ASPECTS OF WRITING

9/17/2013 The heading, header, spacing, and titles Contractions and the difference between possession Get/to get & forbidden words Citations Commas, comma splices Ellipses Numbers Proofread

Comma Splices A comma splice is the use of a comma to join two independent clauses. An independent clause is a complete thought and/or sentence that can stand on its own. There is only an apostrophe when using “it is” Sample: It is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark. Related vs. Not Related Ideas Comma splices are always considered errors in writing, aside from certain situations, such as when being poetic or with short, similar phrases.

Semicolons and “However” Semicolons are used to merge two sentences in order to make them one. “However” is considered a transitional phrase (e.g., however, as a result, consequently ) There is always a comma after a transitional phrase but not before. EXAMPLES 1.)Everyone knows he is guilty; of course, it will never be proved. 2.)Sarah's guest was turned away by the doorman; as a result, she left before the presentations. 3.)She does not loathe chess, on the contrary, she quite likes it.

Ellipses Ellipses: is a series of dots that usually indicate an intentional omission of a word, sentence or whole section from the original text being quoted. Ellipses can also be used to indicate an unfinished thought or, at the end of a sentence, a trailing off into silence: "But I thought he was...". The ellipsis calls for a slight pause in speech or any form of text, and can be used to suggest a tense or awkward momentary silence. COMMON MISTAKE: “I thought about many things that day…He did too”

Numbers Spell out single-digit whole numbers. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine. Examples: I want five copies. I want 10 copies.

ALWAYS PROOFREAD BEFORE YOU PRINT AND AFTER!!!!!! THIS WILL SAVE YOU FROM MAKING ERRORS!!!!!!!!!!