Punctuation Rules
The Period
If quotation marks are used at the end of a sentence, place the period inside the closing quotation mark.
EXAMPLE: I remember saying, You only asked for two tickets. I also said, The price has increased since last week.
If single quotation marks are used within quotation marks, place the period inside the final single quotation mark.
EXAMPLE: She said, I dont want to hear increased since last week. He also said, Dont use the word ticket.
The Question Mark
Use a question mark to end a sentence that begins statement and ends as question. Place a comma between the
two clauses. EXAMPLE: Its true, isnt it? Shes right, isnt she?
When a statement is followed by a related question that does not repeat the same subject and verb, use a period or
a semicolon to end the statement, use a question mark to end the question. EXAMPLE: You falsified the record. Isnt that so? She dropped all charges; isnt that correct?
Use a question mark at the end of a sentence when the sentence begins as a statement but contains a question
within it.
EXAMPLE: It is true, isnt it, that no one gave you the message? You were, weren't you, able to escape through that passage?
Use a question mark after each item in a series of connected questions within a single sentence when no
conjunction (and, or) joins the questions. EXAMPLE: Was your partner loyal? trustworthy? honorable? Was your partner loyal, trustworthy, and honorable? Did you see a psychiatrist and an analyst and a therapist? Is Carol working? Is Carol unemployed? Is Carol retired?
If all the elements of the series that follow the verb are not in parallel or equal position, a dash may be used in the
first separation, followed by a question mark for all the others. EXAMPLE: Who will inherit the farm -- the wife? the mother? the daughter? the ex-if ? wife?
Use a question mark within a sentence when an added-on expression is not part of the question or when the entire
question is the subject or object of the verb. EXAMPLE: Are you willing to fight for your life? because I want to help you if you are. Am I going crazy? he thought.
When using quotation marks, place the question mark inside or outside the final quotation mark, depending on the
meaning of the sentence. If the quoted material is the only question, place the question mark inside the final quotation mark. EXAMPLE: How many acres did you buy? I asked him. I asked him, Are you sure you have enough money?
If the entire sentence is the question, place the question mark outside the final quotation mark. Note that what is
quoted is not a question. EXAMPLE: Who said, I know Leon has a very bad credit history? What is your definition of the word arbitrary?
If a quoted question appears within a question, place the question mark inside the final quotation mark.
EXAMPLE: Who asked, Where is the driver of this vehicle?
When a sentence contains a dashed expression that is a question, use a question mark within the final dash.
EXAMPLE: She is my sister who -- you werent expecting that, were you? -- lives in Europe.
The Semicolon
Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning and that have no
coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor) placed between them. EXAMPLE: No one is at fault; no one should be blamed. He is my husband; he is my best friend.
Use a semicolon in a compound sentence (a sentence with two independent clauses) when the second clause begins
with an adverbial conjunction or a transitional expression similar to those below. accordingly consequently furthermore accordingly consequently furthermore however indeed in fact namely nevertheless moreover similarly therefore
on the contrary similarly therefore EXAMPLE: We proposed that the development be a 15-year project; however, the planning board refused the proposal.
Use a semicolon to separate phrases or clauses in a series when the phrases or clauses themselves have commas.
EXAMPLE: The vandalism occurred to the front door, Apartment 104; the front door, Apartment 106; the rear door, Apartment 210; the rear door, Apartment 212. My recollection is she paid $75, June 18; $90, August 16; and $100, August 28.
Use a semicolon to separate a series of dependent clauses introduced by that if the clauses are long.
EXAMPLE: The defendant claims that there was never an agreement signed by him to give authority to anyone else to preside over the company's financial affairs; that there was never even a discussion about relinquishing his authority in the presence of the plaintiff; that any documents presented authority in the presence of the plaintiff; that any documents presented with his signature that relinquish authority are forgeries; and that the only way the plaintiff could have known about the business's finances was to break into the office on the evening of November 28.
Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses when the verb is missing in the second clause but the idea is
fully understood without it. EXAMPLE: To err is human; to forgive, divine. We promote health; they, disease.
A semicolon may be used to separate two very long independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and,
but, or, nor). EXAMPLE: The traffic light that I was approaching from the south was about 150 yards beyond the race track and stables where the auction was being held; but I know there was also a police officer in a patrol car with the lights on who was stationed just before the track entrance.
