Grammar Lesson 35

• Vocabulary:

• The Greek prefix syn- means “with” or “together”

• To synchronize is to cause to work at the same rate or happen at the same time with something else

• A syndicate is a group of individuals or organizations that join together to accomplish a single purpose

• A synonym is a word that means the same as another word in the same language

The Period/Abbreviations

• Punctuation marks help the reader to understand the meaning of what is written

• A period helps the reader to know where a sentence begins and ends

• A declarative sentence needs a period at the end

• An imperative sentence needs a period at the end

Initials/outline

• We place periods after the initials in a person’s name: Alexander G. Bell, J.J. Curtis

• In an outline, letters and numbers require a period after them• I. Types of flowers

• A. Annuals

• B. Perennials

Abbreviations

• Sometimes we shorten words by abbreviating them.

• Abbreviations often require periods, but not always.

• Check the dictionary if you have questions.

• We do not generally use abbreviations in formal writing. When in doubt, spell it out.

• Time of day: a.m., p.m.

• Days of the week: Sun. (Sunday), Mon. (Monday), Fri. (Friday)

• Months of the year: Jan. (January), Sept. (September), May/June (no abbreviation)

Proper Places/Personal Titles/Compass

• Proper places: Dr. (Drive), St. (Street), Mt. (Mount, Mountain), Bldg. (building)

• Personal titles: Mr. (Mister), Mrs. (Mistress), Miss (no abbreviation), Dr. (doctor), Prof. (professor), Sen. (senator)

• Compass directions: N. (north), S. (south), N.E. (northeast), S.W. (southwest)

• Others: Co. (company), Ltd. (limited), Inc. (incorporated), est. (estimated)

Abbreviating in formal writing

• In most of our writing we spell out entire words and do not abbreviate.

• However we use the following abbreviations even in formal writing:

• Personal titles such as Mr., Mrs., Jr., Ph.D.

• Abbreviations that are part of an organization’s legal name such as Inc., Co.

• Abbreviations used in expressions of time such as a.m., B.C.