Punctuation

When should you use spaces with punctuation in English?

1. When using a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation marks. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically.

2. With some typewriters and word processors, follow ending punctuation with two spaces when using a fixed-pitch font.

3. Use no spaces on either side of a hyphen.

Example: We borrowed twenty-three sheets of paper.

The use of Who vs. Whom

Many students of English have a problem with deciding when to use Who or Whom.

However, by applying a simple rule, students will no longer suffer


Rule: Use the he/him method to decide which word is correct.

he = who
him = whom

Examples: Who/Whom bought the car?
He bought the car. Therefore, who is correct.

For who/whom should I call?
Should I call him? Therefore, whom is correct.

We all know who/whom pulled that prank.
This sentence contains two clauses: We all know and who/whom pulled that prank. We are interested in the second clause because it contains the who/whom. He pulled that prank. Therefore, who is correct.

We want to know on who/whom the prank was pulled.
This sentence contains two clauses: We want to know and the prank was pulled on who/whom. Again, we are interested in the second clause because it contains the who/whom. The prank was pulled on him. Therefore, whom is correct.