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Using End Punctuation: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-09 17:06:42 UTC

Use a period at the end of a declarative

sentence. A declarative sentence makes a

sentence.

Example: I play basketball.

Example: I have homework tonight.

Using End Punctuation: Rule #2

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-09 17:13:26 UTC

Use a period at the end of an imperative sentence.

An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a

request.

Example: Make me a sandwich. [command]

Example: Please go start the car. [request]

Using End Punctuation: Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-09 17:18:43 UTC

Use a question mark at the end of an interrogative

sentence. And interrogative sentence asks a

question.

Example: Who was George Washington ?

Example: What did you have for lunch ?

Using End Punctuation: Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-09 17:21:02 UTC

Use an exclamation point at the end of an exclamatory

sentence. An exclamatory sentence express STRONG FEELING.

Example: That is so cute!

Example: I want that now!

Using End Punctuation: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-09 17:23:59 UTC

Use an exclamation point after a strong interjection.

An interjection is a word or group of words that express.

emotion.

Example: No way! Hey!!!

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 03:04:05 UTC

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 03:08:00 UTC

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 03:08:55 UTC

Using Commas I : Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 03:10:44 UTC

Separate three or more word, phrases, or clauses

in a series.

Example: Volleyball, football, and basketball are fun sports to

play.

Example: In the fridge, by the milk, under the shelf is your lunch.

Using Commas I : Rule #2

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 03:16:58 UTC

Set off an introductory word such as yes, no, or well.

Example: Yes, Marion got first in the race.

Example: No, she didn't get first in high jump.

Using Commas I : Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 03:21:06 UTC

Set off names used in direct address.

Example: Bailee, have you ever been to Spain?

Example: I have been to Spain, I went last year.

Using Commas I : Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 16:41:17 UTC

Set off two or more prepositional phrases at the

beginning of a sentence. Set off a single long prepositional

phrase at the beginning of a sentence.

Example: In the summer of 1913, my grandpa was president.

Example: He was always into politics, even at the age of 15.

Using Commas I: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 16:47:15 UTC

set off participles ad participial phrases at the

beginning of a sentence.

Example: Joking around, Martin got hurt.

Example: In band, I had to play a solo.

(Set off a participial phrase that is not essential

to the meaning of the sentence.)

Using Commas I: Rule #6

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 16:51:04 UTC

Set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.

Example: Soccer players, never, buy used cleats.

Example: Parents, of course, ground you sometimes.

Using Commas I: Rule #7

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 16:55:20 UTC

Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb, such as however, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, or therefore.

Example: The is zoo is to boring now days; therefore it will

shut down soon.

Example: Apple products are selling at a rate of 87%; nevertheless almost ever kid has an Ipod.

Using Commas I: Rule #8

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 17:00:51 UTC

Set off an appositive that is not essential to the

meaning of a sentence.

Example: Belle Boyd, a Confederate spy, died in 1900

Example: Jackie Robinson, a African American baseball player, played for the Dodgers.

Using Commas II: Rule #9

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 17:06:38 UTC

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction

(and, but, or, or for) that connects the two parts of a

compound sentence.

Example: Jasmine went to the garage, but it was locked

Example: Mari called her mother, but no one answered.

Using Commas II: Rule #10

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 17:10:31 UTC

Set off an adverb clause at the beginning of a sentence. An adverb clause begins with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, or while.

Example: Whenever I'm happy, I sing a song.

(Usually, an adverb clause that falls at the end of a sentence)

Example: I sing a song whenever I'm happy.

Using Commas II: Rule #11

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 17:22:00 UTC

Set off a nonessential adjective clause. A nonessential adjective clause simply gives additional information and is not necessary to the meaning of a sentence. An adjective clause usually begins with a relative pronoun, such as who, whom, whose, which, or that.

Example: Our school, which is made of brick, is on Main Street.

(Don't set off an essential adjective clause. An essential adjective clause is necessary to the meaning of a sentence.)

Example: That school made of brick is on Main Street

Using Commas III: Rule #12

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:13:46 UTC

In a date, set off the year when it's used with both the month and the day. Don't use a comma if only the month and year are given.

Example: She was born on April 10, 1934, in Mississippi.

Example: She was born April 1934 in Mississippi.

Using Commas III: Rule #13

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:18:03 UTC

Set off the name of a state or a country when its used after the name of a city. Set off the name of a city. Set off the name of a city when its used after a street address. Don't use a comma after the state if its followed by a ZIP code.

Example: The family was traveling from Hill City, South Dakota, to Florida.

Example: You can see Amanda at Tiger Valley, Santa Cruz, CA 79855.

Using Commas III: Rule #14

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:23:46 UTC

Set off an abbreviated title or degree following a person's name.

Example: Mandy Stetson, Ph.D., will be you professor.

Example: Mari Lind, M.D., is my physician.

Using Comma's III: Rule #15

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:28:54 UTC

Set off too when its used in the middle of the sentence and means "also." Don't set off too at the end of a sentence.

