Capitalization, Punctuation & Style Grammar

Capitalization Capitalize: the first word of every sentence, a direct quote, and beginning of parenthesis by itself. Capitalize: proper nouns and titles, including: Names of individuals, titles of individuals, names of ethnic groups and languages, names of organizations, names of monuments, names of documents and awards, trade names, geographic terms, planets and celestial bodies, and compass points. Capitalize proper adjectives.

The Period Use a period at the end of a declarative sentence, a polite command, or indirect question. Ex. We are taking notes. Ex. Please, take notes. Ex. James wants to know when lunch is. Most abbreviations Ex. Mister=Mr.

The Exclamation Mark Use an exclamation mark to show strong feeling or indicate a forceful command. Ex. This lesson is so exciting! Ex. Pay attention! Ex. Wow!

The Question Mark Use a question mark to indicate a direct question. Ex. What did we do in science class? Do not use a question mark after a declarative sentence that contains an indirect question. Ex. My friend asked whether we have homework or not.

The Comma (Part 1) Use commas: 1. To separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series. Ex. Alaska, California, and Texas are the three largest states. 2. Between coordinate adjectives that precede a noun. Ex. A noisy, dusty truck roared down the street. Ex. Two old dogs are sitting by the tree. 3. Between the main clauses in a compound sentence. Ex. Mr. Spitzer is a teacher, and he teaches at Desert Jr./Sr. High School. Ex. Mr. Spitzer is a teacher and teaches at Desert Jr./Sr. High School.

The Comma (Part 2) Use commas: 4. To separate nonessential elements (participles, infinitives, phrases, clauses). Ex. Mr. Spitzer, a Star Trek fan boy, teaches at Desert Jr./Sr. High School, located in the Mojave Desert. 5. To separate interjections (Oh, Well), parenthetical expressions (On the contrary, In fact), and conjunctive adverbs (However, Moreover). Ex. Well, one should come to class prepared. In fact, it is part of the our class expectations. Moreover, preparedness is essential to success as an adult.

The Colon 1. To introduce a list. Colons are used: 1. To introduce a list. Ex. The following are required for class: paper, pencil, and your binder. 2. To introduce material that illustrates, explains, or restates. Ex. You can see how cold winters are in Alaska: On a windy morning your breath freezes into ice crystals in front of you. 3. to introduce a long or formal quotation. Ex. Lincoln began the Gettysburg Address with these famous words: “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation …”

Other uses of a colon: 4. Between the hour and minute of the precise time. Ex. 5:45 p.m. 5. Between the chapter and verse of a Biblical reference. Ex. 1 Kings 11:1-3 6. After the salutation of a business letter. Ex. Dear Sir or Madam:

The Semicolon Use a semicolon: 1. To separate main clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, for). 2. To separate main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, nevertheless, moreover, furthermore, consequently). 3. To separate items in a series when the items contain commas. 4. To separate two main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when such clauses already contain several commas.

Semicolon Practice 1. The acting and directing ability of Orson Welles is considered phenomenal his film Citizen Kane is still studied today. The acting and directing ability of Orson Welles is considered phenomenal ; his film Citizen Kane is still studied today. 2. Mr. Spitzer’s class is the most fun at Desert for instance, he is very funny! Mr. Spitzer’s class is the most fun at Desert ; for instance, he is very funny! 3. Leonardo Da Vinci pursed a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, music, astronomy, and engineering but he always returned to his primary interest, which was, of course, art. Leonardo Da Vinci pursed a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, music, astronomy, and engineering ; but he always returned to his primary interest, which was, of course, art.

Quotation Marks There are two types of quotations: Direct and Indirect. Direct: Mr. Spitzer said, “There are two types of quotations.” Indirect: My friends heard from their teacher that there are two types of quotations. Only a direct quote requires quotation marks. Include punctuation outside of the quote unless it is part of the quote. ** Use quotation marks with titles of short works (short stories, etc.) or unusual expressions (“dust bunnies”). **

Italics (Underlining) Use italics (this is printed in italics) for long titles, foreign words, and vessels; if handwriting, indicate italics by underlining. Ex. Fahrenheit 451, The Walking Dead, U.S.S. Enterprise

Hyphens A hyphen (-): - Shows that a word has been broken between syllables at the end of a line. - Two-word numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine. - Fractions used as adjectives. - After a prefix that is followed by a proper noun or adjective. Ex. Ante-, anti-, mid-, post-, pre-, pro-, and un-. -Prefixes: All-, ex-, and self- and with the suffix –elect. -Two or more nouns that are used as one word. Ex. Cave-in -Connect a compound modifier that comes before a noun. Ex. Big- hearted person

Apostrophes Apostrophes are used with nouns to show ownership or possession. 1. Pronouns: Use an apostrophe and “–s” for the possessive of a singular indefinite pronoun. Ex. One’s time. 2. Singular nouns: Use an apostrophe and “–s” to form the possessive of a singular noun, even one that ends in “-s”. Ex. The dress’s hem. 3. Plural nouns ending in “–s”: Use an apostrophe alone. Ex. Bears’ den. Otherwise, use apostrophe “–s”.

Apostrophes (Cont.) Contractions: a word formed from two words that have been combined by omitting one or more letters. Ex. I’m, You’re, It’s, ‘97 Special Plurals: Plurals of letters, numerals, symbols, and words used to represent themselves (italicized). Ex. This quarter, I have all A’s.

The Dash A dash (–) is used to signal change or emphasize. 1. An abrupt break or change in thought. Ex. “What was it – I paused to think – what was it that so unnerved me in the contemplation of the House of Usher?” – Edgar Allan Poe 2. To set off or emphasize supplemental information or parenthetical comments. Ex. The circus performer – using one finger – lifted fifty pounds.

Parentheses Use parentheses ( ) to set off supplemental material, incidental to the main statement but important enough to include. If the parentheses is not part of the sentence, it needs to be capitalized and include a period. Ex. Desert Jr./Sr. High School is located in Edwards, CA. (It is a small school of about 600 students.)