ACS Style Guide Chapter 9
Chapter9Grammar,Punctuation,AndSpel.png
Chapter 9 Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling
本章介绍了大部分情况下所涉及到的语法要点。这里并不试图讨论全部的语法规则，需要的话可以查阅更多优秀的语法课本（比如Chapter 18中给出的参考文献）。Chapter 4讨论了写作风格和词汇用法。Chapter 11讨论了与数字、数学和单位有关的标点、拼写和词汇用法。Chapter 12讨论了与化学命名有关的词汇用法。
Grammar
主谓一致（Subject-Verb Agreement）
众所皆知，主语和它的谓语在数上要保持一致。然而，主谓一致中也有很多常见的问题，主要的原因就是人们常常会对主语的数产生困惑。
➤ 当主语和谓语之间存在一个或更多的介词短语时，主语的数就会被变含糊。
Application of this technique to studies on the phytoplankton biomass and its environments is described. (The subject is "application", which is singular.)
➤ 当句子的语序为介词短语、谓语、主语时，主语的数就会变含糊。
To the mixture were added KCl, HEPES, and water.
To the solution was added the parent compound.
➤ 以"and"连接的两个单数主语需要复数的谓语。
Growth and isolation of M13 virus were described.
例外：形式上是复数但效果是单数的主语需要单数的谓语。这时复合主语作为单一整体出现。
Research and development is attracting a growing number of young scientists.
Its inventor and chief practitioner is a native son of Boston, Robert Coles.
Much inconsistency and confusion exists with technical documentation.
➤ 当两个及以上的主语以"or"连接时，谓语的数要根据离它最近的主语来决定。
All of the pH values or the median pH value was used.
The median pH value or all of the pH values were used.
➤ 当集体名词作为一个整体时需要单数的谓语； 这种情况下它前面通常会加"the"。当集体名词作为个体的集合时需要复数的谓语；这种情况下它们前面通常会加"a"。
| contents | majority | range | couple | number |
| series | dozen | pair | variety | group |
The number of metal amides synthesized was the largest to date. (Refers to the number as a unit.)
A number of metal amides were synthesized. (Refers to each amide.)
The series of compounds was prepared to test the hypothesis. (Refers to the series as a unit.)
A series of compounds were tested. (Refers to each compound.)
The variety of materials tested was sufficient for comparative analysis. (Refers to variety as a unit.)
A variety of materials were tested for selective removal of 90Sr from nuclear waste solutions. (Refers to the materials individually.)
This group of workers is well aware of its responsibilities. (Refers to the group as a unit.)
This group of workers are willing to sign their names. (Refers to the individuals.)
➤ "Data" 既可以作为可数名词，也可以作为不可数名词。
After the data is printed and distributed, we can meet to discuss it. (Refers to the whole collection of data as one unit.)
Experimental data that we obtained are compared with previously reported results. (Refers to the data as individual results.)
➤ 测量单位作为集体名词时，需要单数的谓语。
The mixture was stirred, and 5 mL of diluent was added. Five grams of NaCl was added to the solution.
Three weeks is needed to complete the experiment. To the mixture was added 5 g of compound B.
Under high pressure, 5 volumes of solution A was added.
➤ 以"ics" 结尾并表示学科的名词通常是单数的。
| dynamics | mechanics | kinetics |
| physics | mathematics | thermodynamics |
Mechanics involves the application of Newton's three laws of motion.
The kinetics of electron transfer to and from photogenerated radicals was examined by laser flash photolysis.
The thermodynamics is governed by the positions of the valence and conduction bands.
➤ 包含"each"、"every"和"everybody"的复合主语需要单数的谓语。
Each flask and each holder was sterilized before use.
Every rat injected and every rat dosed orally was included.
Everybody in the group and every visitor is assigned a different journal each month.
➤ 有时上述单词是隐含的，这时也要单数的谓语。
Each name and address is entered into the database.
➤ 如果复合主语的两个部分都不包含"each"、"every"或"everybody"，谓语必须用复数。
Each student and all the professors were invited.
➤ 不定代词自身（或者结合不定代词"one"的形容词）可以作为句子的主语。
- "each"、"either"、"neither"、"no one"、"every one"、"anyone"、"someone"、"everyone"、"anybody"、"somebody"和"everybody"需要单数的谓语。
Each was evaluated for its effect on metabolism.
Neither disrupts the cell membrane.
Regarding compounds 1-10, every one reacts with the control agent.
Someone measures the volume every day.
- "several"、"few"、"both"和"many"需要复数的谓语。
Several were evaluated for their effects on metabolism.
Few disrupt the cell membrane.
Regarding compounds 1 and 2, both react with the control agent.
Many were chosen to be part of the study.
