English Grammar Punctuation Rules Simplified /
A grammar and punctuation book that has the rules and well-written examples /
Jai Kumar Gupta /
1/12/2010 /
Topics include grammar, punctuation, capitalization, writing numbers, spelling, vocabulary, confusing words, and synonyms & antonyms. Perfect for teachers, students, homeschooling families, businesses, and trainers. /
Disclaimer
This learning module has been prepared as a learning tool to provide a description of the basic information related to English grammar punctuation rules compiled in an interesting format to make the subject easy and interesting especially for the school going kids who think the subject to be boring and exhaustive.
English grammar is a fascinating subject, there are so many amazing things to learn and discover. Thankfully you've got a lot of time to research, practice and feeling of various applications of computers in normal day to day life activities in surrounding!
Read on to find more while remembering that as society changes and technology develops so too does our understanding of English grammar punctuation rules and the world around us. What is ‘fact’ today may be disproved tomorrow.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
Table of Contents
Punctuation Rules
Chapter 1 - Punctuation, Capitalization, and Writing Numbers Pretest
Chapter 2a - Spacing with Punctuation
Chapter 2b - Capitalization
Chapter 2c - Writing Numbers
Punctuation, Capitalization, and Writing Numbers Mastery Test
Chapter 3a - Periods
Chapter 3b - Ellipsis Marks
The Three-dot Method
Chapter 4 - Commas
Commas Quiz
Chapter 5a - Colons
Chapter 5b - Semicolons
Semicolons and Colons Quiz
Chapter 6a - Question Marks
Chapter 6b - Quotation Marks
Chapter 6c - Parentheses
Question Marks, Quotation Marks, and Parentheses Quiz
Chapter 7a - Exclamation Points
Chapter 7b - Apostrophes
Apostrophes Quiz
Chapter 8a - Dashes
Chapter 8b - Hyphens
Hyphens Between Words
Hyphens with Prefixes
Hyphens between Words Quiz
Hyphens with -ly Words Quiz
Hyphen with Prefixes Quiz
Hyphens with re- Words Quiz
Punctuation Rules
Chapter 1 - Punctuation, Capitalization, and Writing Numbers Pretest
Top of Form
1.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Go West three blocks and turn right.B) / Go west three blocks and turn right.
C) / Go West three blocks, and turn right.
D) / Go west three blocks, and turn right.
2.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Yes, sir, I will do it immediately.B) / Yes; sir, I will do it immediately.
C) / Yes, Sir, I will do it immediately.
D) / Yes; Sir, I will do it immediately.
3.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / "How," I asked, "Can you always be so forgetful?"B) / "How," I asked, "Can you always be so forgetful"?
C) / "How," I asked, "can you always be so forgetful?"
D) / "How," I asked, "can you always be so forgetful"?
4.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / The woman, who is standing there, is his ex-wife.B) / The woman, who is standing there, is his Ex-Wife.
C) / The woman who is standing there is his Ex-Wife.
D) / The woman who is standing there is his ex-wife.
5.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Although we have a competent staff; bottlenecks do occur.B) / Although we have a competent staff, bottlenecks do occur.
C) / Although we have a competent Staff; bottlenecks do occur.
D) / Although we have a competent Staff, bottlenecks do occur.
6.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / I did not receive the order; therefore, I will not pay my bill.B) / I did not receive the order; therefore I will not pay my bill.
C) / I did not receive the order; therefore; I will not pay my bill.
7.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / We offer a variety of drinks, for instance: beer.B) / We offer a variety of drinks, for instance, beer.
C) / We offer a variety of drinks for instance, beer.
8.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Is that book yours'?B) / Is that book your's?
C) / Is that book yours?
9.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / We have much to do; for example, the carpets need vacuuming.B) / We have much to do, for example, the carpets need vacuuming.
C) / We have much to do, for example: the carpets need vacuuming.
10.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Estimates for the work have been forwarded and a breakdown of costs has been included.B) / Estimates for the work have been forwarded; and a breakdown of costs has been included.
C) / Estimates for the work have been forwarded, and a breakdown of costs has been included.
11.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Because of his embezzling the company went bankrupt.B) / Because of his embezzling, the Company went bankrupt.
C) / Because of his embezzling the Company went bankrupt.
D) / Because of his embezzling, the company went bankrupt.
12.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / A proposal, that makes harassment of whales illegal, has just passed.B) / A proposal that makes harassment of whales illegal has just passed.
13.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / You may; of course, call us anytime you wish.B) / You may of course, call us anytime you wish.
C) / You may, of course, call us anytime you wish.
D) / You may, of course call us anytime you wish.
14.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Paolo hurried to the depot to meet his aunt and two cousins.B) / Paolo hurried to the depot to meet his aunt, and two cousins.
