IT'S, ITS

It’s represents a contraction for it is or it has: It’s been a Kentucky State tradition since 1886. Its is the possessive form of the neuter pronoun: The band played its biggest hit at the end of the concert.

JUNIOR (JR.), SENIOR (SR.) OR II

It is unnecessary to use a comma to separate Jr. and Sr. from the surname. A comma should never be used to separate II, III, etc., from the surname. Jonas Michael Todd Sr. M. Robert DeCourcy III

MAJORS

Lowercase, except English, French, Latin, etc. biology major Spanish major She is majoring in English.

NAMES

On first reference, refer to a person by his or her full name. On subsequent references, use only the last name. First reference: Dr. Wendy Dixie Subsequent references: Dixie

NUMBERS

Spell out numbers one through nine in narrative text; use figures for 10 and above. Use a comma in numbers higher than 999. She runs six miles every day. There were 86 tourists on the trip. There were 1,886 incoming new students. Spell out general, nonspecific references to numbers in narrative text: There are a thousand reasons to avoid hiking alone. When a number is the first word of a sentence, spell it out. Forty people participated in the event.

PERCENT

Express all percentages as figures. Spell out “percent” except in tabular matter and always use numerals. 6 percent 186 percent She saves 30 percent of her income.

PERIODS

Use only a single space after a period at the end of a sentence.