- "some"、"any"、"none"、"all"和"most"要根据上下文确定谓语的单复数。介词的宾语的数决定了与它对应的不定代词的数。
All of the money was stolen.
Most of the books were lost.
Not all the disks are here; some were lost.
➤ 当分数作为句子的主语时，它的数由介词的宾语的数决定。
One-third of the precipitate was dissolved.
One-fourth of the electrons were excited.
➤ 当主语和它的谓语性名词的数不一致时，谓语动词的数取主语的数。（谓语性名词是动词"to be"的补充；它指向与主语相同的人或物。）
The preparation and structure determination [plural subject] of these three compounds are the topic [singular predicate noun] of this paper.
The topic of this paper [singular subject] is the preparation and structure determination [plural predicate noun] of these three compounds.
谓语和辅助谓语的遗漏（Awkward Omissions of Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs）
➤ 复合句中的每一个主语都需要有合适的谓语和辅助谓语。
INCORRECT
The eluant was added to the column, and the samples collected in 10 mL increments.
CORRECT
The eluant was added to the column, and the samples were collected in 10 mL increments.
限制性和非限制性表述（Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Expressions）
➤ 限制性短语或从句对句子意思的完整性而言是必要的；也就是说，如果没有这个从句或短语，句子就没有意义。限制性从句必须以"that"开头，而不能是"which"。
It was necessary to find a blocking group that would react with the amino group but not with the hydroxyl group.
Comparison will be restricted to acetylene compounds that have the same functional end groups.
如果以"that"开头的从句被删除，句子将不再传递信息。因此，这些从句是限制性的。
短语也可以是限制性的。
Reactions leading to the desired products are shown in Scheme 1.
如果短语"leading to the desired products"被删除，句子将不再传递信息。
➤ 非限制性短语或从句为句子提供补充信息，但并不是必须的；也就是说，删去这些短语或从句并不对句子的信息产生影响。非限制性短语和从句以逗号分隔。非限制性从句以"who"或"which"开头，而不能是"that"。
Squalene, a precursor of cholesterol, is a 30-carbon isoprenoid.
This highly readable book, written in nontechnical language, surveys the field of chemistry by describing the contributions of chemistry to everyday life.
Moore, working at the Rockefeller Institute, developed methods for the quantitative determination of amino acids.
The current-voltage curves, which are shown in Figure 6, clearly demonstrate the reversibility of all four processes.
Several hazardous waste disposal sites are located along the shores of the Niagara River, which is a major water source.
Melvin Calvin, who won the Nobel Prize in 1961, elucidated the biochemical pathways in photosynthesis.
James Aberdeen, professor emeritus of Central State University, which has provided significant scholarship support to minority students over the years, made a generous contribution to the school's building fund.
悬垂修饰语（Dangling Modifiers）
悬垂修饰语是在句子中并未明确地和逻辑上修饰其他词语的修饰性词语或短语。在学术写作中，被动语态往往是必须的（比如"the solutions were heated"; "melting points were determined"），这就往往导致悬垂修饰语的产生。
➤ 如果修饰语在句子的主语之前，它必须修饰主语，并且以逗号分隔，否则它就是悬垂修饰语。
INCORRECT
Splitting the atom, many new elements were discovered by Seaborg.
CORRECT
Splitting the atom, Seaborg discovered many new elements.
INCORRECT
Upon splitting the atom, many new elements were discovered by Seaborg.
CORRECT
Upon splitting the atom, Seaborg discovered many new elements.
INCORRECT
When confronted with these limitations, the experiments were discontinued.
CORRECT
When confronted with these limitations, we discontinued the experiments. In light of these limitations, the experiments were discontinued.
INCORRECT
Understanding the effect of substituents on the parent molecules, the ortho hydrogens could be assigned to the high-frequency peak.
CORRECT
Understanding the effect of substituents on the parent molecules, we could assign the ortho hydrogens to the high-frequency peak.
INCORRECT
Using the procedure described previously, the partition function can be evaluated.
CORRECT
Using the procedure described previously, we can evaluate the partition function.
➤ 在某些情况下，被动语态可以用来纠正悬垂修饰语。
INCORRECT
After combining the reactants, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h.
CORRECT
After the reactants were combined, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h.
INCORRECT
After stirring the mixture, 5 mg of compound 2 was added.
CORRECT
After the mixture was stirred, 5 mg of compound 2 was added.
➤ 以"based on"开始的短语必须修饰一个紧挨着它（之前或之后）的名字或代词。以"on the basis of"开始的短语则用来修饰动词。
INCORRECT
Based on resonance enhancement and frequency shifts, changes in the interring separation were calculated.
CORRECT
On the basis of resonance enhancement and frequency shifts, changes in the interring separation were calculated.
