【翻譯】ACS Guide Style Chapter 9 Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

05-05

Chapter 9 Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

本章介紹了大部分情況下所涉及到的語法要點。這裡並不試圖討論全部的語法規則，需要的話可以查閱更多優秀的語法課本（比如Chapter 18中給出的參考文獻）。Chapter 4討論了寫作風格和辭彙用法。Chapter 11討論了與數字、數學和單位有關的標點、拼寫和辭彙用法。Chapter 12討論了與化學命名有關的辭彙用法。

Grammar

主謂一致（Subject-Verb Agreement）

眾所皆知，主語和它的謂語在數上要保持一致。然而，主謂一致中也有很多常見的問題，主要的原因就是人們常常會對主語的數產生困惑。

? 當主語和謂語之間存在一個或更多的介詞短語時，主語的數就會被變含糊。

Application of this technique to studies on the phytoplankton biomass and its environments is described. (The subject is "application", which is singular.)

? 當句子的語序為介詞短語、謂語、主語時，主語的數就會變含糊。

To the mixture were added KCl, HEPES, and water.
To the solution was added the parent compound.

? 以"and"連接的兩個單數主語需要複數的謂語。

Growth and isolation of M13 virus were described.

例外：形式上是複數但效果是單數的主語需要單數的謂語。這時複合主語作為單一整體出現。

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.

? 當兩個及以上的主語以"or"連接時，謂語的數要根據離它最近的主語來決定。

All of the pH values or the median pH value was used.
The median pH value or all of the pH values were used.

? 當集體名詞作為一個整體時需要單數的謂語；這種情況下它前面通常會加"the"。當集體名詞作為個體的集合時需要複數的謂語；這種情況下它們前面通常會加"a"。

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" 既可以作為可數名詞，也可以作為不可數名詞。

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.)

? 測量單位作為集體名詞時，需要單數的謂語。

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" 結尾並表示學科的名詞通常是單數的。

Mechanics involves the application of Newtons 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"的複合主語需要單數的謂語。

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.

? 有時上述單詞是隱含的，這時也要單數的謂語。

Each name and address is entered into the database.

? 如果複合主語的兩個部分都不包含"each"、"every"或"everybody"，謂語必須用複數。

Each student and all the professors were invited.

? 不定代詞自身（或者結合不定代詞"one"的形容詞）可以作為句子的主語。

"each"、"either"、"neither"、"no one"、"every one"、"anyone"、"someone"、"everyone"、"anybody"、"somebody"和"everybody"需要單數的謂語。

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"需要複數的謂語。

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"要根據上下文確定謂語的單複數。介詞的賓語的數決定了與它對應的不定代詞的數。

All of the money was stolen.
Most of the books were lost.
Not all the disks are here; some were lost.

? 當分數作為句子的主語時，它的數由介詞的賓語的數決定。

One-third of the precipitate was dissolved.
One-fourth of the electrons were excited.

? 當主語和它的謂語性名詞的數不一致時，謂語動詞的數取主語的數。（謂語性名詞是動詞"to be"的補充；它指向與主語相同的人或物。）

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.

謂語和輔助謂語的遺漏（Awkward Omissions of Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs）

? 複合句中的每一個主語都需要有合適的謂語和輔助謂語。

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）

? 限制性短語或從句對句子意思的完整性而言是必要的；也就是說，如果沒有這個從句或短語，句子就沒有意義。限制性從句必須以"that"開頭，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"開頭的從句被刪除，句子將不再傳遞信息。因此，這些從句是限制性的。

短語也可以是限制性的。

Reactions leading to the desired products are shown in Scheme 1.

如果短語"leading to the desired products"被刪除，句子將不再傳遞信息。

? 非限制性短語或從句為句子提供補充信息，但並不是必須的；也就是說，刪去這些短語或從句並不對句子的信息產生影響。非限制性短語和從句以逗號分隔。非限制性從句以"who"或"which"開頭，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 schools building fund.

懸垂修飾語（Dangling Modifiers）

懸垂修飾語是在句子中並未明確地和邏輯上修飾其他詞語的修飾性詞語或短語。在學術寫作中，被動語態往往是必須的（比如"the solutions were heated"; "melting points were determined"），這就往往導致懸垂修飾語的產生。

? 如果修飾語在句子的主語之前，它必須修飾主語，並且以逗號分隔，否則它就是懸垂修飾語。

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.

