MECHANICS

IN A WELL-WRITTEN
TEXT
What is Mechanics?
It refers to the parts of speech and how they combine together to
form sentences, the goal of mechanics is to make the writing
precise and grammatically correct. Mechanics focuses on the
technicalities of the structure, it determines errors on subject-verb
agreement, prepositions, tenses, the grammar, spelling,
capitalization, abbreviations, acronyms, the use of numbers as part
of the statement and the punctuation marks.
Factors in
Mechanics of Writing
1. SPELLING
It is the structural order of the letters that make up a
word.
Difference of American spelling and British spelling

American spelling British spelling

color colour
defense defence
organize organise
traveled travelled
theater theatre
learned learnt
airplane aeroplane
anesthesia anaesthesia
analyze analyse
aging ageing
5 spelling rules to know:
1. I Before E, Except After C

-I before E, Except after C, unless it sounds like A, as in

neighbor or weigh
EXAMPL
E:
I before E
Would you like a piece of cake? Jerry will believe anything. They’re
planting new grass on the football field .
Except after C
Darnell received an A on his spelling test. Jeremy spotted a spider on
the ceiling . I never expected such deceit from you!
Unless it sounds like A
Our neighbors live in a beige house. How much does the kitten
weigh ?
Exceptions to the rule:

1. Seize 10.Neither
2. Either 11.Science
3. Weird 12.Species
4. Height 13.sufficient
5. Foreign
6. Leisure
7. Conscience
8. Counterfeit
9. Forfeit
2. Adding suffixes to words that end in Y

When you add a suffix that starts with e (such as -ed, -er, or -est) to
a word that ends in y, the y usually changes to an i.
EXAMPLE:

1. This is the dustiest (dusty) old house I’ve ever seen.

2. The best bakers make the flakiest (flaky) pie crusts.

3. The soup needs the tiniest (tiny)pinch of salt, and then it’s perfect.

4. Seawater dries (dry) out your skin.

The y doesn’t change for the suffix -ing.

1. The baby has been crying (cry) for almost an hour.

2. The minute we brought in the new puppy, our mother

began laying (lay) down sheets of newspaper.

3. We should spend some time tidying (tidy) before the

guests arrive.
If the word in question has two consonants before the y, change
the y to i before adding the suffix -ly.

Sloppy – sloppily
Happy – happily
Scary – scarily

1. Funnily (funny) enough, I said the same thing just yesterday.

Of course, there are always exceptions:

“Funny,” he said dryly (dry).
3. The silent e

Typically, an e after a consonant at the end of a word is silent, but it

does affect the way you pronounce the vowel that comes before the
consonant. The e makes the vowel sound of the word (or syllable)
long (like the I sound in kite) instead of short (like the I sound in
kitten). It’s important to get the silent e right, because its presence or
absence can change the meaning of a word.
The monkey bit me.
Keep your fingers out of the cage: the monkeys bite .

(By adding the e to the end of bit, the word is changed from past to
present tense.)

Don’t cut yourself on the sharp knives.

The kitten is really cute.

(In this case, the silent e creates a completely different word.)

The dog bared his teeth at the mail carrier. The baby’s eyes were
the bluest I’d ever seen.

(When adding a suffix like -ed, -er or -est, the silent e is usually
dropped from the end of the root word.)
4. Double consonants

Watch out for double consonants. It can be difficult to hear them

when a word is said aloud—especially if the word has only one
syllable. Double consonants are frequently found in words that
have suffixes added to them:

EXAMPLE:
I dropped the heavy bags to the floor.

Someone called for you earlier

Some words can be pronounced as either one or two syllables, but the
spelling remains the same:

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth.
-In this sentence, which is a fixed expression, blessed is pronounced
as two syllables: bless-ed.

The father blessed his son before the wedding.

-In this sentence, blessed is pronounced as one syllable: blest .
Be particularly careful with words where a double consonant can
change the pronunciation and the meaning of the word.

Cacti are native to the desert. Would you like ice cream for
dessert?
5. Plural suffixes

When do you add s and when do you add -es to make a plural?

It’s not quite as arbitrary as it may seem. The rule is this: if a

word ends in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, or -z, you add -es.
I only had to take one bus; you had to take two buses.

I only get one wish; you get two wishes.

I have a splotch on my shirt; you have two splotches.

I’m carrying one box; you’re carrying two boxes.

Would you like a spritz of perfume? Two spritzes, please.

