Punctuation Parentheses semicolons question marks underline and italics

Punctuation: Parentheses, semicolons, question marks, underline and italics, and quotation marks MODULE 3–PROOFREADING PREPARED BY ANNA VINOGRADOVA

Parentheses are used to set off nonessential information. 1. To enclose explanatory words, phrases, clauses, or numbers that are included within a sentence but are independent of the main idea of the sentence. The balance of the payment ($250) is due on August 1. Mr. Teele (our regional vice president) will be interviewed by the press. 2. To enclose numbers or letters that enumerate items within a sentence. Four your convenience we have enclosed (1) our latest brochure, (2) a handy order form, and (3) a credit application form.

Parentheses (continued) 3. To enclose references, directions or dates that add extra information. A chart of interest rates (see page 343) is provided to simplify your computations. Norman Rockwell (1894– 1978) was a famous American illustrator. 4. To enclose an interruption within a sentence or to enclose an entire sentence. Please refer to my most recent e-mail message (sent July 15) regarding the revised schedule. Our marketing strategies are based on the plan that the Executive Committee approved last March. (See the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee dated March 21, or call Amanda Whitman for a copy. )

Parentheses with other marks of punctuation A comma, semicolon, question mark, exclamation mark or dash goes outside a closing parentheses. If we are able to ship your order before July 18 (and we sincerely hope that it is possible to), we will call you to inform you of the new date. Have you met Beth (or is it Elizabeth)? Exception: when a period/question mark punctuates a sentence in parentheses. Our new CEO is highly respected. (He held key positions at two of our competitors. ) Note: The text in parentheses is not capitalized within a sentence, unless the sentence stands on its own.

Semicolons are used to join items. 1. To join two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor). Doug supported the legislation; his colleagues voted against it. 2. To join two independent clauses when the second clause begins with a transitional expression such as therefore, however, for example, consequently, or moreover. Benjamin approves all large purchases for the entire division; however, he is now in Europe on business.

Semicolons (continued) 3. To replace the comma in a series when one or more of the items in the series already includes a comma. Those district offices now participating in the experimental study are in Red Deer, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Sherbrooke, Quebec; and Toronto, Ontario.

Question Marks Questions marks are used to indicate questions. 1. Used at the end of a sentence that asks a direct question. Have you submitted the costs for the new Web site? 2. At the end of a parenthetical question within a sentence. The recommendations in the feasibility study (will it be ready by February 10? ) will affect our decision.

Underscore and Italics Underscores and italics are used to provide emphasis in typed materials: titles of books, plays, works of art, magazines, newspaper, television and radio series, words that need emphasis, and foreign expressions.

Underscore and Italics (continued) Italics type is more commonly used instead of underscores to emphasize words. Examples: Throughout this report, the words affect and effect are used incorrectly. Her book is titles Enhanced Design.

Quotation Marks 1. To enclose a person’s exact words. “Our sales figures are good, ” Brittany said. “In fact, we are exceeding our expectations. ” 2. To enclose the titles of parts of books, magazines, newspapers, or other published words. Also, to enclose the titles of chapters, articles, and essays. The fifth chapter, “Supervising Difficult people, ” is the most useful in the book Management Challenges. Her article “Capitalizing on E-Commerce” appeared in The Gazette.