2021年1月23日发(作者：偎依)
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Commas


Rule 1
To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
Example:

My $$10

million

estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew.

Omitting the comma after
son
would indicate that the son and nephew would have to split one-third of the estate.
Rule 2
Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word
and
can be inserted between them.
Examples:

He is a strong, healthy man.

We stayed at an expensive summer resort.
You would not say
expensive and summer resort
, so no comma.
Rule 3
Use a comma when an
-ly
adjective is used with other adjectives.
NOTE:
To test whether an
-ly
word is an adjective, see if it can be used alone with the noun. If it can, use the
comma.
Examples:

Felix was a lonely, young boy.

I get headaches in brightly lit rooms.

Brightly
is not an adjective because it cannot be used alone with
rooms
;
therefore, no comma is used between
brightly
and
lit
.
Rule 4
Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.
Examples:

Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me?

Yes, Doctor, I will.

NOTE: Capitalize a title when directly addressing someone.
Rule 5a
Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year.
Example:

Kathleen met her husband on December 5, 2003, in Mill Valley, California.

Rule 5b
If any part of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.
Example:

They met in December 2003 in Mill Valley.

Rule 6
Use a comma to separate the city from the state and after the state in a document. If you use the two-letter
capitalized form of a state in a document, you do not need a comma after the state.
NOTE:
With addresses on envelopes mailed via the post office, do not use any punctuation.
Examples:

I lived in San Francisco, California, for 20 years.

I lived in San Francisco, CA for 20 years.

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Rule 7
Use commas to surround degrees or titles used with names. Commas are no longer required around
Jr.
and
Sr.
Commas never set off
II, III,
and so forth.
Example:

Al Mooney, M.D., knew Sam Sunny Jr. and Charles Starr III.

Rule 8
Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt sentence flow.
Example:

I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this.

Rule 9
When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it. Conversely, do not use a comma when the
sentence starts with a strong clause followed by a weak clause.
Examples:

If you are not sure about this, let me know now.

Let me know now if you are not sure about this.

Rule 10
Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three
words, the comma is optional.
Examples:

To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.

On February 14 many couples give each other candy or flowers.

OR

On February 14, many couples give each other candy or flowers.

Rule 11
If something or someone is sufficiently identified, the description following it is considered nonessential and
should be surrounded by commas.
Examples:

Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident.

Freddy
is named, so the description is not essential.
The boy who has a limp was in an auto accident.
We do not know which boy is being referred to without further
description; therefore, no commas are used.
Rule 12
Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction--
and, or, but, for, nor
. You can
omit the comma if the clauses are both short.
Examples:

I have painted the entire house, but he is still working on sanding the doors.

I paint and he writes.

Rule 13
Use the comma to separate two sentences if it will help avoid confusion.
Examples:

I chose the colors red and green, and blue was his first choice.

Rule 14
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A
comma splice
is an error caused by joining two strong clauses with only a comma instead of separating the
clauses with a conjunction, a semicolon, or a period. A
run-on sentence
, which is incorrect, is created by joining
two strong clauses without any punctuation.
Incorrect:

Time flies when we are having fun, we are always having fun.
(Comma splice)
Time flies when we are having fun we are always having fun.
(Run-on sentence)
Correct:

Time flies when we are having fun; we are always having fun.

OR


Time flies when we are having fun, and we are always having fun.
(Comma is optional because both strong
clauses are short.)
OR

Time flies when we are having fun. We are always having fun.

Rule 15
If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, do not use a comma.
Example:

He thought quickly but still did not answer correctly.

Rule 16
Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines.
Examples:

He actually said,



Rule 17
Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.
Example:

I can go, can't I?

Rule 18
Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
Example:

That is my money, not yours.

Rule 19
Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as
well
,
now
, or
yes
.
Examples:

Yes, I do need that report.

Well, I never thought I'd live to se
e the day…

Rule 20
Use commas surrounding words such as
therefore
and
however
when they are used as interrupters.
Examples:

I would, therefore, like a response.

I would be happy, however, to volunteer for the Red Cross.