I have one cat; you have two cats.

I have one cup; you have two cups

I have one ski; you have two skis. How am I supposed to

ski
2.
CAPITALIZATION
It is the act of writing the first letter of the word in
uppercase while the rest of the letters are in
lowercase.
Rules for capitalization Example
Proper noun Manila
Proper adjectives Canadian
Specific course or title Reading and Writing
Days of the week Monday
Months of the year April
adjectives, verbs, adverbs, nouns, and Through the Looking-Glass, and
pronouns in a title and the first and What Alice Found There
last word in a title (Literature)

historical periods, events, documents Great Depression, the Renaissance,

the Constitution
What words need to be capitalized?

People’s names
Both the first and last names of a person are capitalized. Likewise,
middle names, nicknames, and suffixes like Jr. are also capitalized.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Historical names that include descriptive words often follow the
rules for title capitalization: Prominent words are capitalized, but
small words like the or of are not.

Ivan the Terrible

Maria of Aragon
Titles
The title of any piece of work—books, movies, songs, poems,
podcast episodes, comic-book issues, etc.—requires capitalization,
but only certain words in the title are capitalized.
The first word in a title is always capitalized. Nouns, pronouns,
verbs, adjectives, and adverbs all need to be capitalized in titles
as well

The Catcher in the Rye

Of Mice and Men

Places
If you’re using the name of a place, capitalize it.

New York City

Lake Victoria

(Keep in mind that if you are not using the name of a place but
the general word to describe it, you do not capitalize that word.)

The Grand Canyon is a good canyon, but I wouldn’t call it “grand.”

Countries, nationalities, and languages
In English, countries, nationalities, and languages are capitalized.
Country names fall under the category of places, but by extension
the names of the people who live there and the adjective form of
their culture are also capitalized. This includes languages.

Haiti
a team of Haitians
Haitian cuisine
Institutions (companies, brands, agencies, etc.)
The names of companies, brands, agencies, and other large groups
like hospitals are also proper nouns. Some small words like
prepositions may still be lowercased in such names.

Volkswagen Group
Bank of China
If you’re referring to a department by its proper name, you can
capitalize it. However, if you’re referring to a general
department, keep it lowercased.

“She works in the Psychology Department.”

“I didn’t even know our school had a psychology department.”
Historical eras
Capitalize periods and events when referring to them by their specific
name but not when you’re using them as general terms. If a period of
time is named after a proper noun, capitalize the proper noun. The
word for the period is sometimes capitalized, as in the examples
below, but other times it is lowercased, as in the Victorian age.

European Renaissance
Islamic Golden Age

the twentieth century

Days, months, and holidays
In English days and months are capitalized because they are proper
nouns.

the first Sunday in April

When words like day or month are used generally, they are not
capitalized. However, if they are part of a holiday name, they count
as a proper noun and are capitalized.

What day is Father’s Day?

Initials and acronyms
Initials and acronyms combine the first letters of multiple words to
make a new word. Typically, these use all capital letters.

WHO (World Health Organization)

UFO (Unidentified Flying Object)

However, some acronyms are used so often, they become separate

words and use lowercase letters instead. For example, the word
scuba started as an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing
apparatus—now it’s a common word on its own, so it’s spelled in
lowercase letters.
Family titles
The capitalization of family titles is a confusing topic. Family titles
like mom or uncle can be either proper nouns or common nouns. In
short, capitalize them when they’re used as proper nouns but
lowercase them when they’re used as common nouns.

I have to ask my dad.

Can I go to the movies, Dad?
Beginnings of quotations
Another confusing topic is capitalization in quotes. The most important thing to
know is whether the quote is a complete sentence or a sentence fragment. If the
quote is a complete sentence, it starts with a capital letter, even if it begins in the
middle of the sentence.

Marie Antoinette never actually said, “Let them eat cake.”

If the quote is a sentence fragment, do not capitalize it. This is most common when
you’re quoting only a specific word or phrase instead of a long passage.

The substitute teacher called our class “goonish and unruly.”

After a colon
Capitalization after colons depends on what the colon is used for. If a colon is
used to introduce a list, do not use capitalization.

Here’s what we need at the grocery store: blueberries, strawberries, and

whipped cream.

If the colon is used to introduce an independent clause, capitalization is

optional. However, different style guides have different preferences, so double-
check with whatever format you’re using.

