小符号也有大学问：英语标点使用指南

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. 当你书写时，如何正确使用英语的标点符号可是至关重要的！因为标点的误用可能会导致其他人的误解哦，尤其是当你要找工作投简历时，正确的标点使用会助你一臂之力~~

Here is a guide to the rules for using the more common punctuation marks in English. 接下来我们就来看看怎么正确规范地使用标点符号。

When to use capital letters
什么时候要大写？

1. At the beginning of the sentence 在句子的开头
It's cold today.

2. For the personal pronoun "I" 第一人称“I”
I live in a big city.

3. For "proper nouns" 专有名词
- 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 书名、广播电视节目、报纸和杂志名称
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 历史时期或事件
The Russian Revolution

7. Rivers, mountains and lakes and geographical regions 河流山川和其他地理区域
The Amazon, The Middle East

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

When to use commas in English
什么时候用逗号？

1. To separate items in a list 在列表中区分单独的项
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：英式英语通常不会在"and”之前使用逗号，不过在美式英语中是可以的噢。
 

2. To separate clauses which are related in meaning区分意义上的从句
Do you know the answer, or should I ask Tony?

*Where the clauses are short, commas are not used:
注意：如果从句太短，就不必使用逗号了。
"I was tired so I went home."

3. After introductory phrases 在介绍性短语后
Unfortunately, I cannot send you the information.

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

5. Before and after non-defining clauses 在非限制性定语从句前后
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：限制性定语从句不使用逗号。

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