Rule 21
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Use either a comma or a semicolon before introductory words such as
namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g.,
or
for
instance
when they are followed by a series of items. Use a comma after the introductory word.
Examples:

You may be required to bring many items, e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

OR

You may be required to bring many items; e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

NOTE:

i.e.
means
that is; e.g.
means
for example



Apostrophes
Rule 1

Use the apostrophe with contractions. The apostrophe is always placed at the spot where the letter(s) has been
removed.
Examples:

don't, isn't

You're right.

She's a great teacher.

Rule 2
Use the apostrophe to show possession. Place the apostrophe before the
s
to show singular possession.
Examples:

one boy's hat

one woman's hat

one actress's hat

one child's hat

Ms. Chang's house

NOTE:
Although names ending in
s
or an
s
sound are not required to have the second
s
added in possessive form,
it is preferred.
Examples:

Mr. Jones's golf clubs

Texas's weather

Ms. Straus's daughter

Jose Sanchez's artwork

Dr. Hastings's appointment (
name is
Hastings)

Mrs. Lees's books (
name is
Lees)

Rule 3
Use the apostrophe where the noun that should follow is implied.
Example:

This was his father's, not his, jacket.

Rule 4
To show plural possession, make the noun plural first. Then immediately use the apostrophe.
Examples:

two boys' hats two women's hats

two actresses' hats

two children's hats

the Changs' house

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the Joneses' golf clubs

the Strauses' daughter

the Sanchezes' artwork

the Hastingses' appointment

the Leeses' books

Rule 5
Do not use an apostrophe for the plural of a name.
Examples:

We visited the Sanchezes in Los Angeles.

The Changs have two cats and a dog.

Rule 6
With a singular compound noun, show possession with
's
at the end of the word.
Example:

my mother-in-law's hat

Rule 7
If the compound noun is plural, form the plural first and then use the apostrophe.
Example:

my two brothers-in-law's hats

Rule 8
Use the apostrophe and
s
after the second name only if two people possess the same item.
Examples:

Cesar and Maribel's home is constructed of redwood.

Cesar's and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year.

Indicates separate ownership.
Cesar and Maribel's job contracts will be renewed next year.

Indicates joint ownership of more than one contract.
Rule 9
Never use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns:
his, hers, its, theirs, ours, yours, whose
. They already show
possession so they do not require an apostrophe.
Correct:

This book is hers, not yours.

Incorrect:

Sincerely your's.

Rule 10
The only time an apostrophe is used for
it's
is when it is a contraction for
it is
or
it has
.
Examples:

It's a nice day.

It's your right to refuse the invitation.

It's been great getting to know you.

Rule 11
The plurals for capital letters and numbers used as nouns are not formed with apostrophes.
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Examples:

She consulted with three M.D.s.

BUT

She went to three M.D.s' offices.

The apostrophe is needed here to show plural possessive.
She learned her ABCs.

the 1990s
not
the 1990's

the '90s or the mid-'70s
not
the '90's or the mid-'70's

She learned her times tables for 6s and 7s.

Exception:

Use apostrophes with capital letters and numbers when the meaning would be unclear otherwise.
Examples:

Please dot your i's.

You don't mean
is
.
Ted couldn't distinguish between his 6's and 0's.

You need to use the apostrophe to indicate the plural of
zero
or it will look like the word
Os.
To be consistent
within a sentence, you would also use the apostrophe to indicate the plural of
6's.

Rule 12
Use the possessive case in front of a gerund (-
ing
word).
Examples:

Alex's skating was a joy to behold.

This does not stop Joan's inspecting of our facilities next Thursday.

Rule 13
If the gerund has a pronoun in front of it, use the possessive form of that pronoun.
Examples:

I appreciate your inviting me to dinner.

I appreciated his working with me to resolve the conflict.


pleasure at seeing your view on the apostrophe and names ending in an
s
.
—
John Richards



Colons


Rule 1
Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as
namely
,
for
example
, or
that is
do not appear.
Examples:

You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.