There are plenty of reasons to plant a garden: First and foremost, it’s a lot of
fun.
Seasons
Are seasons capitalized? In general, the seasons—spring, summer,
autumn (fall), and winter—are not capitalized. They use lowercase just
like other common nouns.

Last winter and spring were so bad, this summer has to be better.

However, often seasons are used in titles, especially in fashion. In this

case, they are part of a proper noun, and so they are capitalized.

Hermès’s Fall 2022 collection was even better than Prada’s Spring
2021 collection.
Job titles
Just like the seasons, job titles, positions, or honorifics are sometimes
capitalized and sometimes lowercased. When these titles are used as
part of a proper name, they are capitalized; when they refer to the
general job or position, they are lowercased.

The next president may be from a different region than President

Mujica.

Likewise, honorifics like Mr. and Ms. are capitalized when used
before a name.
3. ABBREVIATION AND
ACRONYMS
Abbreviations come in a few different varieties. Both
acronyms and initialisms are abbreviations that are
formed by combining the initial letter or letters of each
word into a longer name or phrase. Typically, acronyms
and initialisms are written in all capital letters to
distinguish them from ordinary words
The most common title abbreviations include:

Mr. = Mister
Mrs. = Mistress (pronounced “missus”)
Ms. = (pronounced “miss” or “miz”)
Sr. = Senior
Jr. = Junior
Dr. = Doctor
Mr. Green asked Ms. Grey if she had met Dr. Jekyl.
(American style)
Mr Green asked Ms Grey if she had met Dr Jekyl.
(British style)
The most common academic degree abbreviations include:

B.S. = Bachelor of scienceB.A. = Bachelor of Arts

M.A. = Master of Arts
M.B.A. = Master of Business Administration
Ph.D. = Doctor of Philosophy

The periods are optional with abbreviations of academic degrees.

When an academic degree is used like a title, it follows a person’s
name and is set off by commas:

Molly Beagle, Ph.D., runs the canine cognition lab at Stanford

University.
Latin abbreviations
There is a small handful of abbreviations for Latin terms that are
used (and misused) frequently in English writing. Use periods with
these abbreviations.

e.g.: exempli gratia

It means “for example.” Use e.g. when you want to provide specific
examples of a generalization.
We expect volunteers from many surrounding cities, (e.g.,
Springfield, Oakdale, Hogsmeade.)
i.e.: id est

It means “that is.” Use i.e. when you want to provide more specific
information about something you mentioned.
After a reasonable amount of time has passed—i.e. two business days
—please report the missing shipment to our customer service
department.
etc.: et cetera

It means “and so forth.” Use it when you’re providing a partial list

of details.
You should see the doctor when you have flu-like symptoms (fever,
chills, etc.)
Times and dates
a.m. (ante meridiem) = before noon
p.m. (post meridiem) = after noon

The mall opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.

Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct., Nov., Dec.

I was born on Nov. 6, 1980.

Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat,. Sun.

The class will run Mon.-Fri. next week.

Places
U.S. (United States)
U.K. (United Kingdom)
E.U. (European Union)
U.A.E. (United Arab Emirates)

The U.S. highway system seems enormous to visitors from

the U.K.
Units of Measurement
(inches)
(feet)
lbs. (pounds)

(millimeters)
(centimeters)
(meters)
(milligram)
(gram)
(kilogram)

My cat weighs 10 lbs., which is about 4.5 kg.

4. NUMBERS

Numbers from zero to ten should be spelled out

while numbers higher than nine and should be
written in figures.
Numbers From 1 Through 10:

The numbers 1 through 10 should be written in words when used in isolated

instances.

Example: Each of the four students has one hour to complete the exam.

Fractions Standing Alone:

A fraction that stands alone without a whole number should be written in

words.

Example: Approximately one-half of the pie was eaten before dinner was
served.
Numbers That Begin Sentences:

Any number that begins a sentence should be written in words.

Example: Twenty-four hours is a long time to wait for an answer.

When spelling out large numbers over a thousand, use the

shortest form possible.

Example: Fifteen hundred orders were received during the first

week of business.
Ages:

Ages should be written in words unless they are considered

significant statistics or technical measurements.

Example 1: Jackie began working for the company when she was
nineteen years old.

Example 2: Only employees who will have reached age 55 by

January 1 of next year will be eligible for the new policy.
Periods of Time:

General periods of time are usually written in words.

