Gregg Reference Manual

Major Marks
Punctuaton:
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CONTENTS
PART 1. Grammar, Usage, and Style
SECTION 1. Punctuation: Major Marks
SECTION 2. Punctuation: Other Marks
SECTION 3. Capitalization
SECTION 4. Numbers
SECTION 5. Abbreviations
SECTION 6. Plurals and Possessives
SECTION 7. Spelling
SECTION 8. Compound Words
SECTION 9. Word Division
SECTION 10. Grammar
SECTION 11. Usage
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THE PERIOD
101a. Use a period to mark the end of a

sentence that makes a statement or
expresses a command.
Statement: I question the need to merge

the two companies.
Command: Make sure that the doors
open at 10 a.m.
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THE QUESTION MARK
110a. Use a question mark at the end of

a direct question.
104. Use a period at the end of an
indirect question.
Direct question: Why is the policy being

changed?
Indirect question: I would like to know
why the policy is being changed.
THE EXCLAMATION POINT
119a. Use an exclamation point at the

end of a sentence to express enthusiasm
or some other strong feeling.
Exclamation: Your article about the

Internet was the best Ive ever read!

THE PERIOD AND THE
QUESTION MARK
103. Use a question mark at the end
of a sentence that asks a favor. Use
a period at the end of a sentence
that expresses a polite command.
Favor: Will you please let me borrow
your Corvette?
Polite command: Will you please let me
know whether you plan to stay overnight.
THE PERIOD, THE QUESTION MARK,
AND THE EXCLAMATION POINT
101b, 111, 119a. Use a period, a
question mark, or an exclamation point
(as appropriate) at the end of an elliptical
expressiona word or phrase that
represents a complete sentence.
When am I leaving? In a week or so.
I heard that youre resigning. Why?
What a great job! Congratulations!
THE PERIOD
107a. Use periods after elements
displayed on separate lines in a list when
they are long or are essential to the
grammatical completeness of the
statement that introduces the list.
This software will help you to:
1. Maintain your checkbook.
2. Prepare a realistic monthly budget.
3. Monitor your monthly expenses.
THE PERIOD
107b. No periods are needed after

elements in a list if the introductory
statement is grammatically complete.
We can provide the following kinds of

software:
Customer information systems
Product information systems
Decision support systems
THE PERIOD
102a. As a general rule, use one space
after the period or any other mark at
the end of a sentence, but switch to two
spaces whenever a stronger visual
break between sentences is needed.
One space after the period: Lets meet
on Friday. How does 10 a.m. sound?
Two spaces after the period: Lets meet
on Friday. How does 10 a.m. sound?
THE PERIOD
102e. When an abbreviation ends one
sentence and begins the next, the use of
one space after the period that ends the
sentence may be inadequate. Use two
spaces for a stronger visual break.
One space after the period: Lunch begins
at 1 p.m. F. J. Rae will be the speaker.
Two spaces after the period: Lunch begins
at 1 p.m. F. J. Rae will be the speaker.
COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122. Use commas to set off nonessential

expressionswords, phrases, and clauses
that are not needed to complete the
meaning or the structure of a sentence.
Nonessential: Lets ask Muriel Spock, who is

familiar with this type of transaction.
Essential: Lets ask someone who is familiar
with this type of transaction.
COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122. Use commas to set off nonessential

expressionswords, phrases, and clauses
that are not643,346,Slide
needed to346complete the
meaning or the structure of a sentence.
Nonessential: I have decided, therefore, to

withdraw my bid.
Essential: I have therefore decided to
withdraw my bid.
COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122a. Use commas to set off interrupting

elementswords, phrases, and clauses that
break the flow of a sentence from subject
to verb to object or complement.
Interrupting: We could meet this Thursday

or, if you prefer, next Tuesday.
Interrupting: We can wait for a week, cant we,
to see what happens?
COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122b. Use commas to set off afterthoughts

words, phrases, and clauses loosely
added onto the end of a sentence.
Afterthought: The merger took place last

July, if I remember correctly.
Afterthought: Its not too late to enroll, is it?

COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122c. Use commas to set off transitional

expressions and similar elements
that are not essential to the meaning
or the structure of a sentence.
Nonessential: It is true, nevertheless,

that Carl supplied us with useful
information.
Essential: It is nevertheless true that
Carl supplied us with useful information.
COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122c. Use commas to set off independent

comments and similar elements that are
not essential to the meaning or the
structure of a sentence.
Nonessential: It is our plan, of course, to

get a second opinion.
Essential: It is of course our plan to get
a second opinion.
COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122d. Use commas to set off descriptive
expressions and similar elements that are
Nonessential: Many thanks for your letter of
May 1, in which you reviewed my manuscript.
Essential: Many thanks for the letter in which
you reviewed my manuscript.

COMMAS THAT SET OFF
122e-f. Use commas to set off descriptive

expressions and similar elements that are
Dates: The meeting planned for November 5, 2003,

will have to be rescheduled for February 2004.
Names: Ann Garcia, M.D., is moving to Logan, Utah.
Names: Paul Poe Jr. is leaving Green Inc. next week.

COMMAS THAT SEPARATE
123b. Use a comma to separate three

or more items in a series.
The Foxes, the Perrys, and the Joneses

have said yes.
Im still waiting to hear from the Sheas
and the Poes.

123c. Use a comma to separate two

or more adjectives that modify
the same noun.
Gillian is a thoughtful, considerate person.

But: I would like to thank you for your
thoughtful editorial comments.

123d. Use a comma to separate the

digits of large numbers into
groups of thousands.
10,575 200,000 3,500,000

But: 3000 3.14159265

123e. Use a comma to indicate the

omission of key words.
Employees with at least one year of service

are entitled to two weeks of vacation; those
with at least three years of service, three
weeks.

123e. Use a comma to indicate unusual

word order.
How that happened, well never know.

123e. Use a comma to

preserve clarity.
All an insurance policy is, is a contract

for services.

124. Use a comma after most introductory
elements that begin a sentence and precede
the subject and verb of the main clause.
Introductory word: Well, what can we do?

Introductory phrase: To start a successful
business, you need to do a lot of planning.
But: To start a successful business requires
a lot of planning.

Introductory clause: Before we invest more

money in the company, we need to see an
updated financial analysis.
Introductory verbal phrase: In reviewing the
sketches, I noticed several problems.

Introductory adverb: Tomorrow Ill give you

our decision.
Introductory phrase: In 2003 I may retire.
Introductory phrase: In the morning Ill have
more time.
124b. Use a comma after a transitional

expression or an independent comment
that begins a sentence.
Transitional expression: In any case, we

dont have to decide right away.
Independent comment: In my opinion, she
needs help.

COMMAS IN COMPOUND
SENTENCES
126-128. Use a comma to separate two
main clauses when they are joined by
and, but, or, or nor.
Compound sentence: I finished the report
last week, and I will now write a one-page
executive summary.
Compound predicate: I finished the report
last week and will now write a one-page
executive summary.
COMMAS IN COMPOUND
SENTENCES
126-128. Do not use a comma to separate
two main clauses when they are not joined
by and, but, or, or nor.
Run-on sentence: I finished the report last
week, I will now write a one-page executive
summary. (A comma is incorrect.)
Correct alternatives: . . . last week. I will . . .
. . . last week; I will . . .
. . . last week, and I will . . .
COMMAS IN COMPLEX
SENTENCES
130. Use a comma to separate a

dependent clause that precedes
the main clause.
Before we meet with the sales staff, we

need to complete this study.

COMMAS IN COMPLEX
SENTENCES
131, 132. Use a comma to separate a
nonessential dependent clause that
follows the main clause.
Nonessential: We need to complete this study

by Friday, before we meet with the CEO.
Essential: We need to complete this study

before we meet with the CEO.