C) / Paolo hurried to the depot to meet his Aunt and two Cousins.
D) / Paolo hurried to the depot to meet his Aunt, and two Cousins.
15.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Finish your job, it is imperative that you do.B) / Finish your job: it is imperative that you do.
C) / Finish your job it is imperative that you do.
D) / Finish your job; it is imperative that you do.
16.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Sofia's and Aidan's house was recently painted.B) / Sofia and Aidan's house was recently painted.
C) / Sofia and Aidans house was recently painted.
D) / Sofias and Aidans house was recently painted.
17.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / "Stop it!" I said. "Don't ever do that again."B) / "Stop it!" I said: "Don't ever do that again."
C) / "Stop it!" I said, "Don't ever do that again."
18.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / I would; therefore, like to have an explanation for the missing cash.B) / I would, therefore, like to have an explanation for the missing cash.
C) / I would; therefore like to have an explanation for the missing cash.
D) / I would therefore, like to have an explanation for the missing cash.
19.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / "Would you like to accompany me"? he asked.B) / "Would you like to accompany me" he asked?
C) / "Would you like to accompany me?" he asked?
D) / "Would you like to accompany me?" he asked.
20.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / I, have always had, a mental block against math.B) / I, have always had, a mental block against Math.
C) / I have always had a mental block against Math.
D) / I have always had a mental block against math.
21.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / He is a strong healthy man.B) / He is a strong, healthy man.
C) / He is a strong, healthy, man.
22.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / To apply for this job you must have previous experience.B) / To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.
C) / To apply, for this job, you must have previous experience.
23.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Marge, the woman, with blonde hair, will be our speaker this evening.B) / Marge the woman with blonde hair will be our speaker this evening.
C) / Marge, the woman with blonde hair, will be our speaker this evening.
D) / Marge, the woman with blonde hair, will be our speaker, this evening.
24.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / He thought quickly and then answered the question in complete detail.B) / He thought quickly, and then answered the question in complete detail.
C) / He thought quickly, and then answered the question, in complete detail.
25.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / He asked if he could be excused?B) / He asked if he could be excused.
26.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / It is hailing not raining.B) / It is hailing; not raining.
C) / It is hailing, not raining.
27.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / We will grant you immunity if you decide to cooperate with us.B) / We will grant you immunity, if you decide to cooperate with us.
C) / We will grant you immunity, if you decide to cooperate, with us.
28.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / You signed the contract, consequently, you must provide us with the raw materials.B) / You signed the contract; consequently you must provide us with the raw materials.
C) / You signed the contract; consequently, you must provide us with the raw materials.
D) / You signed the contract, consequently; you must provide us with the raw materials.
29.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / I would like however, to read the fine print first.B) / I would like, however, to read the fine print first.
C) / I would like; however, to read the fine print first.
D) / I would like; however to read the fine print first.
30.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / You are required to bring the following, sleeping bag, food, and a sewing kit.B) / You are required to bring the following; Sleeping bag, food, and a sewing kit.
C) / You are required to bring the following: Sleeping bag, food, and a sewing kit.
D) / You are required to bring the following: sleeping bag, food, and a sewing kit.
31.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / The three companies' computers were stolen.B) / The three companie's computers were stolen.
C) / The three company's computers were stolen.
D) / The three companys' computers were stolen.
32.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / The womens' department is upstairs and to your left.B) / The women's department is upstairs and to your left.
33.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / It hurt its paw.B) / It hurt it's paw.
34.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / One of the lawyer's left her briefcase.B) / One of the lawyers left her briefcase.
C) / One of the lawyers' left her briefcase.
35.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / "What does it take to become a licensed architect," she asked?B) / "What does it take to become a licensed architect" she asked?
C) / "What does it take to become a licensed architect"? she asked.
D) / "What does it take to become a licensed architect?" she asked.
36.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / I can't remember if her birthday falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday next year.B) / I can't remember if her birthday falls on a: Saturday, Sunday, or Monday next year.
C) / I can't remember if her birthday falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday next year.
37.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / I need to locate four states on the map, Arkansas, Ohio, Illinois, and Utah.B) / I need to locate four states on the map: Arkansas, Ohio, Illinois, and Utah.
C) / I need to locate four states on the map; Arkansas, Ohio, Illinois, and Utah.
38.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / The e-mail read, "Hi Camille. I haven't heard from you in two weeks."B) / The e-mail read, "Hi, Camille. I haven't heard from you in two weeks."
39.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / The veterinarian said, "Unless its bleeding and doesn't stop, don't worry about it."B) / The veterinarian said, "unless its bleeding and doesn't stop, don't worry about it."
C) / The veterinarian said, "Unless it's bleeding and doesn't stop, don't worry about it."
