Capitalization and Punctuation

A Quick Review

Why Use Capital Letters and Punctuation?

Helps the reader

better understand what is written.

Capital LettersALL sentences begin with capital letters.

Example:

We enjoyed reading the book.

Capital LettersProper nouns begin with capital letters.

Example:

Uncle Rob took us to Texas.

Capital LettersThe pronoun I is always capitalized.

Example

My aunt and I picked up the papers.

Capital LettersA capital letter begins the first,

last, and any important word in the title of a book, magazine, song, movie, poem, or other work.

Example:Read the last chapter of Tom Sawyer.

Punctuation: Period

A complete sentence that makes a statement ends with a period.

Example

You have a yummy cake.

Punctuation: PeriodMost abbreviations end with a period.

Example

Dr. Howard lives on Oak Rd. near St. Mary’s Hospital.

Punctuation: Question Mark

A question ends with a question mark.

Example

When will you be finished?

Punctuation: Exclamation Mark

A statement expression strong feeling or excitement ends with an exclamation mark.

Example

What a beautiful day it is!

Punctuation: Comma• A comma separates things in a series.

Example

I ate pizza, a burger, and ice cream.

Punctuation: CommaA comma separates items in an address or date.

Example

Miami, Florida

January 6, 2003