LEC052020 Elizabeth Jacob - Mechanics of Writing

Writing mechanics play an important role in academic writing. Writing mechanics are the conventions governing the technical aspects of writing, including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, etc.

Punctuation is one of the most important elements of academic writing. They give the sentences their meaning. An improper use of punctuation makes the message unclear.

1.  Commas ( , )
   A comma is used after each element in a series except the last two. It is used to separate two complete thoughts connected by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Comma is used after introductory words, phrases and clauses. It is also used to set off a noun of direct address from the rest of the sentence. Use a comma with direct quotations.

2.  Semicolon ( ; )
   A semicolon is used to separate two complete thoughts or independent clauses that are closely related and are not linked by a coordinating conjunction. It is also used to separate two complete thoughts linked by a conjunctive adverb ( moreover, however, therefore). Semicolons are used when the parts already have commas within them (e.g. She had lived in Jaipur, Rajasthan; Kochi, Kerala and ).

3.  Colons ( : )
   A colon is used to introduce a list. It is also used to introduce a direct quotation when the introductory words form a complete statement. It should not be used with to be verbs.

4.  End punctuation
   Periods ( . ) are used to end statements, requests and indirect questions. A question mark ( ? ) is used after direct questions. An exclamation mark( ! ) is used after sentences or words that express excitement or strong feeling.

5.  Apostrophe ( ' )
   Apostrophe is used in contractions ( they're, isn't, it's). An apostrophe and s is added to singular and plural nouns to indicate possession. To plural nouns ending in s only an apostrophe is added.

6.  Quotation marks
       Double quotation marks ( " " ) are used to set off someone's exact words, i.e., in direct speech. They are also used to indicate title of essays, short stories, poems, articles, etc. Single quotation marks( `´ ) are used to enclose a quote within a quote. 

7.  Hyphens ( - )
    A hyphen is used to connect a compound adjective that appears before a noun( well-consrtucted, 13-year-old) except when the words appear after to be verbs. Hyphen can be used to divide a word( only on syllable breaks) if it cannot be accommodated in the same line.

8.  Dashes
         A) Em dash
              An em dash is used to show a sudden break in thought and to set off information that is less important than the rest of the sentence but too important to enclose in parentheses.
         B) En dash
              An en dash is shorter than em dash and longer than a hyphen. It is primarily used to indicate 'to' or 'through' within a range of numbers(1939–45).

9.  Parentheses ( )
   It is used to set off comments that are less important than the rest of the sentence or that provide additional information.

10. Brackets [ ]
     Brackets are used to enclose explanatory comments within a direct quotation.

11.  Ellipsis points ( ... )
    Ellipsis points are three periods with a space before and after each period. They are used to indicate that words have been omitted from quoted material.

Capitalization 
Proper nouns, key words in the title, and beginning of sentences are generally capitalized. The letter 'I' is capitalized under all circumstances.

Abbreviations
An abbreviation is the shortened form of a word or a phrase.
Examples - NCC, UNO, e.g., et al.



   

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