THE SEMICOLON
176. Use a semicolon to separate

two independent clauses when the
clauses are not linked by a coordinating
conjunction (and, but, or, or nor).
Sheila wants to buy an SUV; Paul

would rather get a convertible.
Also correct: Sheila wants to buy an
SUV. Paul would rather get a convertible.
THE SEMICOLON
178. Use a semicolon to separate two

independent clauses when the clauses are
linked by a transitional expression (such
as however, moreover, or therefore).
My partners want to sign the contract;

however, I have some misgivings.
Also correct: My partners want to sign the
contract. However, I have some misgivings.
THE COLON
187a. Use a colon to separate two
independent clauses (1) when the second
clause explains the first clause and (2) the
clauses are not linked by a coordinating
conjunction or a transitional expression.
It has been said that a successful project

goes through three stages: it wont work, it
costs too much, and I always knew it was a
good idea.
THE COLON
187b. Compare the use of the colon and

the semicolon in these examples:
Colon: This job sounds very attractive: the salary,
the benefits, and the opportunities for advance-
ment seem excellent. (The second clause explains
the first clause.)
Semicolon: This job sounds very attractive; it is the

kind of job I have been looking for. (Also correct:
This job sounds very attractive. It is the . . . . )
FOR EXAMPLE,
NAMELY, AND THAT IS
181a. Ordinarily, use a semicolon to

separate two independent clauses
when they are linked by for example,
namely, or that is.
Semicolon: Pamela Hearst is well qualified

for this sales job; for example, she spent three
years working as a sales representative for
one of our major competitors.
FOR EXAMPLE,
NAMELY, AND THAT IS
181b. Use a colon before for example,

namely, or that is if (1) the first inde-
pendent clause directs attention to the
second independent clause and
(2) the second clause carries the
real emphasis in the sentence.
Colon: Your proposal covers all but one

point: namely, who is going to foot the
bill?
FOR EXAMPLE,
NAMELY, AND THAT IS
182a. Use a semicolon before for
example, namely, or that is if (1) the
preceding part of the sentence expresses
a complete thought and (2) what
follows is an afterthought, providing
additional information that is nice
to know but nonessential.
Semicolon: Always use figures with abbre-
viations; for example, 6 ft, 8 lb, 11 a.m.
FOR EXAMPLE,
NAMELY, AND THAT IS
182b. Use a colon before for example,
namely, or that is if (1) the preceding
part of the sentence leads up to what
follows and (2) the real emphasis of the
sentence is to fall on what follows.
Colon: There are two things Id like you

to do while Im away: namely, answer all
my phone calls and dont let anyone know
that Im away.
FOR EXAMPLE,
NAMELY, AND THAT IS
182c. Use a comma before for example,

namely, or that is if it introduces a word
or phrase that explains an expression
immediately preceding.
This batch of mail will be processed by an

OCR, that is, an optical character reader.

DASHES
183, 201. When for example, namely,

or that is introduces an expression
within a sentence, use dashes to set off
the complete expression if you want to
give it special emphasis.
Three of our customersnamely, Foley,

Florio, and Gaborhave not reordered.

PARENTHESES
183, 219. When for example, namely,

or that is introduces an expression
within a sentence, use parentheses to set
off the complete expression if you want
to de-emphasize it.
Three of our customers (namely, Foley,

Florio, and Gabor) have not reordered.

COMMAS
183. When for example, namely, or that is

introduces an expression within a sentence,
use commas to set off the complete expression
if (1) no special treatment is required and
(2) the expression does not contain a series
of items separated by commas.
A few of our customers, for example, Foley

and Florio, have called to complain.

QUOTATION MARKS
227. Use quotation marks to enclose a

direct quotation, that is, the exact
words of a speaker or writer.
Jack simply said, I have decided to resign.

QUOTATION MARKS
228. Do not use quotation marks for an

indirect quotation, that is, a restatement
of a persons exact words.
Jack simply said that he had decided to resign.

QUOTATION MARKS
253a. When a quoted statement falls at

the beginning of a sentence, insert a
comma (not a period) before the
closing quotation mark.
Lets try to meet next Thursday, Jean

suggested.

QUOTATION MARKS
254. When a quoted question falls at

the beginning of a sentence, insert a
question mark (not a comma) before the
closing quotation mark.
Why do we need to meet? Steve asked.

QUOTATION MARKS
254. When a quoted exclamation falls at

the beginning of a sentence, insert an
exclamation point (not a comma) before
the closing quotation mark.
I dont believe it! Burt shouted.

QUOTATION MARKS
256a. When a quoted sentence falls at

the end of a larger sentence, insert a
comma before the opening quotation
mark if the quotation is introduced
by a simple phrase like She said.
Marsha said, We need to make a

decision today.

QUOTATION MARKS
256b. When a quoted sentence falls

at the end of a larger sentence, insert
a colon before the opening quotation
mark if the quotation is introduced by a
complete sentence like She said this.
Marshas reaction was fierce: We need

to make a decision today.

QUOTATION MARKS
247a, 257. When a quoted statement

falls at the end of a statement, insert
a period before the closing
quotation mark.
Marsha said, We need to make a

decision today.

QUOTATION MARKS
249a, 257. When a quoted question falls

at the end of a statement, insert
a question mark before the closing
quotation mark.
Ralph replied, Why do we have to decide

today?

QUOTATION MARKS
249b, 257. When a quoted statement

falls at the end of a question, insert
a question mark after the closing
quotation mark.
Did Marsha really say, We need to make

a decision today?

QUOTATION MARKS
257. When a quoted question falls at the

end of a question, insert a question mark
before the closing quotation mark.
Did Marsha really say, Why do we need

to make a decision today?

QUOTATION MARKS
242. Use quotation marks to enclose titles

that represent only part of a complete
work (such as an article in a magazine or
a chapter in a book).
Im enclosing a copy of an article entitled

Reinventing Retailing to Compete With
E-Tailing.

ITALICS AND UNDERLINING
289a. Use italics or underlining to set off

titles that represent complete works (such
as a magazine or a book).
For an excellent book on conflict resolution,

read Getting to Yes. (Or: Getting to Yes.)

285a. Use italics or underlining to

set off words used as words.
What does the term mouse potato mean?

287. Use italics or underlining

to set off foreign expressions
unless they are considered part
of the English language.
What they said is true, nest-ce pas?

(Or: nest-ce pas?)
But: Im all for preserving the status quo.

CAPITALIZATIONFIRST WORDS
301a. Capitalize the first word of

every sentence.
We didnt know that.

How did you find out?

301b. Capitalize the first word of

an expression used as a sentence.
Really? Unbelievable!
Indeed. So much for that.

301c. Capitalize the first word of

a quoted sentence.
Mr. Potter asked, When can we expect a

decision?

301d. Capitalize the first

word of an independent question
within a sentence.
The question is, What should we do now?

301e. Capitalize the first

word of each item displayed
in a list or an outline.
This problem-solving tool will help you:

Become an effective leader.
Improve your relations with colleagues.
Cope with stressful situations on the job.

301g. Capitalize the first

word of the salutation and the
complimentary closing of a letter.
Dear Ms. Porcini: Sincerely,

CAPITALIZATIONPROPER NOUNS
303, 311, 320. Capitalize every proper

noun, that is, the official name of a
particular person, place, or thing.
Persons:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Organizations:
Cisco Systems
the Red Cross
303, 325, 335. Capitalize every proper
Governmental units:
the House of Representatives
But: the federal government
the Vermont State Board of Education
But: the state of Vermont
303, 331. Capitalize every proper

Places:
the Holiday Inn Bath, Maine
Lake Champlain OHare Airport

303, 331, 356, 360, 364. Capitalize
every proper noun, that is,
the official name of a particular
person, place, or thing.
Things:
the Statue of Liberty Kleenex
Gone With the Wind an Oscar

Days:
Wednesday Saturday
Months:
February 14 October 31
Holidays:
the Fourth of July Mothers Day
303, 344a-b. Capitalize every proper

Events:
World War II the Middle Ages
the Holocaust the Renaissance

Races:
Caucasians Native Americans
Peoples:
the Koreans African Americans
Languages:
speak Swedish read Japanese
CAPITALIZATIONCOMMON NOUNS
307. Do not capitalize common

nouns, that is, nouns that refer
to a class of things.
books all books every book

308. Do not capitalize common nouns,

that is, nouns that refer to a particular
person, place, or thing without
using the full official name.
my book this book these books

309. Capitalize a common noun when it

is part of a proper noun but not when it
is used as a short form in place of the
complete official name.
Proper nouns: Common nouns:

Dr. Milano my doctor
Professor Piasecki the professor
the Poe Company the company
309. Capitalize a common noun when it

is part of a proper noun but not when it
is used as a short form in place of the
complete official name.

