# Punctuation ## Periods ### Skip periods To help readers scan text, avoid using periods and other unnecessary punctuation. * Avoid using periods to end single sentences, particularly in: * Labels * Tooltip text * Bulleted lists * Dialog body text
 ### Use periods * Multiple sentences * Long or complex sentences, if it suits the context * Any sentence followed by a link. * Links themselves should not be full sentences. *** ## Colon ### Skip colons * After labels in headings * For headings on lists of items, do not use colons ### Use colons * For lists within body text *** ## Comma Use the oxford comma, except before an ampersand (&) {% hint style="success" %} Your emails, chats, and drafts aren’t available {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} Your emails, chats and drafts aren’t available {% endhint %} *** ## Contractions Contractions can make a sentence easier to understand and scan. However, sometimes "do not" or "cannot" can give more emphasis than "don't” or "can't" when caution is needed. {% hint style="success" %} You're so close to claiming your first candy reward {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} You are so close to claiming your first candy reward {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} You can't undo this action {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} You cannot undo this action {% endhint %} *** ## Abbreviations ### Use abbreviations sparingly Spell out words whenever possible. Shortened forms of words can be difficult for people to understand and screen readers to read. Avoid Latin abbreviations in UI text such as e.g. or etc. Instead, use full phrases like "for example," or "and more." {% hint style="danger" %} Collect candy to redeem NFTs, books, etc.! {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Collect candy to redeem NFTs, books, and more! {% endhint %} *** ## Exclamations ### Use exclamation points sparingly Exclamation points can come across as shouting or overly friendly. Some exceptions include greetings or congratulatory messages. * Exclamation marks can be used to emphasize celebratory moments * Avoid using exclamation marks for empty states and common tasks. Save it for bigger accomplishments. {% hint style="success" %} **Congratulations!** 
You added your first coin {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} **No coins found!** 
Add a coin to your portfolio {% endhint %} *** ## Ellipses ### Use ellipses sparingly Use ellipses to indicate an action in progress or incomplete text. Truncated text may appear with ellipses, but check with your engineering partners before implementing, as this often happens automatically.
 * Omit ellipses from menu items or buttons that open a dialog or start a process * Don’t use ellipses in buttons or menu items * Don’t add a space before ellipses {% hint style="success" %} Loading... {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} Loading ... {% endhint %} *** ## Parentheses ### Use parentheses to define terms Parentheses can be used to define acronyms or jargon or when referencing a source. They shouldn’t be used when adding a side note or an afterthought of a sentence. * Don’t use parentheses to add extra thoughts. If information is needed, include it in the sentence without parentheses for easier scanning and improved comprehension. * Use parentheses to define terms and jargon {% hint style="success" %} Clickthrough rate (CTR) measures how often people click your ad after it’s shown to them {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} At work and at home (and even on the go), your data is private and secure {% endhint %} *** ## Ampersands ### Skip ampersands in body text The “&” symbol can be used instead of “and” in headlines, column headers, table headers, navigation labels, and buttons. However, when there’s room, spelling out “and” can improve readability and make scanning easier.

“And” should be spelled out in sentences and paragraphs, before the final item in a 3+ item list, and in email subject lines. {% hint style="success" %} **Coins & NFTs** Find data on the crypto projects that interest you {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} **Create a price alert** 
 You can create custom price alerts for coins & NFTs {% endhint %} *** ## Dashes Use dashes with caution There are three kinds of dashes: 1. Em dash: —
 2. En dash: –
 3. Hyphen: -
 Em dashes are best avoided in UX writing, as they indicate a break in the flow of a sentence that could be simplified using a comma, period, or new sentence. Use an en dash without spaces to indicate a range, such as 9 AM–Noon. *** ## Hyphens ### Use hyphens with care Hyphens can help readers better understand how words relate to each other by binding closely related words. They can also be used to represent negative numbers, such as -100. Spaces should never be used surrounding hyphens. Refer to the [Associated Press (AP)](http://www.apstylebook.com/) style guidelines if you are unsure whether an adjective or noun phrase needs a hyphen. *** --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://brand.coingecko.com/verbal-identity/style/punctuation.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.