When using quotation marks with the semicolon, always place the semicolon outside the final quotation mark.
EXAMPLE: I will stand by my use of the expression "collegiate"; you may use "scholastic.
We nicknamed him "Wimp"; he was anything but.
The Colon
Use a colon before introducing a list, a formal quotation, or an enumeration that is preceded by expressions like as
follows, thus, the following. EXAMPLE: The parties in the lawsuit are the following: Mrs. Lavinia Lopez, Mrs. Beatrice Ship, and Mrs. Sylvester Brookins. We recorded our findings thus: heart, normal; lungs, normal; pulse, normal.
When using quotation marks with the colon, always place the colon outside the final quotation mark final quotation
mark. EXAMPLE: Here is my definition of the word "friend": always there. After I got home, I realized I had been "burned": no money in the bag.
The Comma
Use a comma to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence when these clauses are joined by the
coordinating conjunctions and, but, or, nor. EXAMPLE: The clerk will reread the testimony on page 73, and we will count all the times that the word "corrupt" is used by the witness.
Use a comma to separate words or phrases or clauses in a series.
EXAMPLE: There was bleeding, discoloration, and swelling. The three tutors came to teach me reading, writing, and arithmetic.
If conjunctions separate all the items of the series from each other, do not use any commas use any commas.
EXAMPLE: Your client has lied and deceived and cheated. He is loving and caring and forgiving.
Use a comma to separate from the rest of the sentence the name or title of a person being spoken to if the noun of
address is at the beginning of the sentence or at the end of the sentence. Use a pair of commas around the noun of address if it comes in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE: Mrs. Butterfield, did you keep the money? Do you have an opinion about this, Doctor?
In writing dates, use a comma to separate every item after the day. In writing addresses, use a comma to separate
every item after the street name. EXAMPLE: I saw the doctor on June 17, 1993, and on January 5, 1994. I used the 877 Inman Avenue, Edison, New Jersey, address at that time.
A comma may be used to set off introductory words to a sentence.
The following words are often followed by a comma when used at the beginning of a sentence. accordingly actually afterward again anyhow anyway apparently basically besides briefly certainly consequently conversely finally eventually doubtlessly first frankly
further fortunately furthermore generally God willing however ideally inevitably instead incidentally ideally inevitably instead incidentally laterally likewise meanwhile more important moreover namely naturally more importantly needless to say next notwithstanding nowadays
obviously ordinarily originally occasionally otherwise perhaps personally particularly presumably similarly primarily theoretically therefore ultimately unfortunately usually NOTE: Do not set off hence thus so and yet Do not set off hence, thus, so, and yet.
The Dash
Use a dash when a speaker changes or clarifies an idea in midsentence.
EXAMPLE: I was walking -- no, I was running back to my car. We'll call Miss -- Mrs. Jones to testify.
Use a pair of dashes when the speaker suspends but does not cancel the idea in midsentence and then continues
the idea. EXAMPLE: I always shop -- this may sound strange -- at my first husband's store.
I have often said -- if you think I'm lying, you can check the record -- that the $550,000 check was fraudulent.
Use dashes when a first speaker is interrupted by a second speaker and the first speaker resumes the original idea.
EXAMPLE Q Was the subject of an audit of Mrs. Field's records discussed -A Oh, yes. Q -- before the shortage was disclosed?
Use dashes when a second speaker interrupts and resumes the thought of the first speaker.
EXAMPLE: Q How many phone calls did you make during that time? A One hundred and fifty-six. Q A total of -A -- one hundred and fifty-six.
Use dashes when a speaker is interrupted but includes some additional remarks before continuing with the original
idea. EXAMPLE Q If you saw him, why didn't you call -A I did. Q Let me finish -- for help at the nearest home? A No lights were on.
The Quotation Marks
Use quotation marks to set off direct quotations.
EXAMPLE: She said, "I never saw him before ". "Look out," she cried.
Use quotation marks to set off words or phrases that are introduced by expressions such as called, entitled, known
as, labeled, named, signed, termed, the expression, the term, and the word. EXAMPLE: The word "negligence" has a special meaning here.
Let us consider the words "holder in due course."
When a quotation appears within a quotation, use a single quotation mark for the inner quotation.
