Could have (correct) could of (NOT correct!) You can use a colon if you want to list a specific series of like terms. Example: “Please locate the following items: pens, pencils, and highlighters.” Capitalize the first letter of ALL proper nouns (names, places, etc.) Ex. Juarez, Mexico or Washington National Monument Joshua, Ashley, Michael, Brittany (You already know this rule—APPLY it!) Short Stories and Poems – Use quotation marks- “Title” Novels and Plays – Use italics if typing but underline if writing- Example: The Tragedy or Romeo and Juliet <-if typed on a computer The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet <-if handwritten Put quotation marks around all quotes/dialogue Ex. “Ya’ll gonna make me lose my mind up in here, up in here.”- DMX Use apostrophes to show possession. Ex. Mr. Melancon’s calculator broke yesterday.      

Use “a” if before a consonant, and “an” before a vowel. Ex. “A car” or “an owl” There (a place); their (people); they’re (a contraction) Ex. They're over there in their new house. Then (time, what comes next) vs. Than (comparison between 2 things) Ex. LSU is better than Alabama. First I’ll walk the dogs, then I will cook dinner. Accept (to receive) vs. Except ( to exclude) Ex. I would like to accept this award. I love everyone, except Alabama.