小符號(hào)也有大學(xué)問(wèn):英語(yǔ)標(biāo)點(diǎn)使用指南
When to use capital letters
什么時(shí)候要大寫(xiě)?
1. At the beginning of the sentence 在句子的開(kāi)頭
It's cold today.
2. For the personal pronoun "I" 第一人稱“I”
I live in a big city.
3. For "proper nouns" 專(zhuān)有名詞
- names and titles: Sarah, Mr Stevens, Doctor Roberts
- places and countries: London, England,
- nationalities and languages: He is French, She speaks Italian
- companies, products and brands: Microsoft, Coca Cola
- institutions: The Ashmolean Museum, The Department of Trade
- religions and religious festivals: Christianity, Ramadan
- abbreviated names: The BBC
4. For books, television and radio programmes, newspapers and magazines 書(shū)名、廣播電視節(jié)目、報(bào)紙和雜志名稱
The Simpsons, The Times.
5. Days of the week and months of the year 星期和月份
Wednesday, August 10th.
6. Historical periods or events 歷史時(shí)期或事件
The Russian Revolution
7. Rivers, mountains and lakes and geographical regions 河流山川和其他地理區(qū)域
The Amazon, The Middle East
8. In addresses 地址
Flat 2, 16 London Road.
When to use commas in English
什么時(shí)候用逗號(hào)?
1. To separate items in a list 在列表中區(qū)分單獨(dú)的項(xiàng)
We need coffee, tea, sugar and milk.
美式:"We need coffee, tea, sugar, and milk."
*British English writers do not normally put a comma before "and", although in American
English, a comma can be used.
注意:英式英語(yǔ)通常不會(huì)在"and”之前使用逗號(hào),不過(guò)在美式英語(yǔ)中是可以的噢。
2. To separate clauses which are related in meaning區(qū)分意義上的從句
Do you know the answer, or should I ask Tony?
*Where the clauses are short, commas are not used:
注意:如果從句太短,就不必使用逗號(hào)了。
"I was tired so I went home."
3. After introductory phrases 在介紹性短語(yǔ)后
Unfortunately, I cannot send you the information.
4. Before and after a word or phrase that interrupts the main clause 在主句中的插入語(yǔ)前后
Some children,if they are gifted, attend special schools.
5. Before and after non-defining clauses 在非限制性定語(yǔ)從句前后
The factory workers, who were in a meeting, decided to accept the pay offer.
= All the factory workers were in a meeting.
*Compare with a defining clause (which restricts the noun).
注意:限制性定語(yǔ)從句不使用逗號(hào)。
6. To show millions, thousands and hundreds 數(shù)字中
5, 890, 2811
10, 050
When to use a full stop (or "period" in American English)
什么時(shí)候用句號(hào)?
1. At the end of the sentence 句末
Thank you for your letter.
2. As a decimal point 作為小數(shù)點(diǎn)使用
2.5%, $9.99.
When to use a colon
什么時(shí)候用冒號(hào)?
1. To introduce a list 介紹一系列項(xiàng)目
You will need to bring the following: a waterproof jacket, a change of clothes, a battery-operated torch and some matches.
2. To introduce explanations 給出定義
There is one thing to remember: the nights can get cold, so bring a warm jacket.
3. To write the time 時(shí)間
The 10:40 train to London is late.
4. Between the title and subtitle of a book 書(shū)名的副標(biāo)題
Shakespeare: The Complete Works
When to use a semi-colon in English
什么時(shí)候使用分號(hào)?
We'll need to hold some meetings abroad with our suppliers; please could you check your availability in April.
1. To separate long items in a list在列表中區(qū)分較長(zhǎng)的項(xiàng)目
Our writing course includes several components: correspondence, including
letters and emails; style and vocabulary choice; punctuation; layout and planning.
2. To give balance to sentences, or to link parallel sentences 使句子更平衡,或者連接并列句
We went out for the day; they stayed in.
When to use an apostrophe in English
什么時(shí)候使用單引號(hào)?
1. With an s to show possession 與s連用表示所屬關(guān)系
The company's profits.
2. To show abbreviation 表示縮寫(xiě)
I don't like smoking. (= do not)