This document provides guidelines for proper punctuation, capitalization, and number usage in academic writing. It discusses using commas before coordinating conjunctions to join independent clauses and after introductory clauses. Semicolons should be used between two independent clauses linked with a transitional expression or when clauses are closely related without a conjunction. Colons should be used to draw attention to a list, quotation, or second clause that explains the first. Proper nouns and titles are typically capitalized along with the first word of a subtitle or title. Numbers 10 and above should be in numeral form, while numbers below 10 are written out, with some exceptions such as units of measurement or statistical values.

1. The Basics
Punctuation, Capitalization, and
Numbers in Academic Writing

2. Commas Prevent Confusion
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Consider the following sentences:
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If you cook Mary will cleanup.
While we were eating a grizzly bear
approached our campsite.
When Jennifer was ready to iron her cat
tripped on the cord.

3. Without commas, Mary
gets cooked, the grizzly
bear gets eaten, and
the cat gets ironed…..

4. Comma Rules
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Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction
joining independent phrases.
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The seven coordinating conjunctions are: and, but, or, nor,
for, so, and yet.
Commas tell the reader that one independent
clause has ended and another is beginning.

Ex: Nearly everyone has heard of the power of positive
thinking, but I actually practice it in my day to day life.

5. Comma Rules
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Use a comma after an introductory clause.
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When giving a date, use a comma after the day
of the month and after the year if your sentence
continues.
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Ex: Having already eaten her dessert, Patty decided to
eat her husband’s dessert as well.
Ex: On June 3, 2013, we visited the zoo.
Use a comma between all items in a list or series
of three or more.

Ex: We bought paper, pencils, crayons, and paints for
the kids to take to craft camp.

6. Exceptions to the Rules

If the two phrases are short, and there is no
danger of confusion, the comma can be
omitted. (You don’t have to use a comma every time you want
the reader to take a breath.)

Don’t use a comma to separate coordinate
word groups that are not independent.

Ex: John brought home a new computer and
later went shopping to buy some computer selfhelp books. (Although the word “and” is used, the two
phrases that surround it are not independent of each other.)

7. Transitional Expressions
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Serve as bridges between sentences or parts of
sentences.
When these expressions appear between independent
clauses, the transitional expression is preceded by a
semi colon, and usually followed by a comma.
Exception to the rule - If a transitional expression blends
smoothly with the rest of the sentence, calling for no
pause from the reader, it does not need to be set off by
a comma. Expressions like certainly, also, at least,
consequently, indeed, of course, perhaps, moreover,
then, and therefore do not always call for a pause.

8. The Semicolon

Used to connect major sentence elements of
equal grammatical rank – when the phrases are
closely related and not separated by a
coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for,
so, or yet.)

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Ex: I love raspberries; I think they are the sweetest fruit on
earth!
If clauses are closely related and the relation is
clear without a conjunction, they may be linked
with a semicolon instead.

Ex: I’ve been healthy and I’ve been ill and healthy is better.
This could be written like this – I’ve been healthy and I’ve been
ill; healthy is better.

9. The Semicolon, cont.
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Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a
transitional expression when you want the reader to pause.
Transitional Expressions include Conjunctive Adverbs and
Transitional Phrases.
Examples of conjunctive adverbs: accordingly, also, anyway,
besides, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore,
hence, however, incidentally, likewise, nevertheless,
otherwise, subsequently, therefore, and thus.
Examples of transitional phrases: after all, as a matter of fact,
as a result, at the same time, even so, for example, for
instance, in addition, in conclusion, in fact, in other words, in
the first place, on the contrary, and on the other hand.

10. Semicolon Rules
Use between items in a series to help the
readers understand the major groupings.
 Use to emphasize a sharp contrast
between clauses joined by a coordinating
conjunction.
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Ex: We hate some people because we do not
understand them; and we never get a chance
to understand them because we hate them.

11. The Colon
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Used primarily to draw attention to the
words that follow it.
Use after an independent clause to direct
attention to a list, appositive, or a quotation.
Use between independent clauses if the
second summarizes or explains the first.

Ex: I read the book at least 100 times: I felt like it
was written just for me.

12. Capitalization Rules
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Capitalize the first letter of proper nouns.
Proper nouns are names of specific
persons, places, nationalities, particular
courses, races, government departments,
organizations, political parties, historical
periods, sacred books, names for deities,
and religions.

13. Capitalization Rules
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Capitalize names of titles when you also include
the name of the person; i.e., Professor Smith.
Do not capitalize the title just to make the title
more important; i.e., I spoke with my professor
about it.
Capitalize all key words in titles and subtitles of
books, articles, songs, and online documents.
Capitalize the names of schools, but not the
types of schools.

14. APA Style Number Rules
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Use numerals to express numbers 10 or
above.
If a number is less than 10, write it out in
words.

15. Some Exceptions…
Use Numerals to Express:
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Numbers in the abstract or graphical displays in
the paper
Numbers that come right in front of a unit of
measurement (ex. A 5-mg dose…)
Numbers that represent statistical or
mathematical functions, fractions or decimals,
percentages, and ratios
Numbers that represent time, dates, ages,
scores, points on a scale, and money