module 10

Common Grammar Mistakes

Importance of Capitalization
- In casual communication (text messages, emails), capitalization rules are often ignored.
- In formal contexts, proper capitalization conveys care and clarity.
Basic Capitalization Rules
- Capitalize the first word of a sentence.
- Capitalize days of the week, months, and holidays.
- Capitalize proper nouns: names of specific people, places, objects, events, and titles.
Examples of Proper Nouns
- Nationalities, races, languages, and religions are capitalized, e.g., American, Hispanic, Muslim.
- Common nouns are not capitalized, e.g., museum, theater, doctor.
Exercise on Capitalization:
- "The prince of England" - Prince capitalized.
- "Ode to a Nightingale" - Nightingale capitalized.
- "The New Yorker" - New Yorker capitalized.
- "The House on Mango Street" - House, Mango, Street all capitalized.
- "My physician doctor Alma Alvarez" - Doctor, Alma, Alvarez capitalized.
ALL CAPITAL LETTERS are viewed as shouting and are harder to read.

Capitalization After Colons:
- Capitalize the first letter of proper nouns and independent clauses after a colon.
- Not necessary if the information is not a complete sentence.
- Example: "We visited three countries: Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador."
Direct Quotations:
- Always capitalize the first letter of a complete quote, regardless of sentence position.
- Example: "Madison said, 'Let's stop at the farmer's market.'" - "Let's" is capitalized.

Capitalization for Titles:
- Formal titles before a name are capitalized (e.g., President, Pope).
- Job descriptions and informal titles are lowercase (e.g., coach John Smith).
- When titles are separated from names by commas, they are lowercase (e.g., "the vice president, Mike Pence...").
Special Cases:
- Abbreviate and capitalize only formal titles used before names e.g., Dr., Gov., Sen.
- Capitalize full titles when they serve as alternate names (e.g., Prince Charles).
- Non-unique titles are lowercased when used generally (e.g., astronaut John Glenn).

Numeral Usage Guidelines (AP Style):
- Spell out numbers one through nine; use figures for ten and above.
- Figures should be used for age references, measurement units.
- Examples:
  - 9 months to go (figure)
  - He is 5 years old (numeral used as an adjective).
Beginning Sentences: Spell out numbers starting a sentence unless it's a year.
- Example: "Forty years is a long time to wait."
Use figures for statistical and tabular data.

Grammar Check:
- Identify Sentence Fragments and Run-On Sentences.
- Check Verb Tense and Agreement with subjects.
- Pronouns: Are all used correctly, with clear antecedents?
Punctuation and Spelling:
- Ensure correct end punctuation and use of apostrophes.
- Address capitalization issues: Are all required capital letters present?
Avoid Over-reliance on spelling and grammar checkers; use critical thinking.

Farther vs. Further:
- Farther: Refers to measurable physical distance. Example: "She walked farther north."
- Further: Refers to figurative distance or advancement. Example: "Nothing could be further from the truth."
- Context is essential to differentiate their usage; further is safer if unsure.
Complement vs. Compliment:
- Complement: Completeness (noun) or to add (verb).
  - Example: "The tie complements the suit."
- Compliment: A flattering remark (noun) or to praise (verb).
  - Example: "She complimented his outfit."

Understanding Word Choice:
- Denotation: The literal dictionary definition.
- Connotation: Implied emotional meaning (e.g., "mutt" vs. "dog").
- Choose words carefully based on the intended tone (negative, neutral, or positive).
- Employ favorable or neutral terms to avoid negative implications.