PUNCTUATION

A story is told about some American prisoners- of- war who were sentenced to be sent to the Siberian concentration
camp by the Germans. On the day that they were to be sent to the camp, a Nazi soldier went to their cell with the
official declaration of their sentence. This was to be shown to the officer- in -charge. The sentence read: PARDON
IMPOSSIBLE, TO BE SENT TO SIBERIA

 The American soldier upon seeing the declaration (brieve in acts the soldier) --, they promise him all their wealth
if only they agreed to transfer their comma in their declaration. Thinking that transferring the comma elsewhere
was not that significant and with the thought of instant riches the Nazi soldier agreed, the declaration now read
“PARDON, IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SENT TO SIBERIA.” And later, the American soldier were set free.
 It is like note in music if there will be no notes that will be utilized or use in creating songs it will be lifeless or
song is meaningless.
 Punctuation is very important in creating our sentences because it gives life to the words, sentences or to the
story that we are creating

DIFFERENT PUNCTUATION MARKS SERVE DIFFERENT PURPOSES:

PUNCTUATION MARKS PURPOSE

Period, question mark, exclamation to end the sentence

Points

Comma, semicolon, dash, hyphen, to separate or join sentences or sentence parts

Apostrophe

Commas, dashes, quotation marks, to enclose parts or a section of sentences

Parentheses, brackets (used in pairs)

1. TERMINAL PUNCTUATION MARKS (EXTERNAL)

- Comprises of period, question mark, exclamation points
1. PERIOD (.)- it is a single dot
Why are we utilizing period in our sentences?
1.1 To end a complete sentence
Ex. Celery contains more sodium than people would imagine.
- The whole thought is presented in the sentence that why it is ended
Take note: period is very important to the reader because if the reader will now see that there is a period on the
sentence, he/she may rest. (the whole thought is read by this person)
1.2 To end an indirect question.
Indirect question- it is not literally a question but it appears as a question
Ex. The student as asked why he came to CCJE.
Take note: not all question will end with the question mark there are sentences that it is in the form of question, it is
raise into question but it will end with a period because It is indirect question.
1.3 To mark abbreviations (or acronyms)
Take note: There are abbreviation and acronyms that doesn’t need period in order for you to represent it because there
is already a full representation of that words. (ex. TSU, CCJE, AFP)
Ex. Mr.&Mrs. Flores are residents of Baguio City.
1.4. To separate pesos and centavos
Ex. The notebook costs about P45.75.
Take note:If you are representing amount in peso the first number is to represent peso there will be a period on that
and after that period there will be a representation of centavos.
-the period is the dividing line in peso and centavos
1.5 to indicate decimals
Ex. He cannot go on weekend privilege because he is still deficient in public speaking by 0.15.
Take note: if we are representing no. with decimal point, it is automatically represented by period.
1.6 to indicate an intentional omission
Ex. Rome and Juliet were both too young . . . . a fact that account for their rash action.
Take note: You may also use series of dot, it represent that you intentionally remove some words that specific
sentences. Some writers, they are putting this series of period just to add an element on their sentences, or the
sentence is too long so there is a need for you to remove some words by putting series of dot to shorten, add
element.

2. QUESTION MARKS (?)

REASONS:
2.1 to end a direct question.
Ex. What ca I give you this Christmas?
Take note: not all question the punctuation that will be utilize is question marks.
2.2 to mark each series of questions in the same sentence.
Ex. Are you all gone?Mandy? Danny? Tan?
Are you happy? Excited? Disappointed?
Take note:
 The question is- can you put all the question to be asked to the specific person in 1 sentence? Yes.
 You may place on your sentences series of question provided they are having one topic
 Lot of topic- it not appropriate to use because your reader will be confuse.
2.3. To express doubt or certainty about a preceding fact or figure.
Ex. The Tarlac State University was founded in 1906 (?)
She is only 25 (?)
Take note: If you are having doubt about putting question marks on your sentences you may put parentheses on a
question mark. If you chance upon a question mark and beside that question mark (left and right) there will be
parenthesis, meaning the author of that sentence is in doubt/ not sure about the info. That was place in the
sentence.
2.4 to end a command or request phrased as a question.
Ex. Will the section marcher report now?
Will you sign this please?
Take note: not all command is in exclamation marks, there are also in question form
When requesting somebody it is in the form of question mark because you are asking the approval.
2.5 to end an interrogative sentence with another sentence
Ex. Who is the next dean? Is on everybody’s mind
When are you coming? Is a big question
Take note: there is a question in which this question is place on a sentence that why on the first portion there is a
question, but on the ending of sentence there is a period, meaning it is combination of punctuation question marks
and period but still fall under category of question mark because you ended the question that is place on a sentence.
2.6 to end a deliberate fragment.
Ex. Really? When?
Take note: this is fragmented sentences because the thought of the sentence is not complete but still there is clarity
sentence or words that is being utilized.
 It is not complete sentence but still understandable by the readers.
 Placing a question marks means the end of the sentence.

