.gif)
Punctuation and Capitalization: Introduction Part 2
Welcome to the ESL HELP! Desk, where all activities and exercises are authentic English, from learners of English. Check out our many aspects of our website, including our blog, our Vocabulary lessons, and our Library, by clicking on the many links above.
In today's lesson we continue our unit, Introduction to Punctuation.
To view Introduction to Punctuation Part 1, click here.
Part Two
When we discuss punctuation in writing, we also need to discuss capitalization. Capitalization is the proper use of capital letters and small letters in writing.
Although there are certainly many grey areas in writing about choice of punctuation, there are a few basic rules to punctuation in English:
-
A declarative sentence (a "statement") must end with a period .
-
A command must end with a period .
-
An exclamatory sentence ("an exclamation") must end with an exclamation mark !
-
A standard direct question must end with a question mark ?
There are a few basic rules to capitalization in English:
-
A new sentence must begin with a capital letter A, B, C, D, E, F, G, etc.
The following sentences demonstrate good punctuation and capitalization:
-
Look how beautiful the snow is today!
-
The children wanted to play with Mr. Radley.
Definitions
What Is a Declarative Sentence?
In a declarative statement, the subject of the sentence is always stated, and usually precedes the verb.
-
It is the first day of my new English class and my head is spinning.
What is an Exclamatory Sentence?
An exclamation is a sentence which begins with what or how, and the subject and verb are in standard word order (S-V). There is generally a strong emotional element to this type of sentence.
-
Look how beautiful the snow is today!
-
How lucky I am!
What Is a Command?
A command does not have a stated subject, and the verb form is the imperative (base form).
-
Take it easy. Get some rest. Don't do any housework.
What Is a Standard and Direct Question?
Click here for standard and direct question sentence structure.
How to Eliminate Many Punctuation Errors
Many punctuation errors occur because the writer is unclear as to when any given sentence begins and ends. Our chapter will deal with this question in more detail. When a writer has a clear sense of when and where a sentence begins and ends, many punctuation errors disappear.
Next...
Please
continue with our next lesson:
Sentence Structure and Its Relationship to Punctuation
All material is copyrighted, Software for Students. Copying for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All others must contact Software for Students for permission to use in schools or other educational institutions.
