关于英语中的标点——如果觉得标点很简单,那可能就错了.

!感-杠-问?

引自：http://www.grammarbook.com，中文说明由我翻译

如果觉得自己对标点已经很熟悉，或者觉得太简单。那很有可能是错了。
就我的翻译经验来看，诸多长难句，难点恰恰是在断句上面。
断句的难点分两类：（1）没有标点的地方不会断句；（2）视标点为无物。

本贴试图（一定程度上）解决第二个问题，标点本身就是一种断句，对标点的掌握会提高长难句翻译的准确性至关重要。
以下共列出12种标点的一般用法。包括：

• Periods 句号
• Ellipsis Marks 省略号
• Commas 逗号
• Semicolons 分号
• Colons 冒号
• Question Marks 问号
• Exclamation Points 感叹号
• Quotation Marks 引号
• Parentheses 圆括号
• Apostrophes 撇号
• Hyphens 连字符
• Dashes 横杠（破折号）
  

Periods句号
Rule 1
Use a period at the end of a complete sentence that is a statement.
在一句完整陈述句的句末使用，以表示句子结束。
Example:
I know that you would never break my trust intentionally.

Rule 2
If the last word in the sentence ends in a period, do not follow it with another period.
如若最后一个单词以句号（点）结束，则句末不再重复添加句号。
Examples:
I know that M.D. She is my sister-in-law.
Please shop, cook, etc. I will do the laundry.

Rule 3
Use the period after an indirect question.
间接引语后用句号。
Example:
He asked where his suitcase was.

!感-杠-问?

Ellipsis Marks省略号
Use ellipsis marks when omitting a word, phrase, line, paragraph, or more from a quoted passage.
如果有省略内容时，使用省略号。省略的内容包括：单词、词组、句子、段落，或者在引用文章中某些内容时的非引用内容

Rule 1
Use no more than three marks whether the omission occurs in the middle of a sentence or between sentences.
省略号后不能加句号（点）
Example:
Original sentence:
The regulation states, "All agencies must document overtime or risk losing federal funds."
Rewritten using ellipses:
The regulation states, "All agencies must document overtime..."
NOTE: With the three-dot method, you may leave out punctuation such as commas that were in the original.
注意：省略号前后可以省略其他标点（如逗号等）
Example:
Original sentence from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
Rewritten using ellipses:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth...a new nation, conceived in liberty..."

Rule 2
When you omit one or more paragraphs within a long quotation, use ellipsis marks after the last punctuation mark that ends the preceding paragraph.
当省略引文中的其他内容时，在最后一个标点后加省略号

!感-杠-问?

Commas逗号
Rule 1
To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
为了避免误解，用逗号来隔断单词或词组，以表示并列
Example:
My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew.
Omitting the comma after son would indicate that the son and nephew would have to split one-third of the estate.

Rule 2
Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them.
用于两个形容词之间，此时逗号可以用“and”替代
Examples:
He is a strong, healthy man.
We stayed at an expensive summer resort. You would not say expensive and summer resort, so no comma.
在上述句子的两个形容词间不能加逗号，因为此处不能用“and”替代逗号

Rule 3
Use a comma when an -ly adjective is used with other adjectives.
在以“ly”结尾的形容词和之后其他形容词之间加逗号
Examples:
Felix was a lonely, young boy.
I get headaches in brightly lit rooms. Brightly is not an adjective because it cannot be used alone with rooms; therefore, no comma is used between brightly and lit.
因为“brightly”不是形容词（它不能用来直接形容“rooms”），因此不用在“brightly”和“lit”之间加逗号

Rule 4
Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.
在直接称呼某人的名字或职称时，在其前（或左右两边）加入逗号
Examples:
Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me?
Yes, Doctor, I will.
NOTE: Capitalize a title when directly addressing someone.
注意：当用职称称呼人时，首字母大写

Rule 5a
Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year.
在日期中，“日”与“年”之间加逗号，年份后加逗号
Example:
Kathleen met her husband on December 5, 2003, in Mill Valley, California.

Rule 5b
If any part of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.
在日期中，如果没有“日”，年份前后都不用加逗号
Example:
They met in December 2003 in Mill Valley.

Rule 6
Use a comma to separate the city from the state and after the state in a document. If you use the two-letter capitalized form of a state in a document, you do not need a comma after the state.
在地点中，“城市名”与“州名”之间加逗号，“州名”后加逗号。但如果使用州的缩写（两个大写字母），则其后不用加逗号
NOTE: With addresses on envelopes mailed via the post office, do not use any punctuation.
注意：在信封上，地址中不加任何标点
Examples:
I lived in San Francisco, California, for 20 years.
I lived in San Francisco, CA for 20 years.