Boston University the university
Hotel Pierre the hotel
Logan Airport the airport

309, 331, 346a. Capitalize a common

noun when it is part of a proper noun but
not when it is used as a short form in place
of the complete official name.

the Hudson River the river
Fifth Avenue the avenue
the Civil Rights Act the act
CAPITALIZATIONTITLES
312a. Capitalize a title when it

precedes a persons name.
Personal titles:
Mr. Arnst Ms. La Voix
Executive titles:
President Roy Fox

312a. Capitalize a title when it

precedes a persons name.
Professional titles:
Dr. Cheng Professor Romero
Governmental titles:
Governor Foy Senator Cohen

313a. In most cases, do not capitalize

these titles when they follow a
persons name or are used in
place of a persons name.
Roy Fox, president of the Century Club,

asked . . .
The president of the Century Club asked . . .

313b. Always capitalize the titles of
high-ranking officials and dignitaries,
even when they follow a persons name or
are used in place of a persons name.
National officials:
the President the Vice President
State officials:
the Governor the Lieutenant Governor
313b. Always capitalize the titles of
high-ranking officials and dignitaries,
even when they follow a persons name or
are used in place of a persons name.
Foreign dignitaries:
the Queen the Prime Minister
International figures:
the Pope the Secretary General
313c-d. Ordinarily, do not capitalize

the titles of local officials or company
officials when they follow or are
used in place of a persons name.
The mayor announced . . .

The treasurer of the club . . .

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401a. Spell out numbers from

1 through 10. Use figures for
numbers over 10.
Please make ten copies of this article.

Please make 11 copies of this article.

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
402. Express related numbers

the same way. If some are
above 10 and some below 10,
put them all in figures.
Please send 10 copies of this article to our

Boise office and 11 copies to our Topeka
office.

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401d. Always spell out numbers at

the beginning of a sentence.
Forty men showed up.

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401c. Always spell out indefinite

numbers and amounts.
a few thousand brochures

hundreds of acres

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401d. Always spell out nontechnical or

nonemphatic references to age, periods
of time, and measurements.
when I turn forty

sixty years ago
lose fifty pounds

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401d. Some numbers are

usually spelled out.
Ordinal numbers:
my twenty-fifth birthday
Fractions:
over one-third of the callers

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401b, 410. In expressions of dates,

where numbers have technical signifi-
cance or need to stand out for quick
comprehension, use all figureseven
for the numbers 1 through 10.
On April 8, 2003, we will . . . (Not: April 8th)

In April 2003 we will . . .
the May 2003 issue But: the May 2, 2003, issue
NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401b, 403a, 413a, 418a. In expressions

of money, where numbers have technical
significance or need to stand out for quick
comprehension, use all figureseven
from $4.95 to $9
$5,000,000 Or: $5 million
10 cents But: not worth two cents
NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401b, 453. When numbers

precede abbreviations and
symbols, use all figureseven
8 a.m. 7.5 lb 250 MB 9F

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401b. With technical or emphatic

references to age, use all figures
even for the numbers 1 through 10.
Technical: a study of 2-year-olds

Nontechnical: my two-year-old son

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401b, 436. With technical or

emphatic references to periods
of time, use all figureseven for
the numbers 1 through 10.
Technical: a 20-year mortgage

Nontechnical: over twenty years ago

NUMBERSFIGURE STYLE
401b, 429. With technical or

emphatic references to measure-
ments, use all figureseven for
the numbers 1 through 10.
Technical: packages over 5 pounds

Nontechnical: need to lose five pounds

NUMBERSWORD STYLE
404. Spell out numbers from 1 through

100. Also spell out numbers above 100
that require only one or two words.
sixty-five (one word)

three hundred (two words)
But: 350 (would require three words)
ninety-five million But: 125 million
NUMBERSWORD STYLE
405. Express related numbers the same
way. If some numbers require one or two
words and others require more than two
words, put them all in figures.
We sent out 350 invitations and have
already received over 300 acceptances.
Our corporation projected revenues of
$125 million last year but earned only
$95 million.
ABBREVIATIONS
502a. Avoid using abbreviations

except on business forms, in catalogs,
in tables, and in informal documents
shared with your colleagues.
When in doubt, spell it out.

ABBREVIATIONS
502b. Some abbreviations are always

acceptable, such as those that
accompany a persons name.
Mr. Ms. Jr. M.D.

Esq. Mrs. Sr. Ph.D.

ABBREVIATIONS
502b. Some abbreviations are always

acceptable, such as those that
are part of an organizations name.
Co. Corp. Inc. Ltd.

ABBREVIATIONS
502c. Some abbreviations are always

acceptable, such as those used in place
of a long organizational name.
NAACP SEC IRS NBC

ABBREVIATIONS
502b. Some abbreviations are

always acceptable, such as those
used in expressions of time.
a.m. p.m. PST EDT

ABBREVIATIONS
503. When alternative forms are

available, use the form that is the shortest
without any sacrifice of clarity.
cont. (rather than contd.)

2 lb (rather than 2 lbs)
Enc. 2 (rather than Encs. 2 OR Encl. 2)
2d (rather than 2nd)
ABBREVIATIONSPUNCTUATION
506a. Use a period after the

abbreviation of a single word.
Mrs. Corp. pp. Wed.
Jr. Inc. Nos. Dec.

ABBREVIATIONS
PUNCTUATION AND SPACING
507. When a small-letter abbreviation
consists of single initials representing
two or more words, insert a period
after each initial but insert no
space after each internal period.
a.m. i.e. BUT: rpm

p.m. e.g. mph
ABBREVIATIONS
508. As a general rule, do not use

periods in all-capital abbreviations
consisting of single initials
representing two or more words.
CBS CEO ASAP
MIT FYI CD-ROM

ABBREVIATIONS
508. As an exception to the general

rule, insert periods in all-capital
abbreviations when they consist of single
initials and they represent:
Geographic names: U.S. N.J. D.C.

Academic degrees: B.A. M.S. M.D.
Miscellaneous expressions: A.D. B.C. P.O.
ABBREVIATIONS
509. When an abbreviation consists of more

than single initials, insert a period and a space
after each element in the abbreviation.
N. Mex. Lt. Col. Rt. Rev. loc. cit.

Exceptions:
Academic abbreviations: Ph.D. LL.B.
Units of measurement: sq ft cu cm
510. Do not use a period after

shortened forms of words.
deli temp hype

demo typo condo
fax info co-op

ABBREVIATIONS
516a. Insert a period and a space after

each initial in a persons name.
M. A. Devine F. E. Hollings
W. E. B. Du Bois B. J. Malone

516b. As a rule, omit periods

when a persons name is expressed
entirely in initials.
JFK FDR

522a. Do not use periods in

acronyms (all-cap initials that are
pronounced like a word).
PIN BOGSAT NIMBY

MEGO WOMBAT PEBCAK

PLURALS
601. To form the plural of most

words, simply add s.
ideas committees taxis menus
combs rhythms depths rights

PLURALS
602. To form the plural of words that

end in s, x, ch, sh, and z, add es.
businesses boxes crashes
summonses matches brushes
faxes sketches buzzes

PLURALS

end in a vowel plus y, add s.
holidays attorneys joys guys

PLURALS
604. To form the plural of words

that end in a consonant plus y,
change the y to i and add es.
policy policies liability liabilities

copy copies rally rallies

PLURALS
606. To form the plural of words

that end in a vowel plus o, add s.
stereos ratios shampoos duos

PLURALS

end in a consonant plus o, add s to some
words and es to others. (Check your
manual or a dictionary to be sure.)
photos memos potatoes echoes
macros twos heroes fiascoes

