Grammar and Mechanics

Sentence format

One space follows the end of any sentence. Never use a double space after a period, semi-colon or comma.
Periods are placed inside any closing quotation mark and outside a closing parenthesis that comes at the end of a sentence.
Self-contained parenthetical statements should have period on the inside.
Do not use the Oxford comma, which would be placed immediately before the coordinating conjunction in a series of three or more terms.
Caution against overuse of commas. If anything, underuse them if the sentence will not suffer from loss of clarity.

Slash

No space on either side of a "/" when used in long-form copy (paragraphs).

Correct: QuickJack is perfect for all racers/drivers.

Use a space before and after the "/" on technical spec sheets (lists and tables).

Correct: Unit weight: 108 lbs. / 50 kg

Common errors

To avoid common errors, re-read anything you write at least one or two times before you press send.
Check: it’s/its... you’re/your... to/two/too...

Possessive nouns (singular)

Many people get confused by apostrophe placement, especially when dealing with proper nouns that end in "s." The rule: add apostrophe-"s" to nouns, even ones that end in "s" or an "s" sound.

Correct: It is Peter's lift.

(The lift belongs to one Peter.)

Correct: Mr. Jones’s safety techniques are taught to new employees.

(The safety techniques belong to one Mr. Jones.)

Possessive nouns (plural)

When placing an apostrophe in a plural noun, the apostrophe comes after the "s."

Correct: All the lifts’ hydraulics work great.

(The hydraulics belong to multiple lifts.)

Hyphen

Hyphens (-) are for creating word or phrase combinations. The longer em dash (–) may be used as punctuation. No space should go before or after the hyphen/em dash.