This document provides guidance on proper punctuation and capitalization rules. It discusses when to capitalize words such as the first word in a sentence, proper nouns, titles, directions, and the pronoun "I". It also discusses using commas, including with lists, introductory phrases, compound and complex sentences, quotes, dates, locations, and interrupting phrases or clauses. The document aims to clarify some basic rules for punctuation and capitalization.

1. Punctuation and Mechanics

2. • Capitalize the first word in a
sentence.
• Capitalize the first word in a
quoted sentence.
– Sue said, “George went to
the football game.”
• ALWAYS Capitalize the
pronoun “I”
• I was nervous when I started college, but
now I am excited about graduation.
• Incorrect: My wife will be so proud when i
graduate.
Just a few rules for Capitalization!
April 15, 2014 2

3. Swiss Alps
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Taj Majal
Venice
Paris
McDonalds
Bill
Cristo Redentor

4. Proper Nouns
Capitalize the names of:
• People - Abraham Lincoln, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin
• Places- Lincoln, Nebraska; Paris, New York,
• Landmarks – the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, Central Park, the Golden Gate Bridge
• Businesses and brands – Nike, Coke, Banana Republic, Guess
• Languages – English, Spanish, Arabic
• Names of races, ethnic groups, and nationalities -Hispanic, African American,
Native American
• Adjectives using a country’s name – Chinese noodles,
American pie, Egyptian mummies, German cars, Italian food,
• Units of time – Saturday, Monday, December, February
• Holidays – Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day,
• Do not capitalize seasons:
• fall summer spring winter

5. Capitalize Titles
• Capitalize major words in the titles (books, movies, articles,
journals…)
• Do not capitalize little words like articles (a, an, the), prepositions,
(in, on , at_ or conjunctions (and, but, so ) –Gone with the Wind
– Raiders of the Lost Arch
– Of Mice and Men
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
– Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
unless they are the first word of the title
– For Whom the Bell Tolls
– The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

6. • Capitalize the first word of a
salutation and the first word of a
complimentary close.
– Dear Mr. Smith:
– Sincerely,
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7. 7
Capitalize directions: north, south, east, west, only when they refer to a place,
not a direction.
I was driving north on 75 when my tire blew.
She lives in the Midwest, but she spends her winters in the South.
Seasons are not capitalized: winter, spring summer, fall.

8. Comma
• A comma is used to mark off different
elements in a sentence.
• A comma helps the reader understand which
words go together.
• A comma indicates a pause.

9. Missing commas!
• A panda eats, shoots, and leaves.
• A panda eats shoots and leaves.

11. Commas with Lists
Use commas to separate
items in a list.
A list consists of three or
more items. Two items
do not constitute a list. A
list can be made up of
words or phrases or
clauses.
Ex. 1
The seafood casserole
consisted of lobster,
crab, swordfish, and
shrimp.
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12. Commas with Introductory Phrases
A comma is usually
used if the sentence
begins with an
introductory phrase
Ex. 1
Jumping up and down,
the children
screamed for ice-
cream.
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13. Commas in Compound Sentences
Use a comma with a
coordinating conjunction
to join two independent
clauses (Subject + verb,
and subject + verb.)
The coordinating
conjunctions are
FANBOYS: for, and, nor,
but, or, yet, so.
Stacy performed very well on the test, for she
had studied with a classmate *and
predicted the exam questions.
(For=reason/cause)
Stacy *and Susan made flash cards, and they
quizzed each other. (and = additional information)
Bill did not read his textbook, nor did he do the
practice quizzes. (nor= the addition of negatives)
Damian reviewed his class notes, but he did not
read his textbook. (but = contrast; to show that
things are different)
* Note that these FANBOYS do not join independent clauses
and do not need a comma.
April 15, 2014
Copyright Rasmussen, Inc. 2011.
Proprietary and Confidential.
13