INCORRECT
Based on extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme. ("Based on extensive study"修饰名词"deficiency"，但这并不符合句子的意思。)
CORRECT
On the basis of extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme. ("On the basis of extensive study"修饰动词"was attributed"。)
Style guidelines based on authoritative sources are included in this book. ("Based on authoritative sources" modifies the noun "guidelines".)
➤ "Due to"意思是"attributable to";；它仅仅被用来修饰直接在它前面的名词或代词，或者出现在动词"to be"的后面。
INCORRECT
Delays resulted due to equipment failure.
CORRECT
Delays due to equipment failure resulted. The delays were due to equipment failure.
INCORRECT
This high value resulted due to the high conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
CORRECT
This high value is due to the high conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
This high value resulted from the high conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
INCORRECT
Due to exposure to low levels of lead, children can be at risk for developmental problems.
CORRECT
Because of exposure to low levels of lead, children can be at risk for developmental problems.
Children can be at risk for developmental problems because of exposure to low levels of lead.
➤ 独立结构是在语法上与句子中其他部分不相关的词语、短语或分句。它们有时也被称为句子修饰语（"sentence modifiers"），因为它们修饰了句子的其他部分。它们可以出现在句子中任何地方，并用逗号分隔。它们不是悬垂修饰语。
Contrary to the excited-state situation, metal-metal bonding interactions in the ground states are weak.
The conclusions were premature, considering the lack of available data.
Judging from the spectral changes, exhaustive photolysis of compound 4 had occurred.
The conformations about the Re-Re bond, in addition, are different for all three complexes.
When necessary, the solutions were deaerated by bubbling nitrogen. Clearly, alternative synthetic methods are possible.
The instructor having made her point, the discussion continued.
独立结构通常以下列词语开头：
| concerning | judging |
| considering | provided |
| failing | providing |
| given | regarding |
- 在数学论文中，以"assuming"和"taking"开头的独立短语通常作为句子修饰语。
Assuming that distance d is induced by the norm, M is a symmetrical and positively defined matrix.
Taking this value as an upper limit, the two shortest distances are sometimes too long for incipient hydrogen bonds.
- 从句或省略子句可以被用作句子修饰语。
The compound is stable in air, as we concluded from the experimental evidence.
The Mo 5s orbitals, as expected, interact strongly with the ligands.
- 介绍性的不定式或不定式短语可以被用作句子修饰语。
To prepare compound 2, the method of Garner was followed.
反身代词（Reflexive Pronouns)
➤ 反身代词 "myself "、"yourself "、"himself "、"herself "、"itself "、"ourselves"和"themselves"仅被用来指代同一句子中的名词或另一个代词。
INCORRECT
Please send your manuscript to the associate editor or myself.
CORRECT
Please send your manuscript to the associate editor or me.
The associate editor herself will review your manuscript.
INCORRECT
My collaborators and myself will evaluate the results.
CORRECT
My collaborators and I will evaluate the results.
I will evaluate the results myself.
I myself will evaluate the results.
标点符号（Punctuation）
逗号（Comma）
➤ 在并列连词“and”、“or”、“nor”、“but”、“yet”、“for”和“so”之前添加一个逗号来连接两个或更多的子句。
Toluene and hexane were puri➤ed by standard procedures, and benzene was redistilled from calcium hydride.
The role of organic templates in zeolite synthesis has been studied extensively, but no general principles have been delineated.
Supported metals are among the most important industrial catalysts, yet only a few have been studied thoroughly.
No dielectric constants are available for concentrated acids, so it is dif➤cult to give a quantitative explanation for the results.
➤ 复合句中从句在主句之前的，在从句之后添加一个逗号。
Although 40 different P450 enzymes have been identified, only six are responsible for the processing of carcinogens.
Since the institute opened, plant breeders have developed three new prototypes.
Because the gene and the molecular marker are so close on the chromosome, they segregate together in the progeny.
➤ 在大部分介绍性词语和短语后面添加一个逗号。
However, the public is being inundated with stories about cancer-causing chemicals.
Therefore, the type of organic solvent used is an important factor in lipase-catalyzed enzymatic synthesis.
After 3 months, the plants grown under phosphorus-deficient conditions were evaluated.
Thus, their motion is the result of the rotation of ferromagnetic domains.
On cooling, a crystalline phase may develop in coexistence with an amorphous phase.
➤ 在由三个或以上同级别的词语、短语或子句构成的序列中的并列连词之前添加一个逗号（这个逗号称为序列逗号）。
Water, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia were the solvents.
The red needles were collected, washed with toluene, and dried in a vacuum desiccator.
