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Grammar for Grownups Quiz #61

Your Own Style Manual

Every writer needs their own Style Manual - that is, a notebook compilation of the decisions they make about grammar, punctuation, and other word usage. When you choose, note it in your Style Manual and you'll never have to make that decision again.

Here are some decisions for you to make now - to get you started.

1. Do you write a.m./p.m., A.M./P.M., AM/PM, or am/pm?

2. How do you spell that red tomatoey stuff: catsup, katsup, ketchup, or cetchup?

3. Do you use the comma before "and" in a string of three or more? (My estate is to be equally divided among my children, Michael, Joan, Martha and John - OR - My estate is to be equally divided among my children, Michael, Joan, Martha, and John.)

4. When do you capitalize "president"? (The President/president made a State of the Union address. The president/President announced new company policies.)

5. Do you capitalize such words as: city, county, state, federal? When? (I work for the City of Lakewood. I work for the city of Lakewood.)

6. When you have one husband/wife/sister/brother/etc. do you use commas before and after the name? (My sister Maryan... or My sister, Maryan,... ?

Click here for my answers.

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