Grammar Guide The BYU-Idaho Grammar Guide is a quick reference for university writers and editors. It outlines university standards for grammar usage on a number of topics. University standards have been created using a mix of Chicago and Associated Press styles. Colon Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or begins a complete sentence. Examples: • She bought shirts in three colors: green, blue, and white. • When you cook spaghetti, make sure you don’t forget the essentials: Buy a tasty sauce, and add a lot of garlic. *See “Colon” in The Associated Press Stylebook “Punctuation Guide.”
Comma Series Items in a series should be separated by commas to prevent ambiguity (except in press releases— see the next category). If the last element in a series consists of a pair joined by and, the pair should be preceded by a comma (see second example below). Examples: • For breakfast I ate eggs, ham, and bacon. • This semester I am taking English, history, and anatomy and physiology. Series (Press Releases) In press releases and in news writing, a comma is not needed before the conjunction in a simple series. However, use a comma before the conjunction in a complex series. Examples: • The flag is red, white and blue. (simple series) • The main points to consider are whether the athletes are skillful enough to compete, whether they have the stamina to endure the training, and whether they have the proper mental attitude. (complex sereies) Semicolons within a Series When elements in a series involve internal punctuation, or when they are long and complex, semicolons should be used to separate the elements instead of commas. Example: • I need your help with the following: One, take out the trash; two, make lunch for your sister; and three, go to bed on time.
Introductory Phrases Commas generally follow an introductory phrase, especially if a slight pause is intended. Example: • On second thought, I think we need to write that press release. Independent Clauses When independent clauses are joined by a conjunction, a comma usually precedes the conjunction. If the clauses are very short, the comma may be omitted. Examples: • Are we going to the movie tonight, or do you prefer we go to dinner instead? • John flew to Denver for a conference, and then he took a taxi to his hotel. Adjectives When a noun is preceded by two or more adjectives that are equal in rank, the adjectives should be separated by commas. Adjectives are equal in rank if and can be placed between them without changing the meaning. Examples: • Brian is talking to an irate, unruly customer. (Because you could replace the comma with “and,” the adjectives are considered equal, and the comma is needed). • But: John is wearing a worn leather jacket. (“And” cannot be placed between the two adjectives, so a comma is not needed). Dates In the month-day-year style, commas are used both before and after the year. When only month and year are used, no commas are needed. Examples: • School started Jan. 5, 2010, at BYU-Idaho. • The next graduation will be held April 2010 in the Hart Auditorium. *See “Comma” (6.18-6.56) in The Chicago Manual of Style. For instructions on commas in a series in press releases, see “Comma” in The Associated Press “Punctuation Guide.”
Ellipses An ellipsis is used to denote omitted words, phrases, paragraphs, or more from a quoted passage. Though there are many ellipsis styles, we use the three-or-four-dot method. In this method, three dots indicate an omission within a quoted sentence. Four dots mark the omission of one or more sentences. When three are used, include spaces before the first dot and after the last. When four are used, the first dot is a period, (with no space between it and the preceding word) and the three dots immediately follow it with a space after. What precedes and follows the four dots should be grammatically complete sentences. Note: When using ellipses, be careful to not alter the meaning of the content. Omitting detail can often change the meaning of a passage.
Example: • Original: What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger. •
Edited: What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage … as you consistently strive to recognize and follow … the Spirit…. The direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger.
Note: The first word after an ellipsis is capitalized if it begins a new grammatical sentence, even if the word is lowercase in the original text. Punctuation Other punctuation may precede or follow three (but never four) ellipsis points. Placement of the punctuation depends on whether the omission precedes or follows the mark. Example: • Original: Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us. •
Edited: Today, … such a course of action is often not available to us.
When Not to Use Ellipses Ellipses are generally not used in the following circumstances: • before the first word in a quotation (even when the beginning of the original sentence has been omitted. •
after the last word in a quotation (even when the end of the original sentence has been omitted)
*See “Ellipses” (11.57-11.61) in The Chicago Manual of Style.
