This document provides a writing refresher on grammar topics such as capitalization, commas, quotes, apostrophes, homonyms, and formatting. It discusses the proper uses of capitalization for sentences, names, titles, days and months. Commas are used to separate items in lists and connect dependent clauses/phrases. Quotes must have context and use both quotation marks. Apostrophes are used for contractions and showing possession. Homonyms like affect/effect and then/than are defined. Formatting tips include spacing, salutations, and paragraph breaks.

1. Writing Refresher
Surviving the Grammar Jungle

2. Tales of Woe
What are the errors you see the most?
What do you have the hardest time with?
What tricks do you use to help you out?

3. Capitalization
Important stuff is capitalized to show it’s different and to keep titles together.
1. First Word in Sentence
2. Names and Proper Nouns
a. “I” is ALWAYS capitalized
3. Days, Months, and Holidays
4. Titles
a. Event names, slide presentation titles, book titles, etc.
b. Capitalize titles with names but NOT just a job title alone
i. Chairman Jones hung out with a former chairman.
ii. Where is Mom? She was my mom.
iii. This includes Mister Jones, Mrs. Alvarez, etc.

4. Commas
If you’re separating ideas and/or you’d take a breath while saying it, it needs a comma.
1. Lists
a. We need mayonnaise, straws, and a lot of yogurt.
2. Dependent Clauses/Phrases
a. While she was sleeping, I stole all her tupperware.
b. Yes, I enjoy turtles.
c. Jerry, the thief, enjoyed Game of Thrones.
3. Quotes
a. The lion said, “I enjoy afternoon tea.”
b. “I refuse,” protested the llama.
4. Connecting Sentences
a. He was old, but he still danced every Tuesday.
The man was gone every
Tuesday, for brunch.
The man, Ronald
McDonald, was gone every
Tuesday for brunch.
She was there for, the girl to
go shopping with.

5. Quotes
Direct wording from another person, in context, and using two quotation marks.
1. It’s a quote - don’t change the words they said (okay to add punctuation).
a. “Aliens be in my house.”
2. Set up the quote with context and use both quotation marks.
a. Staff asked why RT was sad and she stated, “it’s Tuesday.”
3. Use a comma to connect the quote with the rest of the sentence.
a. Angela said, “I’m not feeling well.” / “I don’t feel like it,” she said.
4. Punctuation goes inside the quotes (most of the time).
a. The dog said, “I hate dog food.”
b. “Why would you do this to me?”
c. “No!”

6. Apostrophes
Used with contractions and omissions.
1. Possession
a. John’s flask was empty again. (singular = ‘ + s)
b. The boys’ book is really good. (plural = ‘ only)
2. Contractions
a. If two words are smushed together, an apostrophe is needed to show that they’re “broken.”
b. Can not -> can’t / I have -> I’ve
c. Bookshelf / doghouse
3. NOT FOR PLURALS

7. Formatting Your Ideas
One space between words and sentences. No spaces between punctuation. Group
your ideas together.
1. Professional writing matters.
a. No slang: if you wouldn’t see it in a newspaper or textbook, it doesn’t belong in your writing.
b. Avoid abbreviations unless you’ve written it out once at the beginning.
2. Salutations get a space (and punctuation if you’re abbreviating)
a. Mister Jones / Mr. Jones
3. Quotations don’t get extra spaces. Keep punctuation flush against words.
a. Mrs. Jones said, “Why would I say that?”
b. NOT: Mrs.Jones said, “ Why would i say that ? “
4. Start a new paragraph when you’re changing ideas.

8. Homonyms and Confusonyms
CONTRACTION
IT’S
it is
THEY’RE
they are
YOU’RE
you are
POSSESSION
ITS
its fur was soft
THEIR
their work ethic was fantastic
YOUR
your grammar is the best
THERE
is a direction word.
Opposite of “here.”

9. Homonyms and Confusonyms
EMPHASIZE
to put stress/importance on something
-> think about the noun
SYMPATHY
feeling sorry for someone
-> sympathy is a type of empathy
CONFIRM
to agree to the truth of something
EMPATHIZE
to have empathy
EMPATHY
sharing emotions
AFFIRM
to state something

10. Homonyms and Confusonyms
THEN
means next
first ten then eleven
EFFECT
is a noun: special effects
THAN
means comparison
Stan is taller than Jan
AFFECT
is a verb: she affected the outcome
AFFECT
is a noun meaning to express
behavior indicating emotion.

11. Good Ideas & Resources
1. Install Grammarly
2. Use spell check
3. Undo send option
4. Visit www.theoatmeal.com
5. JUST DO IT Take the time in the moment to do it right. Go back and edit
yourself. Listen to your supervisors.

12. Yes!
Nooooooooooooo...Good afternoon,
I’m emailing regarding our mutual
consumer, A. Brown. He wasn’t home
yesterday when I drove by for our visit.
I’m concerned because last time we
saw each other he said, “I don’t wanna
live.” Do you have any information?
Thank you,
Maria
Hey
Whats going on with brown, do you
know? I went to, see him yesterday and
he wasnt there. He told me last time “i
don’t wanna live”.
Maria