, not three separate steps.
Type contractions to train the apostrophe: don't, can't, it's, we're, they'll, I'm.
Type short questions: Where are you? What time is it? Who goes first?
Run the drill above, then try the typing sentences page, which mixes capitals, commas, and periods in real sentences.

Spacing rules worth knowing

Put no space before a comma, period, or question mark. Put one space after it.
Apostrophes sit inside the word with no spaces: don't, not don 't.
Many people leave one space after a period. Pick one habit and stay with it.

Common mistakes

Using the index finger for commas. The comma belongs to the middle finger. Index fingers are busy enough.
Stopping to find the mark. If you pause to search, slow down and practice the single-key patterns again.
Forgetting Shift for the question mark. Press and hold left Shift with your left pinky, then reach with the right pinky.
Typing a space before punctuation. This is a habit worth breaking early.
Rhythm breaks. A punctuation mark should not feel like a speed bump. Keep the beat.

Where to go for more practice

Paragraphs are the best test of punctuation. Try the typing practice paragraphs page, where sentences flow into each other. If you want a more relaxed way to practice, play a typing game that uses full sentences.

What's next

You now know every key you need. The last lesson in the main path puts it all together. Continue with Lesson 7: Speed Building.

Ready to measure your progress? Try the typing test, browse the Learn to Type lessons, or play a few typing games.

Frequently asked questions

Which finger types the comma?

The right middle finger types the comma, one step down from the K key.

How do I type a question mark?

Hold the left Shift key with your left pinky and press the slash key with your right pinky.

Where is the apostrophe key?

It is just to the right of the semicolon key on the home row. Use your right pinky.