Rule 7
Use commas to surround degrees or titles used with names. Commas are no longer required around Jr. and Sr. Commas never set off II, III, and so forth.
当姓名后跟有头衔时，头衔左后两边加逗号。在“Jr.”和“Sr.”的左右两边不用加逗号。绝不要用逗号隔开“II”、“III”等罗马数字。
Example:
Al Mooney, M.D., knew Sam Sunny Jr. and Charles Starr III.

Rule 8
Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt sentence flow.
用逗号隔开插入语
Example:
I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this.

Rule 9
When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it. Conversely, do not use a comma when the sentence starts with a strong clause followed by a weak clause.
弱分句后跟强分句时，之间加逗号。反之则不加。
Examples:
If you are not sure about this, let me know now.
Let me know now if you are not sure about this.

Rule 10
Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.
如果句子由短语开头，当短语字数大于3字时，其后使用逗号。反之则可加可不加。
Examples:
To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.
On February 14  many couples give each other candy or flowers.
OR
On February 14, many couples give each other candy or flowers.

Rule 11
If something or someone is sufficiently identified, the description following it is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas.
如果某个事物已经很清楚，跟在其后的补充说明是不必要的，则补充说明的左右两边加逗号
Examples:
Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. Freddy is named, so the description is not essential.
在这句句子中，“Freddy”的名字已经列出，所有其后的补充说明是不必要的
The boy who has a limp was in an auto accident. We do not know which boy is being referred to without further description; therefore, no commas are used.
在这句句子中，如果没有补充说明，就不知道这个男孩到底是哪一个，因此不需要用逗号

Rule 12
Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are both short.
在并列连词（“and”、“or”、“but”、“for”、“nor”等）连接的两个强分句间，用逗号隔开。如果两个分句是短句的话，可以省略逗号。
Examples:
I have painted the entire house, but he is still working on sanding the doors.I paint and he writes.

Rule 13
Use the comma to separate two sentences if it will help avoid confusion.
为了避免误解，可以在两个句子之间加逗号
Examples:
I chose the colors red and green, and blue was his first choice.

Rule 14
A comma splice is an error caused by joining two strong clauses with only a comma instead of separating the clauses with a conjunction, a semicolon, or a period. A run-on sentence, which is incorrect, is created by joining two strong clauses without any punctuation.
“逗号连句”是错误的。所谓“逗号连句”即：在两句强分句间，不使用连词，而直接使用逗号的情况。这种情况下，应用分号或句号隔开两个句子（分句）。而如果在两个强分句间，不加标点的话，就称为“缺少隔断的句子”，这也是错误的。
Incorrect:
Time flies when we are having fun, we are always having fun. (Comma splice)
（逗号连句）
Time flies when we are having fun we are always having fun. (Run-on sentence)
（缺少隔断的句子）
Correct:
Time flies when we are having fun; we are always having fun.
OR
Time flies when we are having fun, and we are always having fun. (Comma is optional because both strong clauses are short.)
在这句句子中，逗号可加可不加，因为两句强分句都是短句
OR
Time flies when we are having fun. We are always having fun.

Rule 15
If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, do not use a comma.
如果在第二个并列动词前，省略主语的话，在动词前不加逗号
Example:
He thought quickly but still did not answer correctly.

Rule 16
Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines.
如果直接引语少于三行，则在加逗号（若在引语前插于内容，则在引语前加逗号；若在引语中插入内容，则在该内容左右两边加逗号）
Examples:
He actually said, "I do not care."
"Why," I asked, "do you always forget to do it?"

Rule 17
Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.
在陈述句和问句之间加逗号
Example:
I can go, can't I?

Rule 18
Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
用逗号隔开句子中对比的部分
Example:
That is my money, not yours.

Rule 19
Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes.
当句子由导词（如“well”、“now”、“yes”）开始时，使用逗号
Examples:
Yes, I do need that report.
Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day…

Rule 20
Use commas surrounding words such as therefore and however when they are used as interrupters.
当在句子中插入“therefore”、“however”等词时，该词的左右两边加逗号
Examples:
I would, therefore, like a response.
I would be happy, however, to volunteer for the Red Cross.

Rule 21
Use either a comma or a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a series of items. Use a comma after the introductory word.
在使用导词（如“namely”、“that is”、“i.e.”、“for example”、“e.g.”、“for instance”等）列举事物时，在该词前面加逗号或分号，后面加逗号。
Examples:
You may be required to bring many items, e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
OR
You may be required to bring many items; e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
NOTE: i.e. means that is; e.g. means for example
注意：“i.e.”的意思是“that is”；“e.g.”的意思是“for example”

!感-杠-问?

Semicolons分号
Rule 1
Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.
如果想把两句句子连起来，又不加连词的话，使用分号连接
Examples:
Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.
I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect all the privileges listed in the contract.

