1. Colons, Capitalization, Italics, Quotation marks
Grammar
Colons, Capitalization, Italics, Quotation marks

2. Capitalization Capitalize the first word of every sentence.
Always capitalize the pronoun I.
Capitalize the first word of a direct quotation only if the quotation is a complete sentence.
Ex. A familiar saying states, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

3. Always capitalize proper nouns
Always capitalize proper nouns. If the noun is composed of several words, do not capitalize articles.
Ex. Tom and Ron’s Bicycle Shop
Capitalize titles before a proper name and titles used in a direct address.
Ex. Yes, Captain, I will do that.

4. Capitalize a title showing family relationships when used with or in place of a proper noun.
Ex. Will my grandma go?
Will Grandma go?
Capitalize names of ethnic groups, religions, nationalities, and languages
Ex. Native Americans, English, Peruvian

5. Capitalize names of clubs, organizations, institutions, and political parties.
Ex. Environmental Protection Agency, First National Bank, Earlham College
Capitalize names of monuments, geographical terms, holidays, historical events, and titles of works.
Ex. Eiffel Tower, Chicago, Labor Day, The Lion King

6. Capitalize proper adjectives.
Ex. Marxist philosophy, Napoleonic code
Capitalize names of classes only if they are languages or followed by a number.
Ex. Algebra I or French

7. Italics and quotation marks
Using italics is the same as underlining.
Use italics or underline: titles of books, lengthy poems, television series, paintings and sculptures
Ex. A Raisin in the Sun, Gilgamesh, Desperate Housewives, and Mona Lisa

8. Use italics or underline: newspapers, magazines, ships, trains, court cases, and long musical compositions, movies, and albums.
The Tennessean, Ebony, Titanic, Chicago Zephyr, Marbury v. Madison, The Magic Flute, Finding Nemo, Can You Stand the Rain
Use Italics on words, letters, and numerals used as themselves.
Ex. Write T for true and F for false.

9. Italicize foreign words and expressions that are not used frequently in English.
He believes in the motto carpe diem, “seize the day”.

10. Quotation Marks
Use quotation marks for short stories, poems, newspaper articles, songs, and essays.
Ex. “ The Minister’s Black Veil”, “ Annabel Lee”, “Instant Theater”, “Poison”, “Nature”

11. Colons
Use a colon to introduce a list ( unless it follows a verb or preposition)
Ex. These instruments are in the strings section: violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Use a colon between the hour and minute of the time, between the chapter and verse of biblical references, and after a salutation of a business letter.
Ex. 7:20 p.m., John 3:16, Dear John:

12. Use a colon to introduce material that explains or restates material just stated.
Ex. The cause of the supernova was obvious: a star exploded.
Use a colon before long or formal quotations.
Ex. Thus Hamlet ponders: “To be or not to be: that is the question.