3. EXCLAMATION POINTS (!)

REASONS:
3.1 to end an exclamatory sentence
Ex. How dare you say such things!
Scram!
Get out of here!
Take note: meaning there is a intense emotion on that sentence. We are putting exclamation point on sentence is to
represent that the sentence with strong emotion is ended.
3.2. To end isolated words, phrases, or clause expressing strong feeling.
Ex. Oh no!
Crazy! Stupid!
Take note: if you are the reader you will now interpret that this portion of the sentence that the reader wrote has a
strong feeling and there will be continuation of this sentence.

2. INTERNAL PUNCTION MARKS

4. COMMA (,)
4.1 To separate two main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so)
Ex. Life these days is really difficult, and it takes the grace of God to keep going.
Always do your best, for you may never have the same chance again.
Take note
 if you are using coordinating conjunction always place comma before you are going to introduce this
coordinating conjunction.
 There should be two main clauses (there will be two topics on your sentence) There is a standard operating
procedure if we are going to use comma, there is no need for you to use comma if you are using coordinating
conjunction if the clauses are too short.
 We may classify a sentence as short if it contains 3-4 words and when the element of sentence is clearly related
to each other and there is no danger of confusion from the subject.
 If you are using coordinating conjunction and your sentence are too long there is a little bit distinction of clauses
you are utilizing, you may use comma but if the sentence is too short that comprises 3 or more you may not use
comma, provided the sentence is clear to the reader and no confusion.
4.2 To separate elements in a series (words, phrases, clauses expressed in the same grammatical form)
Ex. Students life demands dedication, determination, and the best of one’s capabilities.
There are three things he likes to do during his leisure hours like reading, singing, and daydreaming.
Anyone who comes to class late, forgets his book, and talks without the instructor’s permission will be reported.
4.3 To separate coordinate adjectives (two or more adjectives independently modifying the same noun)
Ex. He thought he would never survive the challenging, difficult, and regimented life a cadet. The homesick, lonely plebe
slept thinking of home.
Take note:
 challenging, difficult, and regimented are pertaining to one noun which is He
 In order to separate those 2 or more adjectives that used in order to describe the same noun we need to use
comma in order to have a clear representation of topic.
4.4 To separate coordinate elements in a “this, not that construction.
Ex. What you need is determination, not connections
Your being deficient is due to indifference, not lack of intelligence.
Take note: there are sentences that you are going to separate using that, using this. Instead of using this and that in
a sentence it is much better to just place a comma to separate two distinctive phrases or clauses in your sentences.
4.5 To set off non-restrictive modifiers
Ex. The Philippine Military Academy, which is the country’s premier military institution, is Asia’s West Point. (non-
restrictive modifiers)
Take note: Non-restrictive modifiers- if you are going to remove the additional sentence still the sentence is clear.
 4.6 To set off parenthetical expressions which interrupt the sentence only slightly.
Ex. Marriage, dear child, is a serious business.
Laws, to be cheerfully obeyed, must be both just and practicable.
You can go ahead, as you please, and do what you want to do.
We do not, as a rule, solicit donations.
Take note:
 parenthetical expressions these are words, phrases, or clause that interrupt the flow of the sentence to
make an addition points and which can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.
 Even though you are going to remove the additional words just like in non-restrictive still there is a clear
thought, understanding and meaning.
4.7 To set off appositives
Ex. His mother, a teacher, greatly influenced his life.
Take note: appositives- this are noun or pronoun, this come immediately after another noun or pronoun and is
considered equivalent to what it refers to (describe the noun and pronoun interchangeably)
4.8 To set off introductory materials
Word Academically, he is an outstanding cadet.
Phrase Without a doubt, he is an outstanding cadet.
Clause Because Vincent always does his best, he is an outstanding cadet.
Take note:
 introductory materials if you are going to used it there must be a comma.
 There are times however, when the comma is needed to avoid confusion when the introductory material is
brief.
 Example, we are talking about introductory material, the question is; there is a need for you to remove the
comma.
 The general rule is yes you may remove this comma provided that the sentence is too short and there is no
danger of confusion to the reader but there are instances even though the introductory is very short there
is still a need of use of comma in order to avoid confusion.
Ex. Inside the people are complaining (need to used comma)
Inside, the people are complaining.
4.9 To set off the name of a person or persons spoken to
Ex. Mr. Antukin, wake up!
The important thing, gentlemen, is perseverance
Take note: If you are talking into person you need to place a comma in order for you to separate the person you are
talking and the command or the request you want to do or the subject.
We are using comma to set off the name of the person you are speaking to.
4.10 To set off conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, etc.)
Ex. Attendance is compulsory: therefore, the students have no choice.
The hall was nearly empty; nevertheless, the curtain rose on time. Training in PMA is difficult; on the otherhand, it
offers the best opportunity for anyone who desires t be a gentleman and and officer.
4.11 To set off directly quoted material from speech tags such as “He shouted”, “He answered”, “They
asked”, and the like.
Ex. Jesus answered, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who
mistreat you.”
Thomas Carlyle said, “The times are bad; you are there to make them better.”
Take note:
 If you are going to place a comma it may also indicate that there is directly quoted words, phrases coming
from researches
 Purpose of this is to be free from plagiarism and in order to follow standard.
4.12 To separate elements in dates, addresses, and locations.
 Ex. The Philippine Military Academy was founded on October 23, 1898.
Baguio became a chartered city on September 1, 1909
My friend lives at 100 Rizal Street, Calamba, Laguna.
PMA had its first site in Intramuros, Manila.
Take note: if you are going to use the dates wherein there is the month comma day comma and the year comma.

