ABE Writing: Mechanics

8/12/2019 ABE Writing: Mechanics

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Writing MechanicsCapitalization, Commas, Apostrophes, & Semicolons


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First, a few questions: What are capitalized letters? Why do we use capitalized letters?

Importance or emphasis When do we use them?

Capitalization


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1. First letter in a sentence The students were prepared. They felt calm

about taking their tests, since they had

been in class.

Rules of Capitalization


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2. Proper names and titles Proper titles and names

Mrs. Cindy Hayes, President Obama, Dr. DentonIm going to the doctor. lower caseIm going to Doctor McMillins office. uppercase

Days and monthsMonday, August

Not seasons: spring, winter, summer Proper places

Knoxville, the Southeast, Smoky Mountains Book or article titles

The Hunt for Red OctoberFirst word, last word, and important words in book titles



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3. I (when you are referring to yourself) I am going to see if I can climb ten

mountains next year.

4. Proper adjectives Ethnicities and languages

English, Japanese, French



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What does a comma do? Separates

When do we use commas?

Commas


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1. Use a comma + conjunction to separatetwo complete thoughts.

It was raining, but I drove to school anyway.

He was running, and she saw him fall. I love to eat pizza, so I decided to orderDominoes.

Conjunctions: And But Or Nor So For Yet

Commas


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2. Use a comma to separate a dependentclause from an independent clause.

When I came home, I saw the wreckage. If you were listening, you would have heard her. Although I like to swim, I thought the water was

too cold for a dip.If a dependent clause comes in the middleor at the end of the sentence no commasneeded.

I saw the wreckage when I came home. You would have heard her if you were listening.

Commas


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3. Use a comma to separate 3+ items in aseries.

I had peas, beans, and rice for dinner. Going shopping, drawing pictures, and

hiking are three of my favorite activities.

Commas


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4. Use a comma to separate day/year andcity/state.

Knoxville, TN May 14, 2012

Commas


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What are apostrophes?Why and when do we use them?

Apostrophes


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1. Possession Students scores

Whose scores? The student

Students scores Whose scores? The students Whats different between those two?

2. Contraction Are not contract the o Arent Cannot contract n and o Cant You are contract a Youre

Apostrophes


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Its versus Its Apostrophe is a contraction

Its a cold day. It IS a cold day.

No apostrophe is the possessiveThe dog was wagging its tail. Whose tail?Whos versus Whose

Again, apostrophe is a contraction

Whos going to the store? Who IS going No apostrophe is the possessive

Whose car are we driving? Whose car?

Trickiest Apostrophes


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Use a semicolon to separate sentencesthat are closely related.

Barbara was retired; however, she still

worked from home some.

Semicolons

Documents

ABE Writing: Mechanics