PLURALS
608a. To form the plural of most words

ending in f, fe, or ff, add s.
beliefs proofs safes sheriffs

chiefs reefs cafs tariffs

PLURALS
608b. To form the plural of some

words ending in f, fe, or ff, change
the ending to ve and add s.
wife wives self selves

life lives shelf shelves

PLURALS
609-610. Some words have an
irregular plural. Check your
manual or a dictionary if you are
not sure of the correct form.
man men foot feet

woman women goose geese
child children mouse mice
PLURALS
611. Solid Compound Nouns. Pluralize

the final element in the compound
as if it stood alone.
crossroads hatboxes handkerchiefs

birthdays eyewitnesses hairbrushes
bookshelves blueberries photocopies

PLURALS
612a. Spaced or Hyphenated Compound

Nouns. To form the plural, add s or es to
the chief element of the compound.
mothers-in-law editors in chief

runners-up accounts payable

PLURALS
612b. Spaced or Hyphenated Compound

Nouns. When this type of compound
does not contain a noun as one of its
elements, simply add s or es to the
final element to form the plural.
hang-ups get-togethers
go-betweens run-throughs

PLURALS
614. When words of foreign origin

have acceptable English plurals,
add s or es as appropriate.
agenda agendas stadium stadiums
census censuses appendix appendixes

PLURALS
614. Some words of foreign origin require

foreign plurals. Check your manual or a
dictionary for the correct forms.
alumnus (m.) alumni criterion criteria
alumna (f.) alumnae analysis analyses

PLURALS
619. To form the plural of most

abbreviations, add s.
Vol. Vols. No. Nos. Dr. Drs.

PLURALS
620. Abbreviations of measurements

use the same form in the
singular and the plural.
oz ft in lb km mL

PLURALS
621. To form the plural of a few

abbreviations, double
the singular form.
p. pp. l. ll.

PLURALS
622. To form the plural of

abbreviations that end in a
capital letter, add s.
VIPs CEOs M.D.s Ph.D.s

PLURALS
623. To form the plural of

abbreviations that end in a small
letter, add an apostrophe plus s.
received four c.o.d.s

minding ones ps and qs

SINGULAR POSSESSIVES
630. To form the possessive of singular

nouns that do not end with an s sound,
add an apostrophe plus s.
my attorneys advice Illinoiss highways

the committees vote Arkansass lakes

631a. To form the possessive of singular

nouns that do end with an s sound, be guided
by your pronunciation. If you create a new
syllable when you pronounce the possessive,
your bosss approval Dallass parks

our coachs strategy Phoenixs suburbs

631b. To form the possessive of singular

nouns that do end with an s sound, be guided
by your pronunciation. If adding an extra
syllable makes the word hard to pronounce,
add only an apostrophe.
for goodness sake New Orleans chefs

Massachusetts roads Los Angeles freeways

634. To form the possessive of singular

compound nouns, add an apostrophe plus s
to the last element of the compound.
an eyewitnesss story my stockbrokers advice
my son-in-laws job the attorney generals plan

PLURAL POSSESSIVES
632. To form the possessive of regular

plural nouns (those that end in s or es),
attorneys fees the witnesses testimony

ten dollars worth our bosses decisions

PLURAL POSSESSIVES
633. To form the possessive of irregular

plural nouns (those that do not end in s or
es), add an apostrophe plus s.
mens ties childrens toys

womens skirts the alumnis contributions

PLURAL POSSESSIVES
635a. To form the possessive of plural

compound nouns that end in s,
the stockholders votes

the vice presidents jobs

PLURAL POSSESSIVES
635b. To form the possessive of plural

compound nouns that do not end in s,
the editors in chiefs judgments

my sons-in-laws Internet start-up

POSSESSIVESPRONOUNS
636. To form the possessive of personal

pronouns, never use an apostrophe.
Use the special possessive forms.
my idea your bills

the idea was mine these bills are yours

POSSESSIVESPRONOUNS

his palmtop our CD collection

that palmtop is his those CDs are ours

POSSESSIVESPRONOUNS

her e-mail their summer cottage

this e-mail is hers that cottage is theirs

POSSESSIVESPRONOUNS

Each group uses its own forms. (NOT: its)

The decision has to be yours. (NOT: yours)
The responsibility is theirs. (NOT: theirs)

POSSESSIVESPRONOUNS
637. To form the possessive of

singular indefinite pronouns,
anybodys guess someone elses problem

no ones fault one anothers children

POSSESSIVESPRONOUNS
637. To form the possessive of

singular indefinite pronouns, add
an apostrophe plus s.
someones chance each others rights

BUT: the needs of each
(NOT: eachs needs)

SURNAMESPLURAL FORMS
615a. To form the plural of most

surnames, just add s.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter the Carters

Mr. and Mrs. Shea the Sheas

615b. To form the plural of surnames

ending in s or x, add es.
Mr. and Mrs. Bass the Basses

Mr. and Mrs. Fox the Foxes

615b. To form the plural of surnames

ending in ch, sh, or z, add es.
Mr. and Mrs. French the Frenches

Mr. and Mrs. Marsh the Marshes
Mr. and Mrs. Perez the Perezes

615b. If adding es makes the plural

surname hard to pronounce, use the
singular form for the plural.
Mr. and Mrs. Hastings the Hastings

(NOT: the Hastingses)

615c. When forming the plural of a

surname, do not change the spelling.
Simply add s or es.
the Kennedys (NOT: the Kennedies)

the Wolfs (NOT: the Wolves)
the Fairchilds (NOT: the Fairchildren)

SURNAMESPOSSESSIVE FORMS
631a. To form the singular possessive of

a surname, add an apostrophe plus s.
Mrs. Joness article Mr. and Mrs. Marxs house

Mr. Harriss report Mr. and Mrs. Hertzs car
Note that Mr. and Mrs. is followed by the singular
form of the possessive.

631b. To form the singular possessive of

a surname, add only an apostrophe if the
addition of an apostrophe plus s makes
the name hard to pronounce.
Mrs. Hodges fax

(NOT: Mrs. Hodgess fax)
Mr. and Mrs. Hastings party
(NOT: Mr. and Mrs. Hastingss party)
632a. To form the plural possessive of a

surname, add only an apostrophe.
the Joneses farm the Marxes house

the Harrises son the Hertzes car
the Hodges condo the Hastings party

SPELLING
701. When a word of one syllable ends

with a single consonant (bag) preceded by
a single vowel (bag), double the final
consonant before a suffix beginning with
a vowel or before the suffix y.
baggage bagged bagging baggy

SPELLING
702. When a word of two or more

syllables ends in a single consonant (refer)
preceded by a single vowel (refer), double
the final consonant before a suffix
beginning with a vowel (referred) if the
accent falls on the last syllable of the root
word (reFERred or reFERring).
forBIDden beGINning
ocCURred reGRETtable
SPELLING
703. When a word of one syllable ends

with a single consonant (bad) preceded
by a single vowel (bad), do not double the
final consonant before a suffix beginning
with a consonant (badly).
joyful joyless gladly gladness

SPELLING
704. When a word of two or more syllables

ends in a single consonant (total) preceded
by a single vowel (total), do not double the
final consonant before a suffix beginning
with a vowel (totaled) if the accent does not
fall on the last syllable of the root word.
CANceled DIFferent BENefiting

Exceptions: PROgrammed FORmatting

SPELLING
705. Do not double the final consonant

of the root word before a suffix if the
root word ends in a single consonant
preceded by two vowels.
gainful chiefly dreaming riotous

SPELLING
706. Do not double the final consonant

of the root word before a suffix if the root
word ends in two consonants.
climbing selfish backward warmly

SPELLING
707. Words ending in a silent e

usually drop the e before a suffix
beginning with a vowel.
storage managing
BUT: mileage manageable

SPELLING
708. Words ending in a silent e usually

retain the e before a suffix beginning with
a consonant.
hopeful management
BUT: awful judgment

SPELLING
710. Words ending in y preceded by a

consonant change the y to i before
most suffixes.
happiness heavier
defiant fiftieth
BUT: countrywide shyly