Rule 2
It is preferable to use a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.
在使用导词（如“namely”、“however”、“therefore”、“that is”、“i.e.”、“for example”、“e.g.”、“for instance”等）跟一个完整的句子时，最好在导词前加分号，导词后加逗号。
Examples:
You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.
As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.

Rule 3
Use either a semicolon or a comma before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a list following a complete sentence. Use a comma after the introductory word.
在使用导词（如“namely”、“however”、“therefore”、“that is”、“i.e.”、“for example”、“e.g.”、“for instance”等）跟列举内容（以解释说明之前的句子）时，在导词前加分号或逗号，导词后加逗号。
Examples:
You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
You will want to bring many backpacking items, for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

Rule 4
Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.
如果有多个内容并列，且这些内容内还有细分的并列时，细分并列用逗号，粗分并列用分号
Example:
This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Rule 5
Use the semicolon between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence.
当要用标点加连词连接两个句子，而前面的句子中已经有逗号时，使用分号连接两个句子
Examples:
When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her husband is able, he will be there to see her.

!感-杠-问?

Colons冒号
Rule 1
Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not appear.
如果要在完整句子后跟列举内容，而不使用导词（如“namely”、“for example”、“that is”等）时，用冒号连接
Examples:
You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
I want the following items: butter, sugar, and flour.
I want an assistant who can do the following: (1) input data, (2) write reports, and (3) complete tax forms.

Rule 2
A colon should not precede a list unless it follows a complete sentence; however, the colon is a style choice that some publications allow.
一般，当列举的内容不是完整的句子时，不用冒号。但也有出版物会使用冒号，这取决于文章风格及作者习惯。
Examples:
If a waitress wants to make a good impression on her customers and boss, she should (a) dress appropriately, (b) calculate the bill carefully, and (c) be courteous to customers.
There are three ways a waitress can make a good impression on her boss and her customers:
        (a) Dress appropriately.
        (b) Calculate the bill carefully.
        (c) Be courteous to customers.
I want an assistant who can (1) input data, (2) write reports, and (3) complete tax forms.

Rule 3
Capitalization and punctuation are optional when using single words or phrases in bulleted form. If each bullet or numbered point is a complete sentence, capitalize the first word and end each sentence with proper ending punctuation. The rule of thumb is to be consistent.
在单词或词组的选项中，第一个单词的首字母大写小写均可，句末标点有无均可。但如果是完整句子的选项，句首字母必须大写，每个选项的句子最后都要加合适的标点。关于这一点要遵循经验法则。
Examples:
I want an assistant who can do the following:
         (a) input data,
         (b) write reports, and
         (c) complete tax forms.
The following are requested:
         (a) Wool sweaters for possible cold weather.
         (b) Wet suits for snorkeling.
         (c) Introductions to the local dignitaries.
OR
The following are requested:
         (a) wool sweaters for possible cold weather
         (b) wet suits for snorkeling
         (c) introductions to the local dignitaries
NOTE: With lists, you may use periods after numbers and letters instead of parentheses.
注意：如果是列举，则使用“数字+句号”的格式表示列举顺序，而不要使用“左括号+字母+右括号”的格式
These are some of the pool rules:
         1. Do not run.
         2. If you see unsafe behavior, report it to the lifeguard.
         3. Have fun!

Rule 4
Use a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the second sentence explains or illustrates the first sentence and no coordinating conjunction is being used to connect the sentences. If only one sentence follows the colon, do not capitalize the first word of the new sentence. If two or more sentences follow the colon, capitalize the first word of each sentence following.
如果第二句句子起到解释说明第一句句子的作用，并且两句子间没有连词，用冒号而不是分号连接两句句子。如果冒号后只有一句句子解释说明前面的句子，则冒号后句子的首字母不要大写；如果冒号后有多个句子解释说明前面的句子，则冒号后每句句子的首字母都要大写。
Examples:
I enjoy reading: novels by Kurt Vonnegut are among my favorites.
Garlic is used in Italian cooking: It greatly enhances the flavor of pasta dishes. It also enhances the flavor of eggplant.

Rule 5
Use the colon to introduce a direct quotation that is more than three lines in length. In this situation, leave a blank line above and below the quoted material. Single space the long quotation. Some style manuals say to indent one-half inch on both the left and right margins; others say to indent only on the left margin. Quotation marks are not used.
如果引语内容多于三行，则用冒号引出。这时，在引用内容的上下都留一行空行，以体现引用内容的完整性。引用的内容都要左缩进1.5英尺，是否需要右缩进则因人而异，试习惯而定。引用的内容不用加引号。
Example:
The author of Touched, Jane Straus, wrote in the first chapter:
(blank line)
（空行）
             Georgia went  back to her bed and stared at the intricate patterns of burned moth wings in  the translucent glass
      of the overhead light. Her father was in “hyper mode”  again where nothing could calm him down.
             He’d been talking  nonstop for a week about remodeling projects, following her around the house as  she tried to
      escape his chatter. He was just about to crash, she knew.
(blank line)
（空行）

Rule 6
Use the colon to follow the salutation of a business letter even when addressing someone by his/her first name. Never use a semicolon after a salutation. A comma is used after the salutation for personal correspondence.
在商业信件中，在台头即使称呼了对方全名的第一个单词，也都要在其后使用冒号。不要在称呼后面加分号。在私人信件中，可以用逗号替代冒号。
Example:
Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

!感-杠-问?