D) / The veterinarian said, "unless it's bleeding and doesn't stop, don't worry about it."
40.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Wendy said, "This is her karma, not mine."B) / Wendy said, "This is her karma not mine."
C) / Wendy said, "this is her karma, not mine."
D) / Wendy said, "this is her karma not mine."
41.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / You must study hard, to get good grades at a major university.B) / You must study hard, to get good grades at a major University.
C) / You must study hard to get good grades at a major university.
D) / You must study hard to get good grades at a major University.
42.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / 1/4 of the police force voted for a pay raise.B) / One fourth of the police force voted for a pay raise.
C) / One-fourth of the police force voted for a pay raise.
43.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / Whether Bella has five students or 15 students, she will give the test.B) / Whether Bella has 5 students or 15 students, she will give the test.
C) / Whether Bella has 5 students or fifteen students, she will give the test.
44.Choose the correct sentence.
A) / I owe you $15.00, not $16.B) / I owe you $15.00, not $16..
C) / I owe you $15.00, not $16.00.
Bottom of Form
Chapter 2a - Spacing with Punctuation
Chapter 2a - Spacing with Punctuation
Rule 1. / With a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation marks. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically. With some typewriters and word processors, follow ending punctuation with two spaces when using a fixed-pitch font.Rule 2. / Use no spaces on either side of a hyphen.
[For more rules about hyphens, click on Hyphens.]
Example: / We borrowed twenty-three sheets of paper.
NOTE: / For spacing with en and em dashes, click on Dashes.
Chapter 2b - Capitalization
Chapter 2b - Capitalization
Rule 1. / Capitalize the first word of a quoted sentence.Examples: / He said, "Treat her as you would your own daughter."
"Look out!" she screamed. "You almost ran into my child."
Rule 2. / Capitalize a proper noun.
Example: / Golden Gate Bridge
Rule 3. / Capitalize a person's title when it precedes the name. Do not capitalize when the title is acting as a description following the name.
Examples: / Chairperson Petrov
Ms. Petrov, the chairperson of the company, will address us at noon.
Rule 4. / Capitalize the person's title when it follows the name on the address or signature line.
Example: / Sincerely,
Ms. Haines, Chairperson
Rule 5. / Capitalize the titles of high-ranking government officials when used before their names. Do not capitalize the civil title if it is used instead of the name.
Examples: / The president will address Congress.
All senators are expected to attend.
The governors, lieutenant governors, and attorneys general called for a special task force.
Governor Fortinbrass, Lieutenant Governor Poppins, Attorney General Dalloway, and Senators James and Twain will attend.
Rule 6. / Capitalize any title when used as a direct address.
Example: / Will you take my temperature, Doctor?
Rule 7. / Capitalize points of the compass only when they refer to specific regions.
Examples: / We have had three relatives visit from the South.
Go south three blocks and then turn left.
We live in the southeast section of town.
Southeast is just an adjective here describing section, so it should not be capitalized.
Rule 8. / Always capitalize the first and last words of titles of publications regardless of their parts of speech. Capitalize other words within titles, including the short verb forms Is, Are, and Be.
Exception: / Do not capitalize little words within titles such as a, an, the, but, as, if, and, or, nor, or prepositions, regardless of their length.
Examples: / The Day of the Jackal
What Color Is Your Parachute?
A Tale of Two Cities
Rule 9. / Capitalize federal or state when used as part of an official agency name or in government documents where these terms represent an official name. If they are being used as general terms, you may use lowercase letters.
Examples: / The state has evidence to the contrary.
That is a federal offense.
The State Board of Equalization collects sales taxes.
We will visit three states during our summer vacation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been subject to much scrutiny and criticism lately.
Her business must comply with all county, state, and federal laws.
Rule 10. / You may capitalize words such as department, bureau, and office if you have prepared your text in the following way:
Example: / The Bureau of Land Management (Bureau) has some jurisdiction over Indian lands. The Bureau is finding its administrative role to be challenging.
Rule 11. / Do not capitalize names of seasons.
Example: / I love autumn colors and spring flowers.
Rule 12. / Capitalize the first word of a salutation and the first word of a complimentary close.
Examples: / Dear Ms. Mohamed:
My dear Mr. Sanchez:
Very truly yours,
Rule 13. / Capitalize words derived from proper nouns.
Example: / I must take English and math.
English is capitalized because it comes from the proper noun England, but math does not come from Mathland.
Rule 14. / Capitalize the names of specific course titles.
Example: / I must take history and Algebra 2.
Rule 15. / After a sentence ending with a colon, do not capitalize the first word if it begins a list.
Example: / These are my favorite foods: chocolate cake, spaghetti, and artichokes.
Rule 16. / Do not capitalize when only one sentence follows a sentence ending with a colon.
