Americans say "period" to refer to the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence because, historically, "period" was the name for that punctuation mark. The term is rooted in printing practices and linguistic history.
The Origin of "Period"
- Historical Usage: In the 19th century, both British and American English commonly used "period" and "full stop" for the punctuation mark we now primarily know as a period or full stop.
- Printing Terminology: The word "period" originated as a name printers used for the "full point," a dot on the baseline used in various contexts. This "full point" is what we now consider the period at the end of a sentence.
Why "Period" Sticks in American English
While both terms ("period" and "full stop") existed, "period" has remained the prevalent term in American English. This is likely due to several factors:
- Lingusitic Preference: Over time, American English and British English diverged in their preferred vocabulary. "Period" may have simply gained more traction in the United States.
- Continued Usage in Education: American schools likely continued to teach "period" as the name for the punctuation mark, reinforcing its use across generations.
Examples of Usage
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Explicitly ending a sentence/discussion | "That's my final decision, period." |
| Referring to the punctuation mark | "End the sentence with a period." |
| School Context | "Remember to put a period at the end." |
Conclusion
The use of "period" in American English to denote the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence is a result of historical linguistic practices and the continued use of the term "period" (originally "full point") among printers and in American education.
