Grammar Punctuation Protocol - 2023 Update (No DEI Section)

GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION

Main and State streets

Abbreviations and Acronyms See Page 14.

n

Erie and Ontario lakes

n

Derivatives Capitalize words that are derived from a proper noun and still depend on it for their meaning.

Exception

Plurals of formal titles with full names are capitalized.

American

n

n Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald R. Ford

Christian

n

Composition Titles Capitalize the principal words in the names of books, movies, plays, poems, operas, songs, radio and televi- sion programs, and works of art. See Titles , Page 18.

Christianity

n

English

n

Marxism

n

n Shakespearean Lowercase words that are derived from a proper noun but no longer depend on it for their meaning.

Formal Titles Lowercase and spell out titles when they are not used with an individual’s name. See Composition Titles , Page 21.

french fries

n

The president issued a statement.

n

venetian blind

n

The pope gave his blessing.

n

manhattan cocktail

n

For all other references to formal titles, the City’s style is to capitalize the titles.

Colons

The most common use of colons is to introduce lists, tabulations, and texts.

Correct Usage

n Director of Community Development John Smith

Capitalization Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. n He promised this: The company will make good all the losses. n There were three considerations: expense, time, and feasibility.

John Smith, Director of Community Development

n

n John Smith is the Director of Community Devel- opment

Incorrect Usage

John Smith, director of community development

n

Emphasis Use colons for emphasis.

n John Smith is the director of community develop- ment

He had only one hobby: eating.

For more information about Titles , see Page 21.

n

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