SPELLING
710. Words ending in y preceded

by a consonant retain the y before
a suffix beginning with i.
trying thirtyish lobbyist
BUT: academy academic

economy economic

SPELLING
712. The letter i usually comes before e.
believe field friend

relief yield view
BUT: either foreign

SPELLING
712. The letter e usually comes before i

when these letters follow c.
receive perceive conceit

deceitful ceiling receipt
BUT: ancient science

SPELLING
712. The letter e comes before i when

these two letters are pronounced like ay
(as in day).
freight neighbor eight their
weight vein sleigh heir

SPELLING
715a. Most words that end with

the sound of eyes are spelled
with the ending ize.
authorize emphasize realize

specialize criticize organize
recognize visualize prize

SPELLING
715b. Some common words that

end with the sound of eyes are
spelled with the ending ise.
advertise compromise enterprise

supervise advise devise
exercise surprise televise

SPELLING
715c. A few words that end with the sound

of eyes are spelled with the ending yze.
analyze paralyze

SPELLING
716c. When words end with the sound of

seed, they usually end with cede.
accede intercede recede
concede precede secede

SPELLING
716b. Three words that end with the sound

of seed are spelled with the ending ceed.
exceed proceed succeed

SPELLING
716a. Only one word that ends with

the sound of seed is spelled with
the ending sede.
supersede

COMPOUND NOUNS
801a. Some compound nouns are

written solid, some are spaced, and
some are hyphenated.
checklist check mark check-in

goodwill good sense good-bye
trademark trade name trade-in

COMPOUND NOUNS AND VERBS
802. Distinguish between compound

nouns that are solid or hyphenated and verb
phrases (which are always spaced).
COMPOUND NOUN VERB PHRASE

a follow-up on my memo follow up on my memo
a breakdown in the talks when talks break down

COMPOUND NOUNS AND VERBS
802. Distinguish between compound

nouns that are solid or hyphenated and
verb phrases (which are always spaced).
COMPOUND NOUN VERB PHRASE

plan a get-together plan to get together
to reduce staff turnover to turn over the deed

COMPOUND VERBS
811. Compound verbs are usually

hyphenated or solid. To be sure of the
spelling of compound verbs, check
your manual or a dictionary.
to air-condition to download
to double-click to highlight
to spot-check to proofread

GENDER-FREE NOUNS
809a. When referring generally to men

and women, avoid compound nouns
ending in man or men.
IN PLACE OF: USE:
laymen laypersons
businessmen business owners
business executives
business managers
business people
GENDER-FREE NOUNS
809a. When referring generally to men

and women, avoid compound nouns
ending in man or men.
IN PLACE OF: USE:
mankind people, humanity, human
beings
salesman salespeople, salespersons, sales
representatives
foremen supervisors
GENDER-FREE NOUNS
840. Avoid feminine suffixes

like ess and ette.
author (NOT: authoress)

flight attendant(NOT: stewardess)

GENDER-FREE NOUNS
840. A few terms ending with

feminine suffixes like ess and ette
are still widely used.
hostess heroine fiance waitress

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
813. A compound adjective consists of two
or more words that function as a unit and
express a single thought. They are derived
from adjective phrases or clauses.
ADJECTIVE PHRASE COMPOUND
OR CLAUSE ADJECTIVE
loans made for a long term long-term loans
an actor who is well known a well-known actor
a sale exempt from taxes a tax-exempt sale
COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
813. A compound adjective consists of two

or more words that function as a unit and
express a single thought. They are derived
from adjective phrases and clauses.
ADJECTIVE PHRASE COMPOUND

OR CLAUSE ADJECTIVE
a vacation for two weeks a two-week vacation
a woman who speaks softly a soft-spoken woman

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
814. Hyphenate a compound adjective

when it comes before a noun.
long-range plans an eye-catching display

a 40-hour week an old-fashioned gown

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
815a. When the elements that make up a

compound adjective come elsewhere
in a sentence, do not hyphenate them
if they occur in a normal form and in
a normal word order.
an all-day seminar a seminar that lasts all day

a part-time job I work part of the time.
BUT: I work part-time.
COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
815b. When the elements that make up a
compound adjective come elsewhere
in a sentence, retain the hyphen if these
elements are in an inverted word order
or an altered form.
high-priced These items are high-priced.

items BUT: They carry a high price.
state-owned These lands are state-owned.
lands BUT: They are owned by the state.

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
816. Adjective + Noun. Hyphenate

before but not after.
a high-speed printer It runs at high speed.

red-carpet treatment Roll out the red carpet.

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
817. Compound With Number or Letter.

Hyphenate before but not after.
a three-hour job a job that took three hours

a 20-year mortgage a mortgage running for 20 years

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
818. Compound Nouns as Adjectives.
a life insurance policy word processing software

a real estate agent income tax payments

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
819. Proper Names as Adjectives.

Do not hyphenate before or after.
a Park Avenue address a Supreme Court decision

an L. L. Bean catalog Mickey Mouse procedures

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
820. Noun + Adjective. Hyphenate

before and after. (Some words follow-
ing this pattern are written solid.)
a toll-free call You can call toll-free.

a cost-effective plan must be cost-effective
BUT: worldwide, storewide
waterproof, fireproof

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
821. Noun + Participle. Hyphenate

before and after.
market-tested products This has been market-tested.

mind-boggling details The report was mind-boggling.

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
822. Adjective + Participle. Hyphenate

before and after.
half-baked ideas All his ideas are half-baked.

a friendly-looking dog That dog is friendly-looking.

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
823. Adjective + Noun + ed. Hyphenate

before and after.
a quick-witted driver She was quick-witted.

deep-seated problems These problems are deep-seated.

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
826. Participle + Adverb. Hyphenate

filled-in forms forms to be filled in

a cooling-off period a time for cooling off

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
831. Phrasal Compounds. Hyphenate

up-to-date figures figures that are up to date

down-to-earth ideas needs to come down to earth
on-the-job training was trained on the job

COMPOUND ADJECTIVES
831. Phrasal Compounds. Hyphenate

off-the-shelf software bought it off the shelf

before-tax earnings earnings before taxes
after-dinner speeches speeches after dinner

PREFIXES
833. As a rule, do not use a hyphen to

set off a prefix from the root word.
aftereffects misspell prerequisite

antitrust multipurpose retroactive
hypersensitive nonessential semiannual

SUFFIXES
833. As a rule, do not use a hyphen to

set off a suffix from the root word.
freedom trustful happiness

fivefold likelihood hardship

PREFIXES
835a. In most words beginning with re,

pre, or de, the hyphen is omitted.
reeducate preeminent defraud

reelect preempt deregulate
reemphasize preexisting BUT: de-emphasize

PREFIXES
835b. In most words beginning

with co, the hyphen is omitted.
coauthor copartner BUT: co-op

cooperate cosigner co-opt
coordinate coworker co-owner

PREFIXES
836. Use a hyphen when self is a prefix

but not when self is the root word.
self-addressed self-paced BUT: selfish

self-confident self-study selfless
self-evident self-supporting selfsame

WORD DIVISION
901-902. Divide only between syllables.

Do not divide a one-syllable word.
planned through straight rhythm

WORD DIVISION
903a. Do not set off a one-letter syllable at

the beginning or at the end of a word.
ideal (NOT: i- deal)

media (NOT: medi- a)

WORD DIVISION
904. Do not divide a word unless

you can leave at least two letters
and a hyphen on the upper line.
re- new under ad- mit in- ert

WORD DIVISION
904. Do not divide a word unless you

can carry a syllable of at least three
characters to the next line. (The last
may be a punctuation mark.)
de- ter ad- mit set- up, happily.

WORD DIVISION
905-906. Do not divide an

abbreviation or a contraction.
UNICEF approx. havent shouldnt

WORD DIVISION
907-908. Try to divide compound words

between elements (not within).
eye- witness (NOT: eyewit- ness)

cross- reference (NOT: cross-reference)

WORD DIVISION
913. Divide after a one-letter syllable

within a word (not before it).
nega- tive (NOT: neg- ative)

congratu- late (NOT: congrat- ulate)

WORD DIVISION
914. Divide between two vowels when

they are pronounced separately (but
not when they represent one sound).
patri- otic situ- ated

BUT: trea- sure neu- tral

WORD DIVISION
916. Try not to end more than two

consecutive lines with a hyphen.