I want an assistant who can do the following: (1) input data, (2) write reports, and (3) complete tax forms.

Rule 2
A colon should not precede a list unless it follows a complete sentence; however, the colon is a style choice that
some publications allow.
Examples:

If a waitress wants to make a good impression on her customers and boss, she should (a) dress appropriately, (b)
calculate the bill carefully, and (c) be courteous to customers.

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There are three ways a waitress can make a good impression on her boss and her customers:

(a) Dress appropriately.
(b) Calculate the bill carefully.
(c) Be courteous to customers.

I want an assistant who can (1) input data, (2) write reports, and (3) complete tax forms.

Rule 3
Capitalization and punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases in bulleted form. If each bullet or
numbered point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end each sentence with proper ending
punctuation. The rule of thumb is to be consistent.
Examples:

I want an assistant who can do the following:

(a) input data,
(b) write reports, and
(c) complete tax forms.

The following are requested:
(a) Wool sweaters for possible cold weather.
(b) Wet suits for snorkeling.
(c) Introductions to the local dignitaries.

OR

The following are requested:

(a) wool sweaters for possible cold weather

(b) wet suits for snorkeling

(c) introductions to the local dignitaries

NOTE:
With lists, you may use periods after numbers and letters instead of parentheses.
These are some of the pool rules:

1. Do not run.

2. If you see unsafe behavior, report it to the lifeguard.

3. Have fun!

Rule 4
Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the second sentence explains or illustrates the
first sentence and no coordinating conjunction is being used to connect the sentences. If only one sentence follows
the colon, do not capitalize the first word of the new sentence. If two or more sentences follow the colon,
capitalize the first word of each sentence following.
Examples:

I enjoy reading: novels by Kurt Vonnegut are among my favorites.

Garlic is used in Italian cooking: It greatly enhances the flavor of pasta dishes. It also enhances the flavor of
eggplant.

Rule 5
Use the colon to introduce a direct quotation that is more than three lines in length. In this situation, leave a blank
line above and below the quoted material. Single space the long quotation. Some style manuals say to indent
one-half inch on both the left and right margins; others say to indent only on the left margin. Quotation marks are
not used.
Example:

The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter:


Georgia went back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in the translucent
glass of the overhead light. Her father was in ―hyper mode‖ again where nothing could calm him down.

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He’d been talking nonstop for a week about remodeling projects, following her around the house as she
tried to escape his chatter. He was just about to crash, she knew.

Rule 6
Use the colon to follow the salutation of a business letter even when addressing someone by his/her first name.
Never use a semicolon after a salutation. A comma is used after the salutation for personal correspondence.
Example:

Dear Ms. Rodriguez:




Dashes



There are many uses of the
en
and
em dash
and also many ways to form these dashes using your computer. The
following explanations offer the most common uses and methods for forming these dashes.
En Dash
An
en dash
, roughly the width of an
n
, is a little longer than a hyphen. It is used for periods of time when you
might otherwise use
to
.
Examples:

The years 2001
–
2003

January
–
June

An
en dash
is also used in place of a hyphen when combining open compounds.
Examples:

North Carolina
–
Virginia border

a high school
–
college conference

Most authorities recommend using no spaces before or after
en
or
em dashes
. To form an
en dash
with most PCs,
type the first number or word, then hold down the ALT key while typing 0150 on the numerical pad on the right
side of your keyboard. Then type the second number or word.
Em Dash
An
em dash
is the width of an
m.
Use an
em dash
sparingly in formal writing. In informal writing,
em dashes

may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an
abrupt change of thought.
Examples:

You are the friend
—
the only friend
—
who offered to help me.

Never have I met such a lovely person
—
before you.

I pay the bills
—
she has all the fun.

A semicolon would be used here in formal writing.
I need three items at the store
—
dog food, vegetarian chili, and cheddar cheese.

Remember, a colon would be used here in formal writing.
My agreement with Fiona is clear
—
she teaches me French and I teach her German.

Again, a colon would work here in formal writing.
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