The compound does not add bromine, undergo polymerization by the Diels-Alder reaction, or react with electrophiles.
➤ 在包含并列连词的复合句中，连词之后的子句的标点与它单独使用时相同。
The reaction proceeds smoothly, and by use of appropriate reagents, the yields will be enhanced.
The compounds were separated, and after the filters had been washed, the experiments were completed.
➤ 不要用逗号把谓语动词和它的主语、宾语或者谓语性名词分开。
INCORRECT
The addition of substituted silanes to carbon-carbon double bonds, has been studied extensively.
CORRECT
The addition of substituted silanes to carbon-carbon double bonds has been studied extensively.
INCORRECT
The disciplines described in the brochure include, materials science, biotechnology, and environmental chemistry.
CORRECT
The disciplines described in the brochure include materials science, biotechnology, and environmental chemistry.
INCORRECT
The solvents used in this study were, cyclohexane, methanol, n-pentane, and toluene.
CORRECT
The solvents used in this study were cyclohexane, methanol, n-pentane, and toluene.
➤ 不要在连接由两部分构成的复合谓语的连词之前加逗号。
INCORRECT
The product distribution results were obtained in sodium hydroxide, and are listed in Table 10.
CORRECT
The product distribution results were obtained in sodium hydroxide and are listed in Table 10.
➤ 当一个序列包含另一个在圆括号中已被逗号分隔的序列时，用逗号把它的项目分开。
The structure was confirmed with spectroscopy (1H NMR, UV, and IR), high-resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.
➤ 当名词前有两个或以上形容词时，仅当改变形容词的顺序后意思不变的情况下，在形容词之间加逗号。如果你可以插入词语"and"，那么这个逗号就是正确的。
The intense, broad signals of the two groups confirmed their location.
The broad, intense signals of the two groups confirmed their location.
Sample preparation is a repetitious, labor-intensive task.
Sample preparation is a labor-intensive, repetitious task.
A powerful, versatile tool for particle sizing is quasi-elastic light scattering.
A versatile, powerful tool for particle sizing is quasi-elastic light scattering.
但是：
Polyethylene is an important industrial polymer.
The rapid intramolecular reaction course leads to ring formation.
The backbone dihedral angles were characterized by J couplings.
The local structural environment of the Mn cluster was determined.
➤ 在非限制性从句中的并列连词之前加一个逗号。
INCORRECT
The bryopyran ring system is a unique requirement for anticancer activity whereas, the ester substituents in➤uence the degree of cytotoxicity.
CORRECT
The bryopyran ring system is a unique requirement for anticancer activity, whereas the ester substituents in➤uence the degree of cytotoxicity.
➤ 使用逗号来分隔非限制性短语或从句。
The products, which were produced at high temperatures, were unstable.
➤ 由引入的短语可以是限制性的（不用逗号分隔）或非限制性的（用逗号分隔）。
Potassium compounds such as KCl are strong electrolytes; other potassium compounds are weak electrolytes.
Previously, we described a mathematical model including a description of chlorophyll degradation in foods.
Divalent metal ions, such as magnesium(II) and zinc(II), are located in the catalytic active sites of the enzymes.
Hydrogen-bonded complexes, including proton-bound dimers, are well-known species.
前两个句子中，短语是限制性的，因为缺失它们之后句子将无意义。后两个句子中，短语是非限制性的，因为缺失它们之后句子仍有意义。
➤ 同位语是在另一个名词之后的名词，用来确认或解释第一个名词的意思。
My wife, Jeanne, is a biochemist at the National Institutes of Health.
My son James plays baseball, and my son John plays soccer.
当同位语指出唯一的可能性时，它是非限制性的（因此需要用逗号分隔）。第一个句子中，"Jeanne"是非限制性同位语。当同位语指向多个可能性中的一个时，它是限制性的（因此不用逗号分隔）。第二个句子中，两个儿子的名字是限制性的。
➤ 当等词语后面跟随一个或者一串词语而非从句时，用逗号把它们分隔起来。在被提到的项目后面也要加逗号。圆括号中的"i.e."和"e.g."后面加逗号。
The new derivatives obtained with the simpler procedure, that is, reaction with organocuprates, were evaluated for antitumor activity.
Alkali metal derivatives of organic compounds exist as aggregates of ion pairs, namely, dimers, trimers, and tetramers, in solvents of low polarity.
Many antibiotics, for example, penicillins, cephalosporins, and vancomycin, interfere with bacterial peptidoglycan construction.
These oxides are more stable in organic solvents (e.g., ketones, esters, and ethers) than previously believed.
➤ 使用逗号分隔两个参考文献引用数字，但是对于连续三个以上的数字要用短横线（–, en dash）来连接，无论它们是上标还是在句子中。当它们是上标时，不要在逗号后面加空格。
Experimental investigations10,14,18–25 concerned the relative importance of field and electronegativity effects.