WORD DIVISION
917. Try not to divide at the end

of the first line or at the end of the
last full line of a paragraph.

WORD DIVISION
918. Do not divide the

last word on a page.

WORD DIVISION
919. Do not divide between

certain types of word groups.
page 191 May 13 Ms. Raeburn

11:40 a.m. June 2003 250 miles

WORD DIVISION
920g. In an enumerated list,

divide before (not after) an
introductory number or letter.
. . . these points:
(1) All cards should . . .
NOT: . . . these points: (1)
All cards should . . .
WORD DIVISION
920h. Divide after a

dash (not before it).
. . . Early next year

say, in Marchlets . . .
NOT: . . . Early next year
say, in Marchlets . . .

PRINCIPAL PARTS OF COMMON
REGULAR VERBS (1030a)
PAST PRESENT
PRESENT PAST PARTICIPLE PARTICIPLE
ask asked asked asking
confirm confirmed confirmed confirming
need needed needed needing
reveal revealed revealed revealing

PAST PRESENT
maintain maintained maintained maintaining
taxi taxied taxied taxiing
plan planned planned planning
ship shipped shipped shipping

PAST PRESENT
occur occurred occurred occurring
compel compelled compelled compelling
offer offered offered offering
travel traveled traveled traveling

PAST PRESENT
receive received received receiving
agree agreed agreed agreeing
die died died dying
tie tied tied tying

PAST PRESENT
carry carried carried carrying
hurry hurried hurried hurrying
obey obeyed obeyed obeying
annoy annoyed annoyed annoying

IRREGULAR VERBS (1030b)
PAST PRESENT
am, is, are was, were been being
become became become becoming
begin began begun beginning
break broke broken breaking

PAST PRESENT
bring brought brought bringing
buy bought bought buying
catch caught caught catching
choose chose chosen choosing

PAST PRESENT
come came come coming
do drew drawn drawing
draw did done doing
drink drank drunk drinking

PAST PRESENT
drive drove driven driving
eat ate eaten eating
fall fell fallen falling
feel felt felt feeling

PAST PRESENT
find found found finding
fly flew flown flying
forget forgot forgotten forgetting
forgive forgave forgiven forgiving

PAST PRESENT
get got got OR gotten getting
give gave given giving
go went gone going
grow grew grown growing

PAST PRESENT
hear heard heard hearing
hold held held holding
keep kept kept keeping
know knew known knowing

PAST PRESENT
lay (place) laid laid laying
lie (recline) lay lain lying
lie (fib) lied lied lying
lead led led leading

PAST PRESENT
lend lent lent lending
lose lost lost losing
make made made making
mean meant meant meaning

PAST PRESENT
pay paid paid paying
ring rang rung ringing
rise rose risen rising
run ran run running

PAST PRESENT
say said said saying
see saw seen seeing
sell sold sold selling
send sent sent sending

PAST PRESENT
set set set setting
shake shook shaken shaking
shrink shrank shrunk shrinking
sing sang sung singing

PAST PRESENT
sit sat sat sitting
speak spoke spoken speaking
swim swam swum swimming
swing swung swung swinging

PAST PRESENT
take took taken taking
teach taught taught teaching
tell told told telling
think thought thought thinking

PAST PRESENT
throw threw thrown throwing
understand understood understood understanding
wear wore worn wearing
write wrote written writing

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
1001. A verb must agree with its

subject in number and person.
I am as pleased with the outcome as you are.

She is not as competent as she thinks.
We do a lot more work than he does.
He has more experience than they have.

1002a. If the subject consists of two

or more words connected by and, the
subject requires a plural verb.
My brother and I are likely to get better test

scores than my mother and father expect.

1002c. If the subject consists of two

or more words connected by and,
the subject requires a plural verb.
However, if the two subjects connected by
and are preceded by each, every, or many a,
the subjects require a singular verb.
A copier and a fax machine are what I need.

Every copier and fax machine is on sale.
1003. If the subject consists of two or

more words connected by or, either . . . or,
neither . . . nor, or not only . . . but also,
use a singular verb if the two subjects
are each singular.
Either Fran or Bob has the Kellerman file.


neither . . . nor, or not only . . . but also, use
a plural verb if the two subjects
are each plural.
Neither the Kellys nor the Bonos want our

tickets.

make the verb agree with the nearer
subject if one subject is singular and
the other is plural.
Neither the office manager nor the assistants like
the new policy.
Neither the assistants nor the office manager likes
the new policy.

make the verb agree with the nearer
subject if one subject is singular and
the other is plural.
Neither the assistants nor I am happy about the
new policy.
Neither I nor the assistants are happy about the
new policy.
1006. When establishing agreement

between subject and verb, ignore
intervening phrases and clauses.
The bill for these spreadsheet programs

seems high.
The prices shown in our catalog do not
include sales taxes.
1006-1007. When establishing agreement

This study, along with earlier reports, proves

that our high prices, rather than poor service,
are responsible for our falling sales.

1006-1008. When establishing agreement

Mrs. Swenson, together with her husband

and her daughter, is going to Arizona.
One of the reasons for falling sales is our
high prices.
1009a. Use a singular verb when

the subject includes such words as
each, every, either, or neither.
Every employee has been informed of the

new policy.
Each is now responsible for adhering to
that policy.
1010. Use a singular verb when the subject

consists of such words as anyone, everybody,
something, or no one.
Everyone is required to attend the seminar.

Nothing surprises me anymore.

1012. Use a plural verb when the

subject includes such words as both,
few, many, others, or several.
Both books are out of print, but

several other titles on the same
subject are still available.

1013. Words like all, none, any, some,

more, or most may be singular or plural as
subjects, depending on what they refer to.
All of the work has been completed.

None of the cartons were damaged.

1018a. When the subject is a

noun with a foreign plural ending,
be sure to use a plural verb.
The criteria that we use are out of date.

BUT: The criterion that we use is out of date.

1018a. When the subject is a

noun with a foreign plural ending,
be sure to use a plural verb.
The analyses of the research data do not agree.

BUT: The analysis of the data is incomplete.

1019a. When the subject is a collective

noun (like jury or committee), use a singular
verb if the group is acting as a unit.
The jury has agreed on a verdict.

1019b. When the subject is a collective

noun (like jury or committee), use a
plural verb if the members of the
group are acting separately.
The jury have not yet agreed on a verdict.

BETTER: The members of the jury have not
yet agreed on a verdict.

1023. When the subject is the number,

use a singular verb. When the subject
is a number, use a plural verb.
The number of accidents at the corner is

alarming.
A large number of accidents have occurred
there.
1025a. When the subject includes a phrase

like one-half of, a percentage of, or the rest
of, use a singular verb if a singular noun
follows of or is implied.
Two-thirds of the job has been completed; the

remaining third is scheduled for completion
by this Friday.

1025b. When the subject includes a phrase

like one-half of, a percentage of, or the rest
of, use a plural verb if a plural noun follows
of or is implied.
A large percentage of the voters support your

plan.

1027. When the verb comes before the

subject, make sure that they agree.
What procedures am I expected to follow?

Enclosed is a copy of the e-mail sent by
Mr. Polk.

1028a. When a sentence begins with there

is, here are, or a similar phrase, the real
subject follows the verb. Use a singular
verb if the subject is singular.
There is a vast difference between the two

plans.
Here is the first draft of my manuscript.
1028a. When a sentence begins with

there is, here are, or a similar phrase,
the real subject follows the verb. Use a
plural verb if the subject is plural.
There are over 50 applicants for this job.

Here are the budget analyses you asked
for.
What are theClickcriteria we should
the mouse button or press the
use?
1029. When a sentence contains a linking

verb (such as become or some form of to
be), make sure that the verb agrees with
the subject.
Bicycles are the only product we make.

The only product we make is bicycles.
The key issue is higher wages.
Higher wages are the key issue.
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1054a. Use one of the following

forms when a personal pronoun
is the subject of a verb.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
PERSON PERSON PERSON
Singular: I you he, she, it
Plural: we you they
Marcia and I can do it. (NOT: Marcia and me.)