Question Marks问号
Rule 1
Use a question mark only after a direct question.
在疑问句后使用问号
Examples:
Will you go with me?
I asked if he would go with me.

Rule 2
Use a question mark when a sentence is half statement and half question.
如果一个句子前半部分是陈述句，后半部分是疑问句，则在句末使用问号
Example:
You do care, don't you?

!感-杠-问?

Exclamation Points感叹号
Rule
Use the exclamation point to show emphasis or surprise. Do not use the exclamation point in formal business writing.
用感叹号表示强调或吃惊。在正式的商业写作中，不要使用感叹号。
Example:
I'm truly shocked by your behavior!

!感-杠-问?

Quotation Marks引号
Rule 1
Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks, even inside single quotes.
无论是单引号还是双引号，句号和逗号总是在引号内。
Examples:
The sign changed from "Walk," to "Don't Walk," to "Walk" again within 30 seconds.
She said, "Hurry up."
She said, "He said, 'Hurry up.'"

Rule 2
The placement of question marks with quotes follows logic. If a question is in quotation marks, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks.
问号的位置需要视情况而定。如果引用的内容是问句，则问号在引号内。
Examples:
She asked, "Will you still be my friend?"
Do you agree with the saying, "All's fair in love and war"? Here the question is outside the quote.
在这句句子中，问号在引号外
NOTE: Only one ending punctuation mark is used with quotation marks. Also, the stronger punctuation mark wins. Therefore, no period after war is used.
注意：引号前后总共只能使用一个标点。如果想用多个标点，一般总是选用与句意更为贴切的标点。因此，在这句句子中，“war”后面没有加句号。

Rule 3
When you have a question outside quoted material AND inside quoted material, use only one question mark and place it inside the quotation mark.
如果引用内容是问句，引号外的句子也是问句，则只使用一个问号，且放在引号内。
Example:
Did she say, "May I go?"

Rule 4
Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes. Note that the period goes inside all quote marks.
在引号内还需引用时，用单引号。注意，如果句末同时出现（后）单引号、（后）双引号和句号，则将句号置于两个（后）引号前
Example:
He said, "Danea said, 'Do not treat me that way.'"

Rule 5
Use quotation marks to set off a direct quotation only.
只能用引号分割直接引语
Examples:
"When will you be here?" he asked.
He asked when you will be there.

Rule 6
Do not use quotation marks with quoted material that is more than three lines in length. See Colons, Rule 5, for style guidance with longer quotes.
引用内容超过3行时，不能使用引号。具体标点的使用，详见“冒号”的“Rule 5”。

Rule 7
When you are quoting something that has a spelling or grammar mistake or presents material in a confusing way, insert the term sic in italics and enclose it in brackets. Sic means, "This is the way the original material was."
如果引用的内容有拼写错误、语法错误，或内容意思不明时，插入“sic”这个符号，使用斜体并在其两边加方括号。“sic”的意思是“This is the way the original material was”（原文即如此）
Example:
She wrote, "I would rather die then [sic] be seen wearing the same outfit as my sister."
Should be than, not then.            
应该是“than”，而不是“then”

!感-杠-问?

Parentheses圆括号
Rule 1
Use parentheses to enclose words or figures that clarify or are used as an aside.
圆括号用来表示起到旁白作用的话
Examples:
I expect five hundred dollars ($500).
He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that he did not understand the question. Commas could have been used in the above example. Parentheses show less emphasis or importance.
在这句句子中，圆括号本可以替换为逗号，此处用圆括号是为了弱化强调语气
Em dashes, which could also have been used instead of parentheses, show emphasis.
在这句句子中，圆括号本也可以替换为破折号，但是用破折号则是为了强化语气

Rule 2
Use full parentheses to enclose numbers or letters used for listed items.
在并列时，在数字或字母左右加圆括号
Example:
We need an emergency room physician who can (1) think quickly, (2) treat patients respectfully, and (3) handle complaints from the public.

Rule 3
Periods go inside parentheses only if an entire sentence is inside the parentheses.
只有括号内是句子时，才在括号内用句号
Examples:
Please read the analysis (I enclosed it as Attachment A.).
OR
Please read the analysis. (I enclosed it as Attachment A.)
OR
Please read the analysis (Attachment A).

jr8967

都是你翻译的？