Certain complexes of cobalt were reported (10, 11) to have catalytic effects on hydrolysis reactions.
Flash photolysis studies (3–7) demonstrated the formation of transient intermediate products such as triplet states.
➤ 在Jr.和Sr.之前加一个逗号，但是对于II和III则要根据个人偏好。在一个句子中，通常在Jr.和Sr.后面会加一个逗号，但是对于II和III，只有当它们前面有逗号时后面才加逗号。
William M. Delaney, Jr.
Charles J. Smith, III
John J. Alden II
William M. Delaney, Jr., was elected to the governing board.
Charles J. Smith, III, received a majority of the votes.
John J. Alden II did not run for office this year.
➤ 不要在"et al."前面加逗号，除非是因为其他原因。
Saltzman et al.
Saltzman, M. J., et al.
Saltzman, Brown, et al.
➤ 对于日期，在日后面加逗号，但是如果月后面没有日的话就不要加逗号。
June 15, 1996
June 1996
当句中给出一个完整日期时，在年后面也加一个逗号。
On August 18, 1984, an extraordinary person was born.
➤ 当句中给出一个地理位置并且名称中包含逗号，那么在名称的后面也要加一个逗号。
Iona College, in New Rochelle, New York, is the CEO's alma mater.
The lead researcher, who obtained her education at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, addressed the reporters' questions.
➤ 用逗号来引入语录。
In the words of Pasteur, "Chance favors the prepared mind." Pasteur said, "Chance favors the prepared mind."
➤ 如果语录是句子的主语，不要在它后面加逗号。
"Chance favors the prepared mind" is a translation from the French. (语录是句子的主语)
句点（Period）
➤ 在每一个陈述句后面加句号，但是不要与其他标点符号同时使用。
He said, “Watch out!”
She asked, “May I go?”
➤不要在大部分测量单位的缩写后面加句点，除非它们会与某个单词混淆（比如in. for inches, at. for atomic, no. for number）。
➤ 如果句子以带句点的缩写词结尾，那么就无需再加一个句号。
She will return at 3 a.m.
➤ 在人名的首字母后面加句点和空格。
J.-L. Gay Lussac J. E. Lennard-Jones M. S. Newman
例外：当在文章的致谢部分提到某个作者时，只用句点而不用空格。
R.C.McD. and C.R. thank Dr. Rose Allan for carefully reading the manuscript.
C.-C.Y., L.B.-P., N.-h.X., and S.Zh.O. are grateful for generous support from the university.
➤ 不要在机构或组织的缩写或首字母缩略词后面加句点。
ACS CNRS NASA NIH
分号（Semicolon）
➤ 在未被连词连接的独立从句之间加分号来进行分隔。
All solvents were distilled from an appropriate drying agent; tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether were also pretreated with activity I alumina.
➤ 如果一系列的单词、短语或字符串中有些已经包含逗号，就用分号来分隔它们。
We thank Zachary Axelrod, University of Michigan, for spectral data; Caroline Fleissner, Harvard University, for helpful discussions; and the National Science Foundation for financial support (Grant XYZ 123456).
The product was dried under vacuum to give compound 2: yield 68%; IR 1991 m, 1896 s, sh, 1865 s cm-1; 1H NMR 0.36 ppm; 13C NMR 221.3, 8.1 ppm.
Figure 1. Cyclic voltammograms in dichloromethane: (a) compound 1, 23 °C; (b) compound 2, -40 °C; (c) compound 4, 23 °C.
Figure 6. Ru–H stretches in the IR spectrum of compound 5: ×, 298 K; +, 90 K.
即使包含逗号的是最后一项，这个规则也同样成立。
The compounds studied were methyl ethyl ketone; sodium benzoate; and acetic, benzoic, and cinnamic acids.
➤ 在由连接性副词或转承语（"that is", "however", "therefore", "hence", "indeed", "accordingly", "besides" 和 "thus" 等）连接的独立从句之间加分号。
The rate at which bleaching occurred was dependent on cluster size; that is, the degradation of the mononuclear cluster was about 5 times faster than that of the tetranuclear cluster.
Many kinetic models have been investigated; however, the first-order reactions were studied most extensively.
The proposed intermediate is not easily accessible; therefore, the final product is observed initially.
The restriction of the rotational motions of the tert-butyl group gives rise to large entropy changes for the association reaction; hence, the covalent form is relatively easy to identify.
The efficiency of the cross-coupling depends on the nature of X in RX; thus, the reaction is performed at room temperature by slow addition of the ester.