PERSONAL PRONOUNS

FIRST SECOND THIRD
Plural: we you they
Ted and she did a fine job. (NOT: Ted and her.)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS

FIRST SECOND THIRD
Plural: we you they
The Levys and we met yesterday.

(NOT: The Levys and us.)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS

forms when the personal pronoun
is the object of a verb.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Singular: me you him, her, it
Plural: us you them
They invited my wife and me.
(NOT: my wife and I.)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS

is the indirect object.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Plural: us you them
They gave Jim and me free tickets.
(NOT: Jim and I.)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1055b. Use one of the following

is the object of the preposition.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Plural: us you them
They gave free tickets to Jim and me.
(NOT: Jim and I.)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1055c. Use one of the following

is the subject of an infinitive.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Plural: us you them
She asked Sue and me to help her.
(NOT: Sue and I.)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1055c. Use one of the following

is the object of an infinitive.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Plural: us you them
Sam plans to invite the Kellys and me.
(NOT: the Kellys and I.)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1056b. Use one of the following possessive

forms when the pronoun immediately
precedes the noun it modifies.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Singular: my your his, her, its
Plural: our your their
my computer his daughter our children

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1056b. Use one of the following possessive

forms when the pronoun immediately
precedes the noun it modifies.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Singular: my your his, her, its
Plural: our your their
your report her son their parents

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1056c. Use one of the following possessive

forms when the pronoun stands apart
from the noun it refers to.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Singular: mine yours his, her, its
Plural: ours yours theirs
This computer is mine. Is this his or hers?

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1056c. Use one of the following possessive

forms when the pronoun stands apart
from the noun it refers to.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Singular: mine yours his, hers, its
Plural: ours yours theirs
That car is ours. Is this car yours or theirs?

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
1056e. Do not confuse certain posses-
sive forms with certain contractions
that sound like personal pronouns.
POSSESSIVES CONTRACTIONS
its its (it is OR it has)
The firm is wasting Its (It is) time to come

its time. to a decision.

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
your youre (you are)
Your approach Youre (You are)
makes sense. approaching the
problem wisely.

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
their theyre (they are)
OR: therere (there are)
What do you think Theyre (They are)
of their plan? planning to close.

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
theirs theres (there is
OR there has)
Theirs is the car Theres (There has) been
I like best. a change in Ben.

PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1049a. A pronoun must agree
with its antecedent (the word for
which the pronoun stands) in
number, gender, and person.
I have my reasons, just as you have yours.

The company needs to review its discount
policy.
PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1049a. A pronoun must agree
with its antecedent (the word for
which the pronoun stands) in
number, gender, and person.
Amy says that she needs her own computer.

We must establish our position before they
release their report.
PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1049b. Use a plural pronoun

when the antecedent consists
of two nouns joined by and.
Wendy and Sue say that they will make

their presentations next Monday.

PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1049c. Use a singular pronoun
when the antecedent consists of
two singular nouns joined by or or nor.
Neither Wendy nor Sue will be ready to

make her presentation before next Monday.

PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1049c. Use a plural pronoun when
the antecedent consists of two plural
nouns joined by or or nor.
Either the Foxes or the Ryans will bring

their VCR.

PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1049a, 1051, 1052a, 1053. When the
antecedent of a personal pronoun is a
singular noun or pronoun that could be
either masculine or feminine, use one
of the following forms as appropriate.
he or she his or her him or her
A manager needs to use much tact when
dealing with his or her subordinates.
PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1049a, 1051, 1052a, 1053. When the
antecedent of a personal pronoun is a
singular noun or pronoun that could be
either masculine or feminine, use one
of the following forms as appropriate.
he or she his or her him or her

Everyone must submit his or her expense
report by noon.
PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1052. If the use of he or she (or a
similar expression) produces an awk-
ward sentence, reword the sentence.
Managers need to use much tact when

dealing with their subordinates.
A manager needs to use much tact
when dealing with subordinates.
PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT
AGREEMENT
1052. If the use of he or she (or a
similar expression) produces an awk-
ward sentence, reword the sentence.
All employees must submit their expense

reports by noon.
Everyone must submit an expense report
by noon.
COMPOUND PERSONAL PRONOUNS

forms to direct the action expressed
by the verb back to the subject.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Singular: myself yourself himself,
herself, itself
Plural: ourselves yourselves themselves
She bought herself a new VCR.

forms to direct the action expressed by
the verb back to the subject.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
herself, itself
They conducted themselves honorably.

forms to emphasize a noun or
pronoun already expressed.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
herself, itself
I myself will deal with the problem.

forms to emphasize a noun or
pronoun already expressed.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
herself, itself
We planned the party ourselves.
1060d. Do not use a compound personal

pronoun unless the noun or pronoun to
which it refers is in the same sentence.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
herself, itself
These copies are for Hal and me. (NOT: myself)
1060d. Do not use a compound personal

pronoun unless the noun or pronoun to
which it refers is in the same sentence.
FIRST SECOND THIRD
herself, itself
Kate and I (NOT: myself) can resolve our problem.
INTERROGATIVE AND RELATIVE
PRONOUNS
1061a. Who, whom, whoever,
and whomever are:
Interrogative pronouns, used in
asking questions.
Relative pronouns, used to
introduce a clause referring to a
noun in the main clause.

PRONOUNS
1061c. Use who or whoever

as the subject of a verb.
Who gave you that information?

Chris is the one who gave me
that information.

PRONOUNS
1061d. Use whom or whomever as the

object of a verb or a preposition.
To whom should I distribute these copies?

Send the copies to whomever you wish.

PRONOUNS
1063. Use whose as the

possessive form of who.
Whose wallet is this?

Heres the phone number of the person
whose wallet you found.

PRONOUNS
1061c. To decide when to use who or
whom and whoever or whomever,
mentally rearrange the sentence
(as shown in parentheses below).
Who/Whom shall I say is calling?

(I shall say he is calling.)
Give this note to whoever/whomever asks for it.
(She asks for it.)
PRONOUNS
1061c. To decide when to use who or
whom and whoever or whomever,
mentally rearrange the sentence
(as shown in parentheses below).
Who/Whom are you going to vote for?
(You are going to vote for him.)
Vote for whoever/whomever you wish.
(You wish to vote for her.)
PRONOUNS
1063. Do not confuse whose (the
possessive form of who) with whos (a
contraction meaning who is or who has).
Whose/Whos book is this?

(This book is his.)
Whose/Whos the author?
(Shes the author.)
ADJECTIVES
An adjective is an expression that

answers questions like what kind,
how many, and which one.
What kind: excellent

results
How many: four laptops
Which one: the latest data

ADJECTIVES
An adjective may be a single word, phrase,

clause, or compound modifier.
Single word: a powerful man

Phrase: a man of great power
Clause: a man who hungers for power
Compound modifier: a power-hungry man
ADJECTIVES
An adjective can modify

a noun or pronoun.
Noun: Wonderful news!
The news is wonderful!
Pronoun: Unlucky me.
I seem to be unlucky.
ADVERBS
An adverb is an expression that answers
questions like when, where, why, in
what manner, and to what extent.
When: Ill call you tomorrow.

Where: Lets meet here or in your office.
Why: I cant attend because of illness.
In what manner: Dont speak so fast.
To what extent: He talked much too long.
ADVERBS
An adverb may be a single

word, phrase, or clause.
Single word: Speak clearly.
Phrase: Speak in a clear voice.
Clause: Speak as clearly as you can.

ADVERBS
An adverb can modify a verb, an

adjective, or another adverb.
A verb: We closed the deal quickly.
An adjective: Carole seemed genuinely

pleased.
Another adverb: The meeting went

surprisingly well.
ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS
1065. Use an adverb (not an

adjective) to modify an adjective.
a really nice time

(NOT: a real nice time)

1066. Use an adverb (not an adjective)

to modify a verb that expresses action.
I was hurt badly in the collision.

(NOT: hurt bad)

1067. Use an adjective (not an adverb)

to modify the subject of a sentence when
the modifier follows a verb of the senses
(feel look, sound, taste, smell).
I feel bad. (NOT: badly)

She looked happy. (NOT: happily)

1067. Use an adjective (not an adverb)

to modify the subject of a sentence when
the modifier follows a linking verb (some
form of be, seem, appear, and become).
Joe seemed friendly.