Example: Kenzie's parents, too, will attend the graduation.

Example: Mrs. Duffy will attend the graduation too.

Using Commas III: Rule #16

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:32:23 UTC

Set off a direct quotation.

Example: Chance asked, "How are you?"

Example: "I'm good," I replied, "how are you?"

Example: "I'm good," said Chance.

Using Commas III: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:35:54 UTC

Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and a business letter.

Example: Dear Friend, Sincerely Katy, Yours truly

Using Commas III: Rule #18

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:38:32 UTC

Use a comma to prevent misreading.

Example: Lets eat Mother. JUST KIDDING! Lets eat, Mother.

Using Semicolons and Colons: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-10 20:43:35 UTC

Use a semicolon to join the main clauses of a compound sentence if they're not joined by a conjunction such as and, but, or, nor, or for.

Example: The Hill City Rangers were the state champions; they worked very hard for their win.

Example: The Federal Bank is giving out loans for college; many students pay off their loan 5 years after they finish college.

Using Semicolons and Colons: Rule #2

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 16:46:11 UTC

Use a semicolon to join the main clauses of a compound sentence if they're long and if they already contain commas. Use a semicolon even if the clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, nor, or for.

Example: Before electricity people used candles, lanterns, and open fires; then electricity was invented and was put into most modern homes.

Example: Shela has three sisters named Amy, Rachel, and Mia; but Amy and Rachel are her step-sisters.

Using Semicolons and Colons: Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 16:53:09 UTC

Use a semicolon to separate main clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb, such as consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, or therefore.

Example: I finished my homework before dinner; however I spent most of my time on it.

Example: Amanda played baseball all summer; nevertheless she was the best on her team.

Using Semicolons and Colons: Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 17:04:00 UTC

Use a colon to introduce a list of items that ends a sentence. Use a word or phrase such as these, the following, or as followers before the list.

Example: I'll need these items for track: track spikes, running shoes, black shorts, ankle brace, and sunscreen.

Example: Do as follows: eat lunch, go to the store, feed the dog, and take a shower.

(Don't use a colon immediately after a verb or a preposition.)

Using Semicolons and Colons: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 17:08:43 UTC

Use a colon to separate the hour and the minutes when you use numerals to write the time of the day or night.

Example: It was 2:30 when school got out.

Example: I woke up at 5:30 this morning.

Using Semicolons and Colons: Rule #6

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 17:14:39 UTC

Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter.

Example: Dear Dr. Goodwater:

Dear Editor in Chief:

Using Quotation Marks and Italics: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 20:14:22 UTC

Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation.

Example: "Please pick up your toys in the basement," said Mary.

Example: "I couldn't get the door shut will you help me?" said Terry.

Using Quotation Marks and Italics: Rule #

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 20:17:59 UTC

Use quotation marks to enclose each part of an interrupted quotation.

Example: "School work," explained Pam, "is very important."

Example: "Why," asked Susie, " wouldn't that just make things worse."

Using Quotation Marks and Italics: Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 20:21:37 UTC

Use commas to set off an explanatory phrase, such as he said, from the quotation itself. Place commas inside closing quotation marks.

Example: "School work," explained Pam, "is very important."

Example: "Why," asked Susie, "wouldn't that just make things worse."

Using Quotation Marks and Italics: Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 20:25:38 UTC

Place a period inside closing quotatin marks.

Example: "Why are you here?"

Example: "Please, would you pick up your stuff."

Using Quotation Marks and Italics: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-11 20:28:25 UTC

Place a question mark or an exclamation point inside the closing quotation marks if it's part of the quotation.

Example: Jack asked "How long have I been here?"

Place

Using Apostrophes: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 16:46:42 UTC

Use an apostrophe and s ('s) to form the possessive of a singular

Example: boy+'s= boy's

Example: Rachel+ 's= Rachel's

Using Apostrophes: Rule #2

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 16:51:00 UTC

Use an apostrophe and s ('s) to form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in s.

Example: Women+ 's= women's

Example: Deer+ 's= Deer's

Using Apostrophes: Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 16:53:58 UTC

Use an apostrophe alone to form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in s.

Example: Girls+'= Girls'

Example: Dogs+ '= dogs'

Using Apostrophes: Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 16:58:03 UTC

Use an apostrophe and s ('s) to form the possessive of an indefinite pronoun, such as everyone, everybody, anyone, no one, or nobody.

Example: Everyone+ 's= Everyone's

Don't use an apostrophe in the possessive personal pronouns ours, yours, his hers, its, and theirs.

Example: That book is ours.

No its hers.

Using Apostrophes: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 17:03:18 UTC

Use an apostrophe to replace letters that are omitted in a contraction.

Example: I will = I'll or do not= Don't

Example: Would not= wouldn't

Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 17:06:22 UTC

Use a hyphen to divide a word at the end of a line. Divide words only between syllables.

Example: I know that many of you are disa-pointed.

Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses: Rule #2

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 17:09:23 UTC

Use a hyphen in compound numbers.

Example: Rachel is twenty-one.

Example: We only have sixty-five more boxes to load.

Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses: Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 17:11:40 UTC

Use a hyphen in fractions expressed in words.

Example: Mix one cup of oil and one-half cup of flour.

Example: Only two-fourths past the test.

Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses: Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 17:16:24 UTC

Use a hyphen or hyphens in certain compound nouns. Check a dictionary for the correct way to write a compound sentence.

Example: "Hello," said Margret. That's my great-aunt she told her friends.

Example: He is my sister-in-law.

Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 17:22:36 UTC

Use a hyphen in a compound modifier when it comes

Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses: Rule #7

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:18:13 UTC

Use dashes to set off a sudden break or change in thought speech or sentence.

Example: McKenzie Flag-my neighbor- feel and broke her arm.

Example: My dog-Bandit- dug a hole in the back yard.

Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses: Rule #8

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:19:58 UTC

Use parentheses to set off words that define or explain a word.

Example: Aptitude test (a test that helps determine what you are going to be) are used every year in my school.

Example: Dales Famous BBQ (the best restaurant in Hill City) is going to be open on Sudays.

Using Abbreviations: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:23:55 UTC

Use the abbreviations Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Dr. before a person' name. Abbreviate professional or academic degrees that follow a person's name. Abbreviate Junior as Jr. and Senior as Sr. when they follow a person's name.

Example: Dr. Simmons, is my real doctor.

Example: James Jr.

Using Abbreviations: Rule #2

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:30:07 UTC

Use capital letters and no periods for abbreviations that are pronounced letter by letter or as words. Expectations are U.S and Washington, D.C., which should have periods.

Example: TTYL *autocorrect* Talk to you later.

Example: NASA= National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Using Abbreviations: Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:34:24 UTC

Use the abbreviations A.M. and P.M. with times. For dates use B.C. and, sometimes, A.D.

Example: 7:33 P.M. or 7:33 A.M.

Example: 450 B.C. or 560 A.D.

Using Abbreviations: Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:37:21 UTC

Abbreviate days and months only in charts and lists.

Example: Mon. Tues. Wed. Mar. Feb.

Example: The days on the calendar are spelled wrong!

Using Abbreviations: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:39:30 UTC

In scientific writing, abbreviate units of measure. Use periods with abbreviations of U.S. units but not with abbreviations of metric units.

Example: Inches= in.

Example: Foot or Feet = ft.

Using Abbreviations: Rule #6

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:42:12 UTC

In addressing envelopes, abbreviate words that refer to streets. Spell out these words everywhere else.

Example: *signing an letter with address* 210 Walnut Ave.

Example: *giving directions* I live at the corner of Main Street and Elm Road.

Using Abbreviations: Rule #7

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:45:25 UTC

In addressing envelopes, use the two-letter postal abbreviations for states. Spell out everywhere else.

Example: I live in South Dakota.

Example: *mailing* Rapid City, SD

Using Abbreviations: Rule #8

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-15 20:48:38 UTC

When an abbreviation with a period falls at the end of a sentence, don't add another period. Add a question mark if the sentence is interrogative; add an exclamation point if the sentence is exclamatory.

Example: I am reading about Martin Luther King Jr.

Example: have you learned about Martin Luther King Jr.?

Writing Numbers: Rule #1

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 16:45:10 UTC

Spell out numbers you can write in one or two words. If the number is greater than 999,999.

Example: There are four students that are late everyday.

Writing Numbers: Rule #2

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 16:54:24 UTC

Use numerals for numbers of more than two words.

The distance between here and Custer is about 20 miles

Writing Numbers: Rule #3

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 16:56:07 UTC

Spell out any number that begins a sentence or reword the sentence so it doesn't begin with a number.

Example: five hundred fifty-six people at the school concert.

Example: The attendance at the concert was 556 people.

Writing Numbers: Rule #4

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 16:59:06 UTC

Use figures for numbers greater than 999,999, followed by the word million, billion, and so on, even if the number could be written in two words.

Example: 45 million, 2 billion.

Writing Numbers: Rule #5

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 17:01:25 UTC

Numbers of the same kid should be written in the same way. If one number must be written as a numeral so should the others.

Example: 22 children moved this year. But your class only had 2 of the 22 move.

Writing Numbers: Rule #6

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 17:04:03 UTC

Spell out ordinal numbers (first, second, third.....)

Example: She came in first.

Writing Numbers: Rule #7

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 17:05:24 UTC

Use words to write the time of day unless you are using A.M. or P.M.

Example: School gets out at four o'clock.

Writing Numbers: Rule #

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 17:07:29 UTC

Use numerals to write dates, house numbers, street numbers, ect.

WRITE OUT PERCENT!

Example: I got a 92 percent on my test.

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 17:12:31 UTC

bstraw2018 — 2014-04-16 17:15:56 UTC