Americans typically call a period a period or a full stop, the same way the British do.
Usage of "Period"
The term "period" is commonly used to refer to the punctuation mark that indicates the end of a sentence. This usage is consistent across both American and British English, especially in formal contexts.
According to historical context, in the 19th century, both British and American English texts frequently used the terms "period" and "full stop" interchangeably. The "period" was, and still is, the term for what printers often referred to as the "full point"— the punctuation mark being a dot on the baseline.
Usage of "Full Stop"
While "period" is more common in American English, the term "full stop" is also understood, although it may sound slightly more formal or British to some Americans.
Examples of Usage
- "The cat sat on the mat ." (Here, the "." is a period or a full stop)
- "Please make sure to include a period at the end of your sentences ."
- "In formal writing, you should use full stops to mark the ends of clauses ."
Table Summary
| Term | Usage in American English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Period | Commonly used | General term for the punctuation mark |
| Full Stop | Understood, but less common | May sound more formal or British |