Example: Although this textbook was written fifteen years ago, it

still contains pertinent information.
4. PUNCTUATION MARKS
Punctuation is a collection of symbols used to distinguish
and clarify the meaning of sentences and printed parts. In
other words, punctuation informs readers of your work
about where to halt, what phrases are quotations and which
are clarifications, where words have been missing, and
more.
1.A period ( . ) is a form of punctuation used to end a declarative sentence.

Example: Nathaniel doesn't like carbonara.

2.An exclamation (!) mark is a grammatical sign used to express strong

feelings, such as anger or joy, in a written text.

Example: Don't talk, get out!

3.A question mark (?) is placed at the end of a sentence which is a direct
question.

Example: Do you have plans this weekend?

4. quotation marks

There are two types of quotation marks:

Single and double quotations

Single quotation marks( ' ' ) are known as 'quote marks', 'quotes', 'speech marks' or 'inverted
commas'. Use them to: show direct speech and the quoted work of other writers.

Example: 'These cookies are delicious', Ian said.

Double quotation marks (" ")-Double quotation marks are used for direct quotations and titles
of compositions such as books, plays, movies, songs, lectures and TV shows. They also can be
used to indicate irony and introduce an unfamiliar term or nickname.

Example: The mayor told the people of his town that he “cares” about their well-being.
5. Apostrophe( ' ) -An apostrophe is a punctuation mark used in contractions to
replace missing letters.

Example: I'll bring some snacks later.

6. Colon ( : )- A colon is a punctuation mark that is used to divide a sentence. The

colon resembles two dots positioned vertically). The colon has a variety of uses, some
of which include introducing a list, introducing an explanation, introducing a quote,
and connecting two related sentences.

Example: Jason plays two types of sports: soccer and basketball.

7. Slash( / )- the symbol used in writing to separate letters, numbers, or words.

Example: When his/her siblings come, call him immediately.

8. Parentheses ( ) - are used to enclose additional, non-essential information to
clarify, explain, or add a side note in a sentence.

Example: I will visit my grandma ( my dad's mother) this weekend.

9. Brackets [ ] –Punctuation in the form of square brackets [] is used to

encapsulate additional or illustrative text. They are frequently employed to
introduce clarifications, edits, or additions into material that has been quoted.
Square brackets are frequently used in programming to access entries in lists or
arrays.

Example: The investigation [carried out by Smith and colleagues in 2020]

10. Hyphen(-) –In order to generate compound terms or to denote a word break
at the end of a line of text, hyphens are employed as punctuation to unite words
or portions of words. Words at the end of a line in a document or text are often
divided into words and connected compound words.

Example: She had a twenty-year-old cat.

11. Dash(–) –A dash is a type of punctuation that resembles a lengthy hyphen

or horizontal line. It can be used to introduce a list or explanation, to signal a
sudden shift in thought, or to set off or highlight material within a sentence.

Example: He glanced at the clock—realizing he was running late—and rushed

out the door.
12. Slash (/) –A slash is a type of punctuation that resembles a line drawn
diagonally (/). It can be used to denote choices or to break up lines in poetry,
among other things.

Example: She ordered a cheeseburger/fries combo for lunch.

13. Semicolon(;) –Semicolons are punctuation that are used to divide items in a
list when the items themselves contain commas or to join two closely
connected independent clauses in a phrase to indicate a stronger relationship
than a comma alone could convey.

Example: She finished her work early; however, she decided to stay late to help
her colleagues.
14. Ellipsis(...) –Ellipses are punctuation marks made up of three dots
(...) that are used to denote word omissions or pauses in writing or
speech. They are frequently employed to build tension or show an
idea that is trailing off. It could also signify a break in the cited text.

Example: The old diary revealed secrets long forgotten, its pages
filled with tales of love, loss, and... unanswered questions.
15. Comma(,) –A comma is a type of punctuation that is used to
show where a sentence ends, divide items in a list, highlight opening
phrases or clauses, join independent clauses with coordinating
conjunctions, and make sense of sentence structure.

Example: She packed her bags, grabbed her passport, and headed to
the airport for her long-awaited vacation.
CONCLUSION

In writing, mechanics and conventions are rules and systems for how things
should be written down in order to ensure that what ends up on the page is
what one means to express. Areas that are governed by mechanics and
conventions include grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.
Writing mechanics are important because they help writers make sure that
they are understood by their readers. Understanding the mechanics of writing
in English allows writers to write with care and to express themselves with
accuracy.
THANK YOU