➤ 在独立和非独立从句之间不要加分号。
INCORRECT
The activity on bromopyruvate was decreased; whereas, the activity on pyruvate was enhanced.
CORRECT
The activity on bromopyruvate was decreased, whereas the activity on pyruvate was enhanced.
冒号（Colon）
➤ 使用冒号引入用于解释、阐明或详述它之前的信息的单词、短语、一个或几个完整的句子。仅当冒号引入超过一个完整的句子、引文或正式声明时，将冒号后的第一个单词首字母大写。
The electron density was studied for the ground state of three groups of molecules: (1) methane–methanol–carbon dioxide, (2) water–hydrogen peroxide, and (3) ferrous oxide–ferric oxide.
We now report a preliminary finding: no chemical shift changes were detected in the concentration range 0.1–10 M.
The following are our conclusions: Large-angle X-ray scattering studies give us an accurate picture of structures up to 9 A(angstrom). They do not allow the specification of defects, such as random ruptures of the chains. The structural models defined are strongly supported by magnetic measurements.
➤ 在图表的题注中，用冒号来引入符号的意义等内容。
Figure 1. Variable-temperature 1H NMR spectra of compound 12: top, 403 K; middle, 353 K; bottom, 298 K.
Figure 3. Bronsted-type plots for aminolysis in 1 M KCl at 25 °C:$\circ$, 2-nitrophenyl acetate; $\square$, 3-chlorobenzoic acid; $\diamond$, 2,6-dinitrobenzoic acid.
➤ 不要在动词和它的宾语或补足语之间加冒号，也不要在介词和它的宾语之间加冒号。
INCORRECT
The rate constants for the reaction in increasing concentrations of sodium hydroxide are: 3.9, 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, and 4.9.
CORRECT
The rate constants for the reaction in increasing concentrations of sodium hydroxide are 3.9, 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, and 4.9.
INCORRECT
The thermal decomposition was investigated with: gas chromatography, BET surface areas, and X-ray powder diffraction.
CORRECT
The thermal decomposition was investigated with gas chromatography, BET surface areas, and X-ray powder diffraction.
INCORRECT
Transition-metal nitrides have many properties that make them suitable for industrial applications, including: high wear resistance, high decomposition temperature, and high microhardness.
CORRECT
Transition-metal nitrides have many properties that make them suitable for industrial applications, including high wear resistance, high decomposition temperature, and high microhardness.
➤ 用冒号或者斜杠来表示比例，但是不要用短破折号（en dash）。用斜杠或短破折号来表示混合物的组分，但是不要用冒号。
dissolved in 5:1 glycerin/water
dissolved in 5:1 glycerin–water
the metal/ligand (1:1) reaction mixture
the metal-ligand (1:1) reaction mixture
the metal-ligand (1/1) reaction mixture
the methane/oxygen/argon (1/50/450) matrix
the methane/oxygen/argon (1:50:450) matrix
引号（Quotation Marks）
引号与相邻的其它标点的位置关系是ACS有别于其它的一大特点。1978年，ACS质疑了传统的做法，并提出一种方案：逻辑位置。 因此，当某标点为引文的一部分时，将它放入引号里面；反之，若此标点不属于引文，作者不应当误导读者。
➤ 若标点不属于引文原文的一部分，就把右引号放在它前面；反之，则将右引号放在它后面。
The sample solution was stirred briefly with a magnetic "flea".
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The reward of a thing well done is to have done it."
➤ 当词语用作一种新的意思，或者并不是从字面上表达时，在它的前后加引号。注意只有第一次出现时才需要加。
Plastocyanin is a soluble "blue" copper protein.
The integrated intensity of each diagonal in the spectrum is proportional to a "mixing coefficient".
The "electron-deficient" cations are, in fact, well-established intermediates.
➤ 在书籍或文章中的唯一命名的部分或章节的标题外加引号。
A complete description of the oils is given in the section "Flavonoids in Citrus Peel Oils", and other references are listed in the bibliography.
然而：
The preface describes the complexity of the problem.
➤ 在简短直接的引文外加引号（最多三个句子）。
In the book Megatrends, Naisbitt concludes, "We are moving from the specialist who is soon obsolete to the generalist who can adapt."
➤ 对于更长的引文（50词以上），使用较窄的栏宽度（也就是两边加缩进），而不要使用引号。
Everything is made of atoms. That is the key hypothesis. The most important hypothesis in all of biology, for example, is that everything that animals do, atoms do. In other words, there is nothing that living things do that cannot be understood from the point of view that they are made of atoms acting according to the laws of physics.