4.13 In figures (1,000,000); in names followed by titles (Manuel V Factora, M.D.); and after the salutation of
informal letters (Dear Nilda,).
Ex. There were about 21, 456 applicants who took the PMA Entrance Examination.
The guest speaker for the convocation is Juan dela Cruz, P.D
Dear Nilda,

5. SEMI-COLON (;)

5.1 To separate closely related main clauses not connected by a conjunction

Ex. Some librarians circulate books; others hoard them
Despite the difficulties, the cadet decided to go on; being a military officer has long been his ambition
Evita didn’t rise through hard work and determination; she found other means
Take note: instead of using conjunction standard you may also used a semi-colon in replacement of a conjunction in
order for you to still represent the completeness of a sentence.
5.2 To separate independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions if one or more of the clauses is long or
has internal punctuation.
Ex. “The task of training a cadet is not only to create a uniformed man; but the task is to liberate a man from the
bondage of lies which pass as truths, ignorance, prejudices, and irrational fears.”- Enya Flor T. Salinas.
Take note:
 Is to separate conjunction and those sentences that is finish by internal conjunction
 If there is a lot of elements there is now a conjunction, addition internal punctuation and there are now one
or more clauses there is a need for you to place a semi-colon in order to have clarity and to complete the
sentences even though it is comprising of a lot of internal punctuation.
5.3 To separate elements in a series when the elements already contain internal commas.
Ex. Among those present at the party were Myrna dela Paz, the singer; George Cruz, the composer; Lina del Sol,
the painter; and Cora Perez, the writer.
Take note:
 There is a sentence that there are commas and if you are going to place again another comma there will be
now a confusion to the reader. If you want to have a clarity to emphasize this thing to another ideas you
may use semi-colon.
 It may used to highlight and to separate the sentences.
5.4 To separate independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs
Ex. The cadet forgot to ask permission when he left the room; as a result, he was reported for ungentlemanly
conduct.
God’s Love embraces all; indeed, He loves even those who don’t love him.
Take note:
 Independent clause-they are referring to different things, but they are joined by the conjunctive adverbs. In
order for you to separate this independent clause there is a need for you to place semi-colon to separate
the idea of the 1st sentence and the idea of the 2 nd sentence that is joint by the conjunctive adverb that is
place on the same sentence.
 They are not related to one another but they are in the same sentence, to have clarity on your sentence you
may put a semi-colon to inform your reader that this sentence is another idea.
 The following are conjunctive adverbs which are preceded by semi-colons and followed by comma only when
they are join two or more main clauses:

