Watch your language! Part 2 Punctuation, Spelling and Grammar (for English only)

Question

This is part 2 of 3 posts I will make on watching your language.

Using correct punctuation, spelling and grammar is part of the seventh of the 10 simple rules of the SpanishDict forum:

10 Simple Rules click here to access all forum rules,

Punctuation can be complicated in formal writing so I will only touch on the minimum expected. All sentences must end with a period or question mark or exclamation point. Examples:

A declarative sentence ends with a period.

Do you put a question mark at the end of a question? Yes.

Watch out! See? That was a sentence with an exclamation point.

Generally a comma is used for a break between independent clauses connected with the conjunctions and, or, and but. Commas are used after long conditional phases at the beginning of a sentence.

Addendum regarding use of commas: I've been having a discussion with a member and I think there are different acceptable usages out there. Here is a website for further research and discussion about use of commas: Rules for Comma Usage

Examples: My wife and I made a trip to Chicago, and we met some friends there. If you come to Chicago, make sure you give us a call.

Commas are also used when writing dates. Examples: We will arrive on Friday, October 30, 2015 (this is standard American usage).

Apostrophes are used in all contractions such as: don’t, can’t, won’t, I’ll, he’d, we’re.

Google “English composition punctuation” if you need more information.

Spelling is usually not a problem if you have your spell check activated; however, please review the rules of capitalization that I posted previously.

Please do not use texting abbreviations for words in posts: thanks (not thx), please (not pls). The accepted word is “okay”. Using capital O and capital K should be avoided though it is not wrong.

Grammar is very complicated so I’m only going to mention these few things:

Use the correct verb form with the subject: He / she / it doesn’t (not He / she / it don’t). We were (not we was). She and I agree (not me and her agree).

If someone corrects your grammar in a comment and you know they are correct, click on the edit button and edit your post.

There are many books available on English grammar. Check your library for one that appeals to you.

Thanks Jubilado - ian-hill, Oct 5, 2015

:-) ! - Jubilado, Oct 5, 2015

Thank you, amigo. ♥ - rac1, Oct 5, 2015

:) ♥♥ Thanks, amigo. - sanlee, Oct 5, 2015

I am sure my usage of commas comes under that rule of different usages. Whether acceptable or not is another question, :) - bosquederoble, Oct 5, 2015

Me too bosque. ' ; : I know I over use them all. - gringojrf, Oct 7, 2015

Fabulous thread mate , thank you so much for all the work that you put into these . - ray76, Oct 8, 2015

Thank you for this wonderful thread, hope you have a good Christmas season mate. :) - Nickelbackfan1, Dec 16, 2015

Excellent work and very helpful thread, Jubilado :) - FELIZ77, Jan 11, 2016

Thankyou very much, needed a refresher. - 00cc0117, Feb 1, 2016

Thankyou for the links. - 00cc0117, Feb 1, 2016

Answer 1

Excellent post Jubilado.

Here is a fun link on punctuation.

a-light-hearted-look-at-how-punctuation-can-change-meaning/

Well done mate , a little light relief is always welcome. - ray76, Jan 10, 2016

:) - ian-hill, Jan 10, 2016

Thanks - 00551866, Jan 10, 2016

Hi! I just saw this. Thanks for your support and the link. - Jubilado, Jan 19, 2016

Con gusto - 00551866, Jan 19, 2016

Answer 2

Although an answer is not needed I feel that I must congratulate you amigo

on an excellent and well needed post, I hope it is appreciated by all members.

Came back for a few minutes to check the site before going to bed and I saw this. Thanks for your help in keeping my posts on Spelling and Grammar alive. - Jubilado, Nov 26, 2015

:) - ian-hill, Jan 10, 2016

Answer 3

¿Antes de qué ?

Antes de decir hay que pensar. Antes de que yo lo sepa llegué a un punto importante. :-) (Pro ejemplo, hermano) - Jubilado, Apr 14, 2016

Answer 4

Great link Andre , thank you we are in need of support.