——Rihard Phillips Feynman
然而，这一惯例并不适用于引用被采访者的文章。此时，引文不需要用栏宽度来区分，而是需要加引号。
➤ 只有在双引号的内部才使用单引号。
He said, "You should read the article 'Fullerenes Gain Nobel Stature' in the January 6, 1997, issue of Chemical & Engineering News."
括号（ Parentheses）
插入语包含了对句子主旨的补充信息。句子并不依赖于括号里面的内容。
➤在表示阐释、确认或说明的插入语外加括号来指引读者。
The total amount (10 mg) was recovered by modification of the procedure. The final step (washing) also was performed under a hood.
The curve (Figure 2) obeys the Beer–Lambert law. The results (Table 1) were consistently positive.
Only 15 samples (or 20%) were analyzed.
➤ 标点要加在插入语后面而不是前面。
INCORRECT
Compound 1, (7 mg) obtained by typical workup methods, was used without further purfication.
CORRECT
Compound 1 (7 mg), obtained by typical workup methods, was used without further purification.
➤ 如果一个括号里的句子包含在另一个句子里，不要在括号里加句号，也不要把括号里句子的首字母大写。
Our results (the spectra are shown in Figure 5) justified our conclusions.
Our results justified our conclusions (the spectra are shown in Figure 5).
➤ 如果一个括号里的句子不包含在另一个句子里面，则在括号里面加句号，并且首字母大写。
A mechanism involving loss of a CH radical followed by rearrangement was proposed. (The reactions are shown in Scheme 1.)
➤ 在列表中使用带括号的数字。括号一般成对出现，不要使用单个括号。
Three applications of this reaction are possible: (1) isomerization of sterically hindered aryl radicals, (2) enol-keto transformation, and (3) sigmatropic hydrogen shift.
➤ 使用括号来标注试剂和设备的制造商。
cobalt chloride (Mallinckrodt)
a pH meter with a glass electrode (Corning)
➤ 在叙述文本中引用参考文献的编号时不要使用括号。在这种情况下，参考文献编号时句子的关键内容而不是补充信息，因此不用括号。
INCORRECT
in ref (12), in (12)
CORRECT
in ref 12
➤ 关于在数学中括号的使用在Chapter 11进行讨论；在化学术语和符号中的使用则在Chapters 12 和 13 中讨论。
方括号（Square Brackets）
➤ 在引号中用方括号来标注并非引用的部分内容。
In the words of Sir William Lawrence Bragg, "The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways [italics added] of thinking about them."
➤ 使用方括号来表示浓度：[Ca+]。
➤ 关于在数学中方括号的使用在Chapter 11进行讨论；在化学术语和符号中的使用则在Chapters 12 和 13 中讨论。
破折号（Dashes）###
最短的破折号是连字符（hyphen，-）;其次是短破折号（en dash，–）； 最长的是长破折号（em dash，—）。连字符在Chapter 10中讨论，从P135开始。
短破折号（En Dash）
➤ 当权重相同的词语组成组合词时，用短破折号连接来表示"and"、 "to"或者"versus"。
| acid–base titration | bromine–olefin complex |
| carbon–oxygen bond | cis–trans isomerization |
| cost–benefit analysis | dose–response relationship |
| ethanol–ether mixture | freeze–pump–thaw degassed |
| helix–coil transition | host–guest complexation |
| log–normal function | metal–ligand complex |
| metal–metal bonding | nickel–cadmium battery |
| oxidation–reduction potential | producer–user communication |
| pump–probe technique | red–black dichroic crystals |
| structure–activity relationship | structure–property relationship |
| temperature–time curve | vapor–liquid equilibrium |
| winter–fall maxima | 0–t–$\infty$ sequence |
例外：颜色的结合要用连字符，比如blue-green。见Chapter 10，P140。
➤ 在包含三个以上数字或其他类型的区间中使用短破折号来表示"to" 或者"through"。
| 12–20 months | Figures 1–4 | 5–50 kg |
| sections 1b–1f | parts C–E | compounds A–I |
| Lyon and co–workers (23–26) | Lyon and co–workers23a–d |
例外1：当数字为负或包含修饰数字的符号时，必须用"to" 或 "through"，不能用短破折号。
| –20 to +120 K | –145 to –30 °C | $\approx$50 to 60 |
| 10 to >600 mL | <5 to 15 mg |
例外2：当使用"from"或"between"时，不要用短破折号。
from 500 to 600 mL (not from 500–600 mL)
between 7 and 10 days (not between 7–10 days)
➤ 用短破折号连接两个或更多的同等重要的人名用作修饰语。
| Bednorz–Müller theory | Beer–Lambert law |
| Bose–Einstein statistics | Debye–Hückel theory |
| Diels–Alder reaction | Fermi–Dirac statistics |
| Fischer–Tropsch effect | Fisher–Johns hypothesis |
| Flory–Huggins interaction | Franck–Condon factor |
| Friedel–Crafts reaction | Geiger–Müller effect |
| Henderson–Hasselbalch equation | Jahn–Teller effect |
| Lee–Yang–Parr method | Lineweaver–Burk method |
| Mark–Houwink plot | Meerwein–Ponndorf theory |
| Michaelis–Menten kinetics | Stern–Volmer plot |
| van't Hoff–Le Bel theory | Wolff–Kishner theory |
| Young–Laplace equation | Ziegler–Natta–type catalyst |
双名的处理详见Chapter 10 (P139)。
➤ 在混合溶剂的各组分之间用短破折号连接（也可以用斜线）。
The melting point was unchanged after four crystallizations from hexane–benzene.