Accordingly however Also indeed

As a result in fact At the same time in addition
Besides thus Furthermore meanwhile
Consequently moreover For example nevertheless
Moreover nonetheless Otherwise in the same manner
Similarly on the other hand Still therefore
That is then

6. COLON (:)
6.1 To end a complete sentence introducing a series.
Ex. Faulty: I enjoy: reading, hiking, and gardening.
Correct: I enjoy three hobbies: reading, hiking, and gardening.
Take note:
 If you are going to introduce colon there should be the completeness of the thought.
 Student are using colon it either they are enumerating something. (the sentence must be complete)
6.2 To end a statement that introduces a quotation
Ex. Lian puts the matter strongly: “Without work all life goes rotten- but when work is soulless, life stifles and dies”
Take note: As a student, you can interpret that the sentence is a quotation from the punctuation marks place (“ “)
6.3 To end a statement that introduces another statement or an explanation or amplification of what has just
been said.
Ex. God is real: He exists apart from any idea any mind may have of Him, and He would exist even if there were not
mind anywhere to entertain His existence. (EXPLANATION)
Take note: You are going to place a colon to say that this is now the end of the sentence, and you are now to
introduce another statement its either this statement is the explanation of the previous one or an amplification (you
are going to modify or add up or explain further what the first sentence is all about.
6.4 To connect passages suggesting random, disconnected thought.
Ex. There he is: the brother. Image of him.
Take note: You can add up even though the sentence is fragmented and disconnected, that the thought is clear
because of the addition of the colon.
6.5 To end the salutation a formal letter
Ex. Gentlemen: Dear Sir: Madam:
Take note: in the informal letter comma is enough but in the formal letter it must be colon
6.6 To separate the following:
EX.
a. hours and minutes: 12:30 A.M
b. chapters and verses in the bible: Isaiah 40:31
c. an act and a scene of a play: Romeo and Juliet, V:1
d. two terms of a proportion: 2:1
e. volumes and pages of books/ Fort Sentinel X:25
magazines:
f. title and subtitles of books: Philippine Economy: An Analysis
g. place of publication and publisher Hamada, Irene. The Healing Power of Laughter
in a bibliography: Baguio City: Bernales Publishing Co., 1983

7. Dash (–)
Dash- It is longer and it is not attached to the word
 Hyphen – is connected to the words that is place and it is shorter than dash
7.1 To indicate a sudden interruption or break in thought
Ex. Always remember that being a student is – what’s your name again?
I’d better finish my cooking before the visitors – I think they’re already here.
7.2 To set off parenthetical elements that you want to emphasize or which are more distantly related to the rest
of the sentences.
Ex. All of his nine children – believe it or not – are teachers.
Amorsolo’s best painting – you have never seen this before – is in the National Museum.
Whenever I see Tony – here he comes now – I am reminded of college.
Take note:
 rather than putting parenthesis and rather than creating confusion to the readers because you are going to
place parentheses on the sentences it is better to place a dash and the purpose why you are putting dashes
is that you are putting parenthetical elements to give emphasis on a certain word.
 The highlight is in the middle of the sentence
7.3 To introduce a word or a group of words u want to emphasize.
Ex. Toti has only one goal in life – to be a multi – awarded scriptwriter.
The rain on the roof, the laughter of small children, the waves of the sea – these are the sounds like best.
He stabbed her a third time – fatally.
Take note: The highlight was place before you end the sentence.
7.4 To set off a series which might otherwise get confused with the rest of the sentence
Ex. Three ingredients – patience, dedication, and capability – are needed for one to survive Criminology successfully.
The three students – Art, France, and Jai – found guilty of honor violation were expelled.
Take note: to avoid confusion place colon and to connect it to the rest of the sentence.
7.5 To indicate omission of letters and words
Ex. The cadets are on their summer camp training from April – June.
Miss H – acts as if she owns the world.