Example: / I love Jane Smiley's writing: her book, A Thousand Acres, was beautiful.
Rule 17. / Capitalize when two or more sentences follow a sentence ending with a colon.
Example: / I love Jane Smiley's writing: Her book, A Thousand Acres, was beautiful. Also,Moowas clever.
Chapter 2c - Writing Numbers
Chapter 2c - Writing Numbers
Rule 1. / Spell out single-digit whole numbers. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine.Correct Examples: / I want five copies.
I want 10 copies.
Rule 2. / Be consistent within a category. For example, if you choose numerals because one of the numbers is greater than nine, use numerals for all numbers in that category. If you choose to spell out numbers because one of the numbers is a single digit, spell out all numbers in that category.
If you have numbers in different categories, use numerals for one category and spell out the other.
Correct Examples: / My 10 cats fought with their 2 cats.
My ten cats fought with their two cats.
Given the budget constraints, if all 30 history students attend the four plays, then the 7 math students will be able to attend only two plays. (Students are represented with figures; plays are represented with words.)
Incorrect Example: / I asked for five pencils, not 50.
Rule 3. / Always spell out simple fractions and use hyphens with them.
Examples: / One-half of the pies have been eaten.
A two-thirds majority is required for that bill to pass in Congress.
Rule 4. / A mixed fraction can be expressed in figures unless it is the first word of a sentence.
Examples: / We expect a 5 1/2 percent wage increase.
Five and one-half percent was the maximum allowable interest.
Rule 5. / The simplest way to express large numbers is best. Round numbers are usually spelled out. Be careful to be consistent within a sentence.
Correct: / You can earn from one million to five million dollars.
Incorrect: / You can earn from one million to $5,000,000.
Correct: / You can earn from five hundred to five million dollars.
Correct: / You can earn from $5 hundred to $5 million.
Incorrect: / You can earn from $500 to $5 million.
Incorrect: / You can earn from $500 to five million dollars.
Rule 6. / Write decimals in figures. Put a zero in front of a decimal unless the decimal itself begins with a zero.
Examples: / The plant grew 0.79 of a foot in one year.
The plant grew only .07 of a foot this year because of the drought.
Rule 7. / With numbers that have decimal points, use a comma only when the number has five or more digits before the decimal point. Place the comma in front of the third digit to the left of the decimal point. When writing out such numbers, use the comma where it would appear in the figure format. Use the word and where the decimal point appears in the figure format.
Examples:
Examples: / $15,768.13: Fifteen thousand, seven hundred sixty-eight dollars and thirteen cents
$1054.21: One thousand fifty-four dollars and twenty-one cents
Note: If the number has no decimal point, authorities disagree on whether to begin using the comma with four-digit numbers or to begin using the comma with five-digit numbers. When writing out these numbers, I recommend using the comma where it appears in the numerical form.
1,054 schools OR 1054 schools: one thousand, fifty-four schools ORone thousand fifty-four schools
12,154 schools: twelve thousand, one hundred fifty-four schools
Rule 8. / The following examples apply when using dates:
Examples: / The meeting is scheduled for June 30.
The meeting is scheduled for the 30th of June.
We have had tricks played on us on April 1.
The 1st of April puts some people on edge.
Rule 9. / When expressing decades, you may spell them out and lowercase them.
Example: / During the eighties and nineties, the U.S. economy grew.
Rule 10. / If you wish to express decades using incomplete numerals, put an apostrophe before the incomplete numeral but not between the year and the s.
Correct: / During the '80s and '90s, the U.S. economy grew.
Incorrect: / During the '80's and '90's, the U.S. economy grew.
Rule 11. / You may also express decades in complete numerals. Again, don't use an apostrophe between the year and the s.
Example: / During the 1980s and 1990s, the U.S. economy grew.
Rule 12. / Normally, spell out the time of day in text even with half and quarter hours. With o'clock, the number is always spelled out.
Examples: / She gets up at four thirty before the baby wakes up.
The baby wakes up at five o'clock in the morning.
Rule 13. / Use numerals with the time of day when exact times are being emphasized or when using A.M. or P.M.
Examples: / Monib's flight leaves at 6:22 A.M.
Please arrive by 12:30 sharp.
She had a 7:00 P.M. deadline.
Rule 14. / Use noon and midnight rather than 12:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M.
Rule 15. / Hyphenate all compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine.
Examples: / Forty-three persons were injured in the train wreck.
Twenty-three of them were hospitalized.
Rule 16. / Write out a number if it begins a sentence.
Examples: / Twenty-nine people won an award for helping their communities.
That 29 people won an award for helping their communities was fantastic! OR
That twenty-nine people won an award for helping their communities was fantastic!
Punctuation, Capitalization, and Writing Numbers Mastery Test
Top of Form