The Basics of Grammar: When to Capitalize, How to Use Numbers, Commas, Semi-Colons, Hyphens, Colons, and Quotation Marks

Word processors have, for the most part, eliminated the basic knowledge of English grammar. This guide will reestablish the guidelines to help you write to the best of your ability.

Capitalization

There are two basic rules for capitalization in titles: (1) the first and last words of every title are ALWAYS capitalized, and (2) all other words except prepositions, conjunctions, and articles are capitalized (unless, of course, they are either the first or the last word of the title).

Numbers

Determining when to use a numerical value and when to spell out numbers can become tricky. There are five general rules to writing numbers:

1. Spell out all numbers from one to ninety-nine.
2. Write out numbers that have many zeros, such as one million.
3. If a number is beginning a sentence, it should be written.
4. Statistics should be numerals.
5. When pluralizing numbers, no apostrophe is needed.

It is most important to be consistence in your usage. Do not mix and match writing out numbers and using numerals in the same sentence.

Quotation Marks

Many people are confused when it comes to quotation marks. When quoting, the verbal or written statement should be inside quotations.

Commas and periods should always be inside quotation marks.

Exclamation marks and question marks are only used inside quotation marks when part of the statement.

Commas

Use commas between two or more adjectives in a series unless the last adjective is considered part of the noun it is describing.

If you use an introductory phrase or clause to begin a sentence, a comma should be used.

Example: Because they wanted more ice cream, they returned to Ben & Jerry's.

Hyphen

As a general rule, use a hyphen for compound modifiers preceding a noun.

A compound modifier is two or more words used as a single adjective.

Example: The ball was placed on the two-yard line.

Compound modifiers that are placed after a noun or have an adverb as the first part do not get hyphenated.

Example: He ate a freshly powdered donut.

Semi-Colon

There are two basic rules for semi-colon usage: (1) to separate clauses of a compound sentence instead of using a coordinating conjunction (and, but or, nor, for, yet, so) and (2) to join main clauses of sentences when using moreover, nevertheless, consequently, however, therefore, accordingly, indeed, in fact, otherwise.

Colon

Colons are perhaps the most confusing of the bunch. They can be used between clauses of a compound sentence when the second clause explains or illustrates the first clause.

Example: The boy couldn't see: he had broken his glasses before the movie.

Colons are used to introduce lists at the end of a complete sentence.

Example: Bravo has introduced a successful series of popular reality shows: Project Runway, Top Chef, and Top Designer.