8. HYPHEN (-)
Hyphen is shorter and it touch the letter where it is place.
8.1 To join compound words.
A. Compound adjectives (two or more words modifying a noun and used as single adjectives): narrow- minded
person, bluish- green sea, chocolate- coated peanut, soft spoken nature, devil- may-care attitude, step-by-step
procedure, etc.
Take note: It is not only two words but more than two words.
B. Compound words with the prefixes
Half-, self-, quarter-, ex-, or the suffix-elect: half-awake, self-reliance, quarter-half, ex-mayor, president-elect,
etc.
C. Compound nouns, especially those expressing family relationships:
Father-in-law, Sister-in-law, great-grandson, etc.
D. Compound words made from a single capital letter and a noun (or a participle) or a number and a noun:
A-line, T-shirt, a-singing, six-cylinder, two-prong, ten-wheeler, 60-seconder etc.
E. Compounds used as single units of measurement:
Foot-pound, kilowatt-hour, light-year, etc.
F. Compound titles
Treasurer, owner-manager, etc.
G. Compound numerals from twenty-one to twenty-nine
Twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-seven, etc.
H. Compounds formed from the numerator and denominator of fraction
One-half, three-fourths, five-tenths, etc.
 8.2 To separate a prefix from a capitalized word
Ex. pro-God, trans-Pacific, un-American. mid-Atlantic, etc.
Take note: this capital letters are nouns.
8.3 To avoid doubling a vowel or tripling a consonant
Ex. Cross-stitch, re-establish, semi- intelligent, etc.
Take note: without the hyphen the consonant/vowel will be triple.
8.4 To avoid ambiguity
Ex. Re-sign (to sign again)
Distinguished from resign (to give up a job)
Take note: There are words that have the same spelling but if the hyphen remove it gives another meaning.
8.5 To show word division at the end of a line to indicate that a word has been broken and continued on the next
line.
Take note:
 other author break the words in other to follow the block format of the paragraph that they are creating, it is
pleasing to the eye, if it is block perfectly.
 Rules if you are going to broke the words:
a. Always divide according to pronunciation or only between syllables (otherwise consult a dictionary)
cour-age (not cou-rage), chil-dren (not child-ren) etc.
b. Never divide a monosyllables (no syllables/it is straight), no matter how long it is
Strength, grade, nerve, sing, etc.
Take note: according to the standard if it will not fit with the space provided never divide them.
c. Do not divide a one-letter syllable from the rest of a word
about (not a-bout), enough (not e-nough), again (not a-gain), etc. (need to be represent as a whole)
d. Avoid dividing a syllable with a silent vowel
asked (not ask-ed), burned (not burn-ed), prayed (pray-ed), combed (not comb-ed), allowed (not allow-ed), etc.
Take note: there are syllable that are silent vowels
e. Do not divide a word with only four letters: Ex. into, over, upon, even, etc.
f. Divide a present participle before the -ing ending: Ex. lov-ing, guid-ing, go-ing, help-ing, writ-ing, etc.
g. Do not divide sums of money: Ex. P112.75 (not P112-75), P 5.346.50 (not P 5,3-46.50)
h. Do not divide initials in abbreviations for names: Ex. PMA (not PM-A), CCAFP (not CC-AFP), HTG (not HT-G), etc.
i. Do not divide units of time: Ex. 0745H (not 07-45H), 12:30A.M (not 12:-30 AM), etc.

9. APOSTROPHE (‘)
9.1 T form the possessive case of nouns.
Take note: In order to tell that this property is belongs to this person you need to place apostrophe with s
a. Add apostrophe and “s” (‘s) to a singular and plural noun that does not end in “s”
I forgot to bring Julie’s book to class
The people’s decision on this matter must be heard
b. Add only apostrophe (‘) to a polysyllabic singular and plural noun that ends in “s”
The Reyes’ ranch is in Mindanao
The scissors’ handle is broken
c. Add an apostrophe and “s” (‘s) to a monosyllabic singular and plural noun that ends in “s”
Tess’s grades in English are extraordinarily high.
d. Add the possessive ending to the last element of a compound word.
Lennie grudgingly followed her mother-in-law’s suggestion.
The editor-in-chief’s main concern is a very good publication.
e. Add the possessive ending to the last noun indicate joint possession
Jose and Clara’s parents are both medical doctors
John and Mary’s books are on the shelf
 Willy and Ana’s uncle went to the states
f. Add the possessive ending to both nouns and to indicate separate possession
Jullie’s and Willy’s interest are entirely different
John’s and Mary’s book will arrive today.
9.2 To form the possive case of indefinite pronouns.
Everybody’s opinion is the same – miss Tapia is a lousy teacher
It is anybody’s game
Somebody’s watch was left in the classroom
Take note: indefinite pronoun it doesn’t pertains to a singular or specific noun.
9.3 To indicate the omission of a letter or letters when writing a shortened form of a word or phrase
(contraction).
We’re going to Villa Escudero for our R&R They’ll be in manila by then
Who’s coming to dinner? I’ll see you in September
9.4 To inform the plural of a figure (7’s), a letter (a’s), an abbreviation (Ph.D.’s)
She is now in her 50’s
Write your w’s clearly
My boss obtained two Ph.D.’s.