We became suspicious.

1071. Adjectives and adverbs

have three forms: positive, com-
parative, and superlative.
ADJECTIVE
Positive: thin
Comparative: thinner
Superlative: thinnest
1071a, e. Adjectives and adverbs of one

syllable (like soon below) form the com-
parative by adding er and the superlative by
adding est. A few form the comparative and
the superlative irregularly (like good below).
ADVERB ADJECTIVE
Positive: soon good
Comparative: sooner better
Superlative: soonest best
1071b. Adjectives and adverbs of two

syllables usually form the comparative and
the superlative in one of two ways.
ADJECTIVES ADVERBS
happy famous early often
happier more famous earlier less often
happiest most famous earliest least often

1071c. Adjectives and adverbs of three

syllables form the comparative and the
superlative as follows.
ADJECTIVES ADVERBS
competent carefully
less competent more carefully
least competent most carefully
1071g. When referring to two persons,

places, or things, use the comparative
form. When referring to more than
two, use the superlative form.
Kate is the taller of my two

daughters.
Jim is the tallest of my three sons.
Jim is taller than John or Chris.

Trudy is the most helpful person on the staff.
Trudy is more helpful than anyone else on the staff.

(NOT: . . . more helpful than anyone on the staff.)


Chicago is the largest city in Illinois.
Chicago is larger than any other city in Illinois.

(NOT: . . . larger than any city in Illinois.)

1071i. When making comparisons,

be sure to compare like things.
This years sales are better than last years.

(NOT: This years sales are better than last
year.)

PREPOSITIONS
A preposition is a word that takes an ob-

ject (a noun or pronoun) and connects it
to some other word in the sentence. Here
are some common prepositions, followed
in each case by an appropriate object.
above the clouds before noon up the river

below the surface after the party down the drain

PREPOSITIONS

from all of us for the last time

to the airport against my wishes
between you and me among the three of us
PREPOSITIONS

under the circumstances with every order

over the hill without a doubt
through the years during the nineties
PREPOSITIONS

across the room in the meantime

by all means out the door
behind the door at your convenience
PREPOSITIONS

on one hand until next year of every kind

off the wall about 6 p.m. since last week

PREPOSITIONS
1078. Omit unnecessary prepositions.
Where is she [at]?

The carton fell off [of] the truck.
Lets focus [in] on the real problem.
I couldnt help [from] laughing.
The strike is now over [with].
PREPOSITIONS
1079. Do not omit necessary prepositions.
I just bought a couple of CDs.

(NOT: a couple CDs.)
We dont stock that type of filter.

(NOT: that type filter.)

PREPOSITIONS
1079. Do not omit necessary prepositions.
She appears in movies, in plays, and on TV.

(NOT: She appears in movies, plays, and on TV.)

SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION
1081a. Express parallel

ideas in parallel form.
Wrong: The program was stimulating

and a challenge.
Right: The program was stimulating

and challenging.


Wrong: This scanner is easy to operate,

efficient, and it is relatively inexpensive.
Right: This scanner is easy to operate,
efficient, and relatively inexpensive.


Poor: This article will discuss:

1. How to deal with corporate
politics.
2. Coping with stress.
3. What the managers role
should be.


Better: This article will discuss:

1. Ways to deal with corporate
politics.
2. Techniques of coping with stress.
3. The role of the manager.

DANGLING CONSTRUCTIONS
1082a. When a sentence begins with a
participial phrase that expresses an action,
make sure that the subject of the sentence is
the doer of the action that is expressed
in the opening phrase. Otherwise, the
opening phrase will dangle.
Wrong: Having studied your cost estimates, a few
questions have occurred to me.
Right: Having studied your cost estimates, I would
like to ask you a few questions.
1082b. When a sentence begins with an
infinitive phrase that expresses an action,
make sure that the subject of the sentence is
the doer of the action that is expressed
in the opening phrase. Otherwise, the
opening phrase will dangle.
Wrong: To obtain this free booklet, the enclosed
coupon should be mailed in.
Right: To obtain this free booklet, you should
mail in the enclosed coupon.
1082c. When a sentence begins with a
prepositional-gerund phrase that expresses
an action, make sure that the subject of the
sentence is the doer of the action that is
expressed in the opening phrase. Other-
wise, the opening phrase will dangle.
Wrong: In analyzing the data, a few errors
were found.
Right: In analyzing the data, I found a few
errors.
USAGE
1101. a lotalot
Thanks a lot.
(NOT: Thanks alot.)

USAGE
1101. aof
Its been kind of cold.

(NOT: Its been kinda cold.)
What sort of car did you buy?
(NOT: What sort a car. . . )

USAGE
1101. affecteffect
His memo will not affect (change) my

decision.
His memo will have no effect (impact) on
my decision.
How can we effect (bring about) a change
in his decision?
USAGE
1101. amountnumber
a large amount of sugar (wood, steel, etc.;

things referred to in bulk)
a large number of people (orders, etc.;
things referred to as separate items)

USAGE
1101. awhilea while
wait awhile wait for a while a while back

USAGE
1101. betweenamong
divided between the two of us

divided among the three of us

USAGE
1101. fartherfurther
We drove farther (in actual distance)

than we planned.
Lets discuss your idea further (to a
greater extent).

USAGE
1101. fewerless
fewer accidents (or any other plural noun)

less energy (or any other singular noun)

USAGE
1101. ofhave
I could have helped you.

(NOT: I could of helped you.)
You should have let me.

(NOT: You should of let me.)

USAGE
1101. sometimesometimessome time
Lets get together sometime (at an

unspecified time) soon.
Sometimes (now and then) we go to Hawaii
for a month.
It will take some time (a period of time) to
finish the job.
USAGE
1101. supposed to
What was I supposed to think?

(NOT: What was I suppose to think?)

USAGE
1101. used to
We used to go to Nova Scotia every summer.

(NOT: We use to go to Nova Scotia every
summer.)

INFORMATION
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Major Marks

Click the mouse button or press the

101a. Use a period to mark the end of a

Statement: I question the need to merge

110a. Use a question mark at the end of

Direct question: Why is the policy being

119a. Use an exclamation point at the

Exclamation: Your article about the

Click the mouse button or press the

107b. No periods are needed after

We can provide the following kinds of

122. Use commas to set off nonessential

Nonessential: Lets ask Muriel Spock, who is

122. Use commas to set off nonessential

Nonessential: I have decided, therefore, to

122a. Use commas to set off interrupting

Interrupting: We could meet this Thursday

122b. Use commas to set off afterthoughts

Afterthought: The merger took place last

Click the mouse button or press the

122c. Use commas to set off transitional

Nonessential: It is true, nevertheless,

122c. Use commas to set off independent

Nonessential: It is our plan, of course, to

Click the mouse button or press the

122e-f. Use commas to set off descriptive

Dates: The meeting planned for November 5, 2003,

Click the mouse button or press the

123b. Use a comma to separate three

The Foxes, the Perrys, and the Joneses

Click the mouse button or press the

123c. Use a comma to separate two

Gillian is a thoughtful, considerate person.

Click the mouse button or press the

123d. Use a comma to separate the

10,575 200,000 3,500,000

Click the mouse button or press the

123e. Use a comma to indicate the

Employees with at least one year of service

Click the mouse button or press the

123e. Use a comma to indicate unusual

How that happened, well never know.

Click the mouse button or press the

123e. Use a comma to

All an insurance policy is, is a contract

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Introductory word: Well, what can we do?

124. Use a comma after most introductory

Introductory clause: Before we invest more

124. Use a comma after most introductory

Introductory adverb: Tomorrow Ill give you

124b. Use a comma after a transitional

Transitional expression: In any case, we

Click the mouse button or press the

130. Use a comma to separate a

Before we meet with the sales staff, we

Click the mouse button or press the

Nonessential: We need to complete this study

Essential: We need to complete this study

Click the mouse button or press the

176. Use a semicolon to separate

Sheila wants to buy an SUV; Paul

178. Use a semicolon to separate two