EXAMPLE The law in this state reads: "The term 'deed poll' describes a unilateral deed." NOTE: If additional quotes within quotes occur, alternate from double to single to double as needed. EXAMPLE: I know the president said to me, "The bylaws say, 'Three members must sign the deed for the property known as the "Barnette Estate." ' "
Apostrophe
ONLY use the apostrophe to show either possession or omission and never to make words or figures plural. 78 96 98 1990s 96-98 wouldve oclock Ph.D.s SUVs womans businesss childrens girls EXCEPTIONS: Use an apostrophe and s to show the plural form of any word that is unfamiliar or likely to be misread. thank-yous and go-gos dos and donts
BUT ins and outs a lot of I guesses and I thoughts
Use an apostrophe before adding a suffix to show that a letter, number, or abbreviation has become a verb form.
QAing OKd
The Hyphen
Generally, when two or more words are combined to form a compound adjective that expresses a single idea, these
words are hyphened when they precede the noun they modify. The compound adjective that is formed may include several different parts of speech. When in doubt, consult a dictionary. EXAMPLE: Let me define a first-degree murder. (number + noun before a noun but not after) after) They were well-known politicians. (well + participle before a noun) I have an up-to-date report with me. (prepositional phrases + nouns or nouns + prepositions + nouns that precede a noun) I participated in a price-cutting scheme. (noun + participle before or after a noun) She seemed to be a middle-aged woman. (adj. + noun ending in ed before or after a noun) These combinations are subject to change. The driver signaled for a left-hand turn. (adj. + noun before a noun) They advertised for a full-time position, but they told me I could work part-time only, not full-time. (adj. + noun before the noun or as an adverb) Does this violate the doctor-patient privilege? (noun + noun of similar rank before a noun) Theirs was a notorious love-hate relationship. (noun + noun of alternate meanings) Everyone benefits from a live-and-let-live creed in prison. (verb + verb phrase before the noun)
The Ellipsis
Use an ellipsis to show an omission of words, phrases, or sentences in quoted matter. Do not include any internal
punctuation on either side unless it is needed for clarity punctuation on either side unless it is needed for clarity. EXAMPLE: Let me read a relevant part of the statute, and then I'll ask you my question. "This section shall not apply to any person who has in his possession any ticket of a lottery which is in his possession any ticket of a lottery which is
authorized by any state provided that the ticket was purchased by the holder thereof in the state wherein such lottery was authorized sponsored and operated " lottery was authorized, sponsored, and operated.
NUMBERS General Rules
Numbers are spelled out: From one to ten. At the beginning of the sentence if they are less than two words. Numbers that are over ten, which are less than two words that are referenced just once in the transcript. If they are indefinite. Use figures: At the beginning of the sentence if the numbers are three words or more, or if they could be cause for confusion if theyre spelled out.
NUMBERS Age, Dates, Address
Age: Use figures unless its the only answer to a question by a respondent. Dates: Use figures. Addresses: Use figures for addresses. Spell out ordinal streets from first to tenth.
NUMBERS - Clock Time
Use figures for: a.m./p.m. No a.m./p.m. or oclock, but expressed in hours and minutes Time thats three words Military time Spell it out if: It begins a sentence o'clock
NUMBERS - Money
Use $ + figures: When the word dollar is used by the speaker. For expressions using dollars and cents Cents: Always use cents, not Millions, billions: Millions, billions: For definite amounts, use $ plus the figure and the word million, billion, etc.
NUMBERS Fractions
Spell out: Fractions that begin a sentence, even though its a mixed number Fractions not part of a mixed number Use figures: If its overly long and complicated For decimals that are spoken as fractions For mixed numbers that do not begin a sentence.
NUMBERS - Percent
Use the %. Spell out the number if it begins a sentence.
Capitalization
Capitalize: Titles except articles, conjunctions (and, or, but), or short prepositions (on, in, etc.) Professional titles if they precede a name, are nationally or internationally high positions. Organization names Names for historical events Acts, amendments, codes, treaties Awards
Branches of the US military Dont capitalize: Occupational titles NOTE: Initial cap the first word of a complete direct quotation and the first word after a colon if it forms a complete sentence. Capitalize: Well-known regions. City/State (If they precede or follow the name of the city or state, or refer to the location as a corporation or company.) Federal Capitalize if part of an organizations official name. Court Capitalize specific court names, and court if it is used as a direct address. Judge Capitalize if its used as a form of address.
