小符號也有大學問：英語標點使用指南

It's important to know the rules of English punctuation when you write, as using the wrong punctuation may lead to misunderstandings. Using the correct punctuation is especially important when you are writing to impress, such as when you are applying for a new job. 當你書寫時，如何正確使用英語的標點符號可是至關重要的！因爲標點的誤用可能會導致其他人的誤解哦，尤其是當你要找工作投簡歷時，正確的標點使用會助你一臂之力~~

Here is a guide to the rules for using the more common punctuation marks in English. 接下來我們就來看看怎麼正確規範地使用標點符號。

When to use capital letters
什麼時候要大寫？

1. At the beginning of the sentence 在句子的開頭
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 書名、廣播電視節目、報紙和雜誌名稱
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域
The Amazon, The Middle East

8. In addresses 地址
Flat 2, 16 London Road.

When to use commas in English
什麼時候用逗號？

1. To separate items in a list 在列表中區分單獨的項
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：英式英語通常不會在"and”之前使用逗號，不過在美式英語中是可以的噢。

2. To separate clauses which are related in meaning區分意義上的從句
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，就不必使用逗號了。
"I was tired so I went home."

3. After introductory phrases 在介紹性短語後
Unfortunately, I cannot send you the information.

4. Before and after a word or phrase that interrupts the main clause 在主句中的插入語前後
Some children,if they are gifted, attend special schools.

5. Before and after non-defining clauses 在非限制性定語從句前後
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：限制性定語從句不使用逗號。

6. To show millions, thousands and hundreds 數字中
5, 890, 2811
10, 050

When to use a full stop (or "period" in American English)
什麼時候用句號？

1. At the end of the sentence 句末
Thank you for your letter.

2. As a decimal point 作爲小數點使用
2.5%, $9.99.

When to use a colon
什麼時候用冒號？

1. To introduce a list 介紹一系列項目
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 時間
The 10:40 train to London is late.

4. Between the title and subtitle of a book 書名的副標題
Shakespeare: The Complete Works

When to use a semi-colon in English
什麼時候使用分號？

Semi-colons show a pause which is longer than a comma, but not as long as a full stop. Short clauses which are related in meaning can be separated by a comma. However, if the clauses are longer, you will probably need a semi-colon: 分號表達的是一個比逗號長句號短的停頓。有一些短句可以由逗號來斷句，但是如果句子比較長的話，使用分號會比較合適。

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在列表中區分較長的項目
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，或者連接並列句
We went out for the day; they stayed in.

When to use an apostrophe in English
什麼時候使用單引號？

1. With an s to show possession 與s連用表示所屬關係
The company's profits.

2. To show abbreviation 表示縮寫
I don't like smoking. (= do not)