Hyphen and Dashes Hyphen The hyphen is most commonly used to combine compound modifiers (phrases that function to modify nouns). It is also used in phone numbers. Examples: • The multi-use facility • The snow-covered porch • 208-496-2400 En dash
And en dash signifies up to and including (or through). It generally connects numbers, such as dates and ranges. (Tip: To create an en dash on a Mac, press Option + dash.) Examples: • My college years, 2002–2006, were full of learning. • In Alma 34:1–2, we read valuable scriptures. • Come tonight, 7–9 p.m. • The Titans beat the Packers 21–7. Em dash This is the most commonly used dash. An em dash is generally used to amplify an element and to provide special emphasis, similar to what a comma or colon might do. Be cautious to not use too many em dashes in one article. (Tip: To create an em dash on a Mac, press Option + Shift + dash.) Examples: • I can’t believe he—the president of the company—was involved in fraud. • Go home—now. *See “Hyphens & Dashes” (6.80-6.94) in The Chicago Manual of Style.
Parentheses When an entire independent sentence is enclosed in parentheses or brackets, the period is placed inside the closing parenthesis. When parenthetical matter is included within another sentence, the period belongs outside the closing parenthesis. Likewise, a question mark, an exclamation point, and closing quotation marks precede a closing parenthesis if they belong to the parenthetical manner, but they follow it if they belong to the surrounding sentence. Examples: • The editor insisted on the revisions. (She loved helping people write better.) • He noticed the ice cream was gone (from the deep freeze). *See “Parentheses” (6.14 and 6.97-6.103) in The Chicago Manual of Style.
Quotations Block or Run-in Quotations Whether to run-in or set-off a quotation is generally determined by its length. A short quotation, especially one that is not a full sentence, is run in (integrated into the text in the same type size and style and enclosed in quotation marks). Longer quotations (100 words or more, or at least eight lines) are set off as a block quotation. Block quotations are not enclosed in quotation marks, always start on a new line, and are indented. Examples: • Jared said he and his wife “love the lights at Christmastime. They really help to bring in the spirit of the holiday.” • In a Perspective article published 12 years ago, Kent Bessey shares his experience with learning writing from a professor in his field. Dr. Bessey writes that his English classes never ignited passion in him for writing:
It wasn’t until I took a graduate course in mathematics from Paul Yearout that I developed an interest in using language effectively. Dr. Yearout may not have taught me a litany of grammar rules, but he piqued my curiosity. His remarkable fluency with language and his nimbleness of thought made a permanent impression on me. In his lectures, he alluded to ideas like: “The awkward use of language engenders muddled thinking,” and “Your mind is of little value if it cannot express itself.” He even had the audacity to deduct points from our math proofs for poor grammar and bad spelling. The fact that a professor in my field had a good mastery of the language and was eager to help me improve my own writing meant more to me than a thousand sermons on the subject. Quotation Marks and Punctuation The period and comma always go inside closing quotation marks. The colon, semi-colon, question mark, and exclamation point go within the quotation marks when they apply to the quoted matter only. They go outside when they apply to the whole sentence. Examples: • “Don’t eat the turkey,” said John. • “Get out of the house now!” shouted Sam. • Which of you said, “This is the best class ever”? • At one point many years ago my brother said, “Where did I come from?” *See references to Quotation Marks (6.8-6.9 and 11.11-11.12) in The Chicago Manual of Style. Also see “Quotation Marks” in The Associated Press Stylebook “Punctuation Guide.”
Semicolon The semicolon is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period. Though it can assume either role, its function is usually closer to a period. It’s most common use is to join two independent clauses not joined by a conjunction. Example: • The controversial portrait has been removed from the entrance hall; in its place had been hung a realistic landscape. Semicolons within a Series When elements in a series involve internal punctuation, or when they are long and complex, semicolons should be used to separate the elements instead of commas. Example: • I need your help with the following: One, take out the trash; two, make lunch for your sister; and three, go to bed on time. *See “Semicolon” (6.57-6.62) in The Chicago Manual of Style.
