Larbi Ben M’hidi University, Oum El Bouaghi Module : CPE
Faculty of Letters and Languages Level : L1/ G.2 +G.10
Department of English Teacher : Dr. Azeroual
Lecture 04: Punctuation
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Capitalization is the writing of a word with its first letter in uppercase
and the remaining letters in lowercase. Experienced writers are stingy with
capitals. It is best not to use them if there is any doubt.
Rule 1. Capitalize the first word of a document and the first word after a
period.
Rule 2. Capitalize proper nouns—and adjectives derived from proper
nouns.
Examples: the Golden Gate Bridge
the Grand Canyon
Rule 3. Capitalize titles when they are used before names
Example:
Chairman of the Board William Bly will preside at the conference.
Rule 4. Do not capitalize occupations before full names.
Examples: director Steven Spielberg - coach Biff Sykes
Rule 5. Capitalize a formal title when it is used as a direct address.
Example: Will you take my temperature, Doctor?
Rule 6 Capitalize specific geographical regions. Do not capitalize points of
the compass.
Examples: We had three relatives visit from the West.
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Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks.
Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they’re not as final as periods.
Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series
of three or more items.
Example: We had coffee, cheese and crackers and grapes.
Rule 2. In sentences where two independent clauses are joined by
connectors such as and, or, but, etc., put a comma at the end of the first
clause.
Rule 3. Use a comma after certain words that introduce a sentence, such
as well, yes, why, hello, hey, etc.
Examples: Why, I can’t believe this!
No, you can’t have a dollar.
Rule 4. Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt the sentence
flow (nevertheless, after all, by the way, on the other hand, however, etc.).
Example: I am, by the way, very nervous about this.
Rule 5. Use commas to set off the name, nickname, term of endearment,
or title of a person directly addressed.
Examples: Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me?
Rule 11. Use commas to set off nonessential words, clauses, and
phrases .
Example: Jill, who is my sister, shut the door.
appositive comma. Many writers forget to add this important comma.
Following are two instances of the need for an appositive comma with one
or more nouns.
Example: My best friend, Joe, arrived.
Rule 6. Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year, and
—what most people forget!—always put one after the year, also.
Example: It was in the Sun’s June 5, 2003, edition.
Rule 7. Use a comma to separate a city from its state, and remember to
put one after the state, also.
Example: I’m from the Akron, Ohio, area.
Rule 8. When starting a sentence with a dependent clause, use a comma
after it.
Example: If you are not sure about this, let me know now.
Rule 09. Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations.
Examples: He said, “I don’t care.”
“Why,” I asked, “don’t you care?”
Rule 10. Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.
Example: I can go, can’t I?
Rule 11. Commas should precede the term etc. and enclose it if it is
placed midsentence.
Example: Sleeping bags, pans, warm clothing, etc., are in the tent.
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Like commas, semicolons indicate an audible pause—slightly longer than a
comma’s, but short of a period’s full stop.
Rule 1. A semicolon can replace a period if the writer wishes to narrow the
gap between two closely linked sentences.
Example: Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.
Rule 2. Use a semicolon before such words and terms as namely,
however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance, etc., when
they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable
to use a comma after these words and terms.
Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in
short supply.
Rule 3. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of
the units contain commas.
Example: The conference has people who have come from Moscow,
Idaho; Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well.
Rule 4. A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by
a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas
appear in the first clause.
Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and
that is a promise I will keep.