14. Commas in Complex Sentences
Use a comma if the
sentence begins with a
dependent clause
(a dependent clause is a clause that
that starts with a dependent marker:
after, before, when, while, until, as
long as, because, although, even
though, if + subject + verb)
No comma is needed if
the dependent clause
comes after an
independent clause.
Ex. 1 Because Jim took great
notes in every class and
did all of the readings, he
earned the highest grade
in the class.
Ex. 2 Even though Sam did
all of the work, he lost
points for turning it in
late.
*Jim earned the highest
grade in the class because
he took great notes and
did all of the readings. *no
comma needed
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15. Comma with Transitional Expressions
Use a comma after a transitional
expressions.
• Transitional expressions:
conversely, on the other hand, on the
contrary, however, nevertheless, in
contrast, also, furthermore, in addition,
likewise, moreover, similarly, as a
result, consequently, for this reason,
for this purpose,
hence, subsequently, therefore, thus,
thereupon, wherefore, first, second,
third, finally
A comma is required whether the
transitional word comes after a
period, semicolon, or comma
You must come to class. Otherwise,
you will not learn.
You should complete all of the
assigned readings; furthermore,
you should take notes while you
read.
Katherine did not attend class for
fourteen days. Consequently, she
was dropped from the class.
April 15, 2014
Copyright Rasmussen, Inc. 2011.
Proprietary and Confidential.
15

16. Commas with Quotes
If a quote comes after
the name of the
person who spoke,
use a comma after
the person and verb,
before the first
quotation mark.
Jenny said, “I studied
hard, and I am ready
for the test.”
Joe asked, “What is the
best way to review for
the exam?”
April 15, 2014 16

17. Commas with Quotes
If a quote is a statement
and comes before the
name of the person
who spoke, use a
comma at the end of
the statement, before
the second quotation
mark.
“I studied hard, and I
am ready for the
test,” Jenny said.
“I am curious about the
best way to prepare
for the exam,” Joe
enquired.
April 15, 2014 17

18. Commas with Interrupters
• Extra information
• Non-essential clauses
• Appositives
• Direct address

19. Commas with Extra Information
Use commas around non-
essential clauses. If the
clause simply gives extra
information about the
sentence but does not
change the meaning, use
a comma.
Bill Gates, who is the founder of
Microsoft, is a well-known
philanthropist.
Rasmussen College, which is
more than 110 years old, is a
well-respected institution of
higher learning.
April 15, 2014 19

20. Commas with Appositives
Use commas to set off
(or separate)
appositives. An
appositive is a
repetition. It renames
or explains another
word in the sentence.
Kaye's hairstylist, the girl with
the great highlights, is going
to give me a new cut.
April 15, 2014 20

21. Commas with Dates
Use a comma when a date is
made up of two or more
parts if the parts are both
words or both numbers
Use commas to set apart each
major piece in a sentence:
Day, date, year =
two numbers
Thursday, May 25, 2010
two words
• The party was scheduled for
Friday, June 11, 2001.
• Classes start on October 1,
2013.
*October 31 is Halloween.
*Maria started school in June
2012.
*No comma needed
A second comma comes at the end
of the date unless it is a the end of
the sentence.
• They were married on June 5,
2004, in California.
Our first meeting is on Monday,
October 1, 2013, in San
Francisco.
April 15, 2014 21

22. Commas with Locations
Use commas to set apart each
major piece in a sentence:
Address, city, state
Use a comma with a geographic
location that has two or
more parts. A second
comma follows the last item
unless it is at the end of the
sentence.
I sent his invitation to 987
Tenth Avenue,
Springfield, MN 56087.
They are going to Miami,
Florida, for vacation.
Bernard lives in Paris,
Texas, but I thought he
lived in Paris, France.
April 15, 2014 22

23. Commas Quiz
1. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) I took Angie, the one with
the freckles to the movie
last night.
B) I took Angie, the one with
the freckles, to the movie
last night.
C) I took Angie the one with
the freckles, to the movie
last night.
D) I took Angie, the one with
the freckles, to the movie,
last night.
Correct