GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION - A SHORT GUIDE (Cont.)
Capitalization:
- Capitalize the proper nouns, the first word of every sentence, the first word of each item in the outline, the first and every important word in titles of books, magazines, newspapers.
- Do not capitalize points of the compass, the seasons, the names of academic studies unless they are specific courses: Philosophy 306, psychology, engineering, mathematics.
Choppy Sentences:
- Too many short sentences can cause problems because they are monotonous to read and because the writer makes the reader determine how many choppy sentences are related. The tendency to write a choppy style is sometimes referred to as the Dick and Jane syndrome or the Jack Webb (Dragnet) syndrome. Use an occasional short sentence for emphasis.
Coherence:
- Make your ideas stick together by logical development and by using transitional words carefully. These words can come within sentences as well between them. However, moreover, consequently, as a result, nevertheless, first, seconds are examples.