长破折号（Em Dash）
➤ 用长破折号分隔容易造成误解的词语。
INCORRECT
All three experimental parameters, temperature, time, and concentration, were strictly followed.
CORRECT
All three experimental parameterst—emperature, time, and concentration—were strictly followed.
➤ 如果可以用另一种标点来分隔短语或非限制性从句的话，就不要用长破折号。
INCORRECT
Knauth—not Stevens—obtained good correlation of results and calculations.
CORRECT
Knauth, not Stevens, obtained good correlation of results and calculations.
INCORRECT
The singly charged complexes—which constituted bands 1 and 3—liberated maleate anion upon decomposition.
CORRECT
The singly charged complexes, which constituted bands 1 and 3, liberated maleate anion upon decomposition.
省略号（Ellipsis Points）
➤ 在引文中，用三个句点（即省略号）来表示略过的词语或短语。这三个句点是对其他必须标点的补充。因此，如果已经存在一个句点，就会出现连续四个句点。
No science is immune to the infection of politics and the corruption of power…. The time has come to consider how we might bring about a separation, as complete as possible, between Science and Government in all countries.
—Jacob Bronowski
➤ 不要在因为的开头和结尾使用省略号。
➤ 当一个数列的形式清晰无误时，用省略号表示略去的部分。
a = 1, 2, 3, …
n = 2, 4, 6, …
x = 1, 3, 5, …, 15
拼写（Spelling）
查词典是解决拼写问题的最好办法。韦氏大学词典（Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary）和 韦氏新世界大学词典（Webster's New World College Dictionary）是ACS技术编辑的案头书。ACS的职员也会使用未删节的韦氏第三版新国际英语词典（the unabridged Webster's Third New International Dictionary）。然而，无论你使用什么词典，选用单词的第一种拼写形式。除了在专有名词和直接的引用（包括标题）之外，使用美式拼写。[1] 附录9-1列出了一些包含两种及以上拼写形式的单词的推荐写法。 [2]
➤ 在公司的官网上“联系我们”（“Contact”）的网页中查找其名称的准确拼写形式。不要依赖官网的主页或者搜索引擎，前者可能是不正式的，后者常见却不一定准确。
棘手的所有格（Tricky Possessives）
➤ 共同所有者（joint owner）的所有格形式是在最后一个名称后加撇号和"s"。
Celapino and Marshall's results
Bausch and Lomb's equipment
➤ 不以"s"结尾的复数名词F的所有格形式是在其后加撇号和"s"。以"s"结尾的复数名词则只需要在"s"后面加撇号。
people's rights
children's books
compounds' structures
➤ 以"s"结尾的专有名词的所有格形式是在其后加撇号和"s"。
Jacobs's laboratory
Mathers's reception
棘手的复数（Tricky Plurals）
有时，一些名词的复数形式过于常见而被误用，特别是拉丁和非英语词汇。以下列表中给出了正确的单数和复数形式。推荐的形式放在最前。
| singular | plural |
| alga | algae |
| apparatus | apparatus, apparatuses |
| appendix | appendixes, appendices |
| bacterium | bacteria |
| basis | bases |
| criterion | criteria, criterions |
| erratum | errata |
| focus | focuses, foci |
| formula | formulas, formulae |
| fungus | fungi, funguses |
| genus | genera, genuses |
| helix | helixes, helices |
| hypothesis | hypotheses |
| index | indexes |
| index | indices (mathematical) |
| latex | latices, latexes |
| locus | loci |
| matrix | matrices (mathematical) |
| matrix | matrixes (media) |
| maximum | maximums, maxima |
| medium | media, mediums |
| minimum | minimums, minima |
| phenomenon | phenomena, phenomenons |
| polyhedron | polyhedrons, polyhedra |
| sequela | sequelae |
| spectrum | spectra, spectrums |
| stratum | strata |
| symposium | symposia, symposiums |
| vertex | vertexes, vertices |
| vortex | vortexes, vortices |
