Capitalization and punctuation are important aspects of formal writing that are often overlooked in informal electronic communication. Capital letters should be used at the beginning of sentences, for proper nouns like names and places, for the pronoun "I", and for abbreviations. Full stops are needed at the end of sentences and with abbreviations. Paying attention to capitalization and punctuation rules is necessary for clear communication in formal writing.

1. Capital letters & full
stops
Ok, you are already experts on these! Just some gentle
reminders…

2. What is missing in this text?

3. Some of the capital letters and full stops!
When we communicate via technology, we often take short cuts by ignoring
important aspects of grammar. This is fine and saves time; however, you need
to ensure that this does not occur in your formal writing.

4. Capital letters must be used:
For the first word in every sentence and the first word in direct speech
For proper nouns
For the pronoun ‘I’
For abbreviations.

5. 1.
• Capital letters are used at the beginning of sentences and
the beginning of direct speech.
Examples:
• Dogs make wonderful pets. (Dog is a common noun and as such, would not
normally need a capital letter).
• Sarah yelled, ‘Remember to text me when you arrive.’

6. 2.
• Proper nouns must begin with a capital letter. These include
names of people, places, organisations, businesses, brands,
days of the week, months, religions, nationalities, titles of
books, etc.
Example: Toorak, To Kill a Mockingbird, Sally.

7. 3.
• The pronoun ‘I’ must always be capitalised.

8. 4.
• Abbreviations of words are capitalised.
Examples:
ABC = Australian Broadcasting Commission

9. Full stops must be used:
At the end of sentences
With abbreviations (we don’t always do this).
Example:
U.S.A. = United States of America