10. QUOTATION MARKS (“ “) / (‘ ‘)

Double quotation marks (“ “)
10.1 To set off direct quotation ( the exact words of a speaker or writer) and each part of a broken
quotation.
Miguel Cervantes once said: “ He who loses wealth loses much: he who loses a friend loses more: but he who loses
courage loses all.
“Always remember,” Mother said, “ that wherever you go, my prayers are with you”.
10.2 To set off titles of works found inside published volumes
Chapter of a book: “Writing Sentences Effectively”.
Magazines and Newspaper Articles: “Purefoods Beats San Miguel”.
10.3 To set off any word or words used in a special way
a. Out-of-date or slang words
It seems like ages since I last ate my favorite “boodles”.
b. Jargon (technical terms) in non-technical writing.
Karen Carpenter died of “anorexia nervosa”
c. Coined words or unusual word combinations
The test was difficult: I had to “hugolize” to write something on my paper.
Take note: it is either invented by the other person, group or org. that will not fall under the standard English
dictionary.
d. Mottos, cliches, and popular sayings
Mother has always advised me “to save for the rainy days.”
MacArthur pledged: “I shall return.”
Take note: if you are going to write quotation mark and it is the ending of the sentence you are going to place the
punctuation marks/ terminal punctuation before placing quotation
e. Nicknames, epithets, or other designations that represent true names r personified objects.
His epithets read: “I was here first.”
10.4 To set off titles of short stories, short poems, songs, short plays (one act), reports, and radio-television
programs
a. Short story - Nick Joaquin’s “May Day Eve” is a commentary on the impulsiveness of young people.
b. Short Poems - Have you memorized “Desiderata?”
c. Song - I sent a copy of “Dynamite” to my army friend.
 d. Tv programs - She watches “First Yaya” regularly.

SINGLE QUOTATION MARKS (‘ ‘)

10.5 To set off a quotation within a quotation
General Ganger said, “Remember the words of Colonel Prescott at Bunker Hill: ‘Don’t fire until you see the Whites of
their eyes.’”
Mother said: “If you will say again, ‘I will clean my room when I want to,’ you will never get your allowance for the
week.”
Take note: it is possible that in a quotation there is a quotation that will be place, and if you are going to place
another quotation in a quotation you are now going to place a single quotation in order to represent that this is the
1st quotation that is place and the 2nd.
10.6 To set off the same elements, set off by the double quotation if such elements are within a quoted
passage.
The little boy shouted, “Don’t you dare call me ‘Big Mouth’ again!”

QUOTATION MARKS IN RELATION TO OTHER PUNCTUATION MARKS

1. Place introductory commas and colons before the opening quotation marks (standard)
Jens said, “I’ve never seen such a fine young man.”
Take note: terminal punctuation marks should be inside of the quotation marks
2. Always place periods and commas inside the quotation marks
“It is a good thing, “ the Bible says, “to give thanks unto the Lord.”
3. Place semicolons and colons outside quotation marks
Norman cousin SAID, “Death is not the greatest loss in life”; he said further, “The greatest loss is what dies inside us
while we live.”
4. Place question marks and exclamation points inside the quotation marks when they are par of the quotation
and outside when they are not part of the quotation
Mother called out. “Who broke my favorite glass?” (Question marks is inside the quotation marks because The
quoted material is the question)
Were you the one who commented, “The situation is not getting any better?” (Question marks is outside because
The whole sentence, not the quoted material is a question)
5. Do not use two punctuation marks at the end of the sentences. When the quotation ends with exclamation
point or question marks, omit the period.
Incorrect: Norman asked, “Are you coming to the picnic?”.
Correct: Norman asked, “Are you coming to the picnic?”

11. PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS

PARENTHESES ( )
11.1 To enclose parenthetical materials that explains, questions, interprets, illustrate, or comments upon
the main idea.
After taking her temperature, pulse, and blood pressure (routine vital signs), the nurse made Becky as comfortable
as possible
Jalon Stuart Mill (1806-1873) promoted the idea of women’s equality with men.
11.2 To enclose numbers and letters indicating division
The regulation stipulated that only the following equipment could be used on the survival mission: (a) a knife, (b)
thirty feet of parachute line, (c) a box of matches, (d) two ponchos, (e) tools, and (f) signal flare.
11.3 To enclose sums of money or numbers, indicated by figures for accuracy
There are two hundred sixty-two (262) plebes who will be incorporated.
Take note: it is a standard in thesis writing if you place the name/no. you need to place the figure in close and
open parentheses.
 BRACKETS [ ]
11.4 To enclose the same materials enclosed by the parentheses if such materials are inserted within a
quoted passage
The teacher said, “You better do your reading assignment [pages 25-50] before coming to class on Friday.”
Take note: It is needed to place bracket in order to be separated.

11.5 Too enclosed parenthetical material that is already within the parentheses.
If you like to cook (I hate to [I will never learn to like it]), here is a good recipe.
The reviewer quotes Einstein’s own definition (The meaning of Relativity) [Princeton: Princeton UP, 1956], p.24).
Take note: there is a ( ) you are going to place another info that is not included in the parentheses you are going to
add up this bracket in order to separate or info that is not included in that ( ) and on the []

CAPITALIZATION
1.The first word of every statement and every sentence within the sentence.
We will have a meeting this afternoon at 5:00 (please be on time).
2.Names of specific persons, their titles and their title abbreviations.
2.1 Use capital letter when a title is used as a noun: the President (refers to a specific president – the president of a
state, a company, or a university).
2.2 Words such as president, queen, doctor, dentist, etc. are not capitalized when they simply refer to a class or type
of a person: senator, a president, a queen.
3. Names of specific places and locations, countries, states, regions, and other geographical areas: Manila, Tarlac,
Aquino Hall, Zamboanga
4. Specific languages: English, French
5. Course titles and specific courses: Forensic Photography, Introduction to Criminology
6. Religions of people, races, tribes, nationalities: Filipino, Indian, Igorot.
7. Religions, sacred writings, religious orders, and their members: Christian, Bible, Islam
8. Specific groups, organization, institution: College of Criminology
9. Months, days and holidays: May, Tuesday, Christmas
10. The word God, its synonyms and pronouns referring to the Deity: Jesus, Lord, Heavenly Father
11.schools, colleges, and universities: Tarlac State University
12.Title of the book, other publication or work of art: “The House by the Side of the Road”
13 Companies, trademarks, and brand names: Pentuim, Toyota, Coke
14 Adjectives from names: Shakespearean tragedy, Filipino dish
15 The first word of every line of poetry
Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold here, root and all, in my hand,
Little Flower – but if I could understand
What you are, roof and all and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.
16 The first word of the salutation and complimentary close: Sincerely yours, My dear
17. The pronoun “I” and the exclamation “O” (but not “oh”
18 The names of political parties and movements and their members
Laban ng mga manggagawang Pilipino (LAMMP)
19. The names of a celestial body or system or any specific place or celestial body: Mars Milky Way, Big Dipper, Venus

ITALICS
1. Title of books, newspaper, magazines, movies, long poems, plays and work of art
We studies Nick Joaquin’s The Woman Who Had Two Navels.
2. Names of ship, trains, and planes
It was thrilling experience to go to the South on the MV Sweet Faith
3. Foreign words and phrases that have not become part of the English Language
He is a taekwondo enthusiast
4. Letters, numbers, and words used as words
Consequently is a conjunctive verb
Use the coordinator for correctly
5. Specific names: Oryza Sativa (rice) grown in the Philippines.
6. Names of legal case: I have to study the 50- page case of People V. Yabut for my law class on Monday.
7. Special emphasis on a word or expression: How I hate Mondays.

ABBREVIATIONS
1. Use only acceptable (standard) abbreviations
A. Mr., Mrs., Dr. MMe, Messagra, when used before names
b. Jr., Sr., Esq., M.D.,M.A., Ph.D., LIB., and other degrees and honorary titles used after names
c. A.M and P.M when used to designate exact hour
d. No. (for number), A.D (Anno Domini), and B.C (Before common era) when used with the numerals.
e. names of government agencies and organizations (these do not require periods): SSS, GSIS, PAG-IBIG, NEDA
f. Designations of rank and grade when the full name is written
Sgt. Pedro Cruz ( not sergeant Cruz)
f. Bibliography terms: Vol., pp., ibid.
2. Put a period after most abbreviations: No., Dr., etc.
3. Avoid contractions (cant for cannot) in formal writing.