? 在某些情況下，被動語態可以用來糾正懸垂修飾語。

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"開始的短語必須修飾一個緊挨著它（之前或之後）的名字或代詞。以"on the basis of"開始的短語則用來修飾動詞。

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"修飾名詞"deficiency"，但這並不符合句子的意思。)
CORRECT
On the basis of extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme. ("On the basis of extensive study"修飾動詞"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";；它僅僅被用來修飾直接在它前面的名詞或代詞，或者出現在動詞"to be"的後面。

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.

? 獨立結構是在語法上與句子中其他部分不相關的詞語、短語或分句。它們有時也被稱為句子修飾語（"sentence modifiers"），因為它們修飾了句子的其他部分。它們可以出現在句子中任何地方，並用逗號分隔。它們不是懸垂修飾語。

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.

獨立結構通常以下列詞語開頭：

在數學論文中，以"assuming"和"taking"開頭的獨立短語通常作為句子修飾語。

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.

從句或省略子句可以被用作句子修飾語。

The compound is stable in air, as we concluded from the experimental evidence.
The Mo 5s orbitals, as expected, interact strongly with the ligands.

介紹性的不定式或不定式短語可以被用作句子修飾語。

To prepare compound 2, the method of Garner was followed.

反身代詞（Reflexive Pronouns)

? 反身代詞 "myself "、"yourself "、"himself "、"herself "、"itself "、"ourselves"和"themselves"僅被用來指代同一句子中的名詞或另一個代詞。

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.

標點符號（Punctuation）

逗號（Comma）

? 在並列連詞「and」、「or」、「nor」、「but」、「yet」、「for」和「so」之前添加一個逗號來連接兩個或更多的子句。

Toluene and hexane were purified 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 difficult to give a quantitative explanation for the results.

? 複合句中從句在主句之前的，在從句之後添加一個逗號。

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.

? 在大部分介紹性詞語和短語後面添加一個逗號。

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.

? 在由三個或以上同級別的詞語、短語或子句構成的序列中的並列連詞之前添加一個逗號（這個逗號稱為序列逗號）。

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.

? 在包含並列連詞的複合句中，連詞之後的子句的標點與它單獨使用時相同。

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.

? 不要用逗號把謂語動詞和它的主語、賓語或者謂語性名詞分開。

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.

? 不要在連接由兩部分構成的複合謂語的連詞之前加逗號。

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.

? 當一個序列包含另一個在圓括弧中已被逗號分隔的序列時，用逗號把它的項目分開。

The structure was confirmed with spectroscopy (1H NMR, UV, and IR), high-resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.

? 當名詞前有兩個或以上形容詞時，僅當改變形容詞的順序後意思不變的情況下，在形容詞之間加逗號。如果你可以插入詞語"and"，那麼這個逗號就是正確的。

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.

? 在非限制性從句中的並列連詞之前加一個逗號。

INCORRECT
The bryopyran ring system is a unique requirement for anticancer activity whereas, the ester substituents influence the degree of cytotoxicity.
CORRECT
The bryopyran ring system is a unique requirement for anticancer activity, whereas the ester substituents influence the degree of cytotoxicity.

? 使用逗號來分隔非限制性短語或從句。

The products, which were produced at high temperatures, were unstable.

? 由引入的短語可以是限制性的（不用逗號分隔）或非限制性的（用逗號分隔）。

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.

前兩個句子中，短語是限制性的，因為缺失它們之後句子將無意義。後兩個句子中，短語是非限制性的，因為缺失它們之後句子仍有意義。

? 同位語是在另一個名詞之後的名詞，用來確認或解釋第一個名詞的意思。

My wife, Jeanne, is a biochemist at the National Institutes of Health.
My son James plays baseball, and my son John plays soccer.

當同位語指出唯一的可能性時，它是非限制性的（因此需要用逗號分隔）。第一個句子中，"Jeanne"是非限制性同位語。當同位語指向多個可能性中的一個時，它是限制性的（因此不用逗號分隔）。第二個句子中，兩個兒子的名字是限制性的。

? 當等詞語後面跟隨一個或者一串詞語而非從句時，用逗號把它們分隔起來。在被提到的項目後面也要加逗號。圓括弧中的"i.e."和"e.g."後面加逗號。

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.

? 使用逗號分隔兩個參考文獻引用數字，但是對於連續三個以上的數字要用短橫線（–, en dash）來連接，無論它們是上標還是在句子中。當它們是上標時，不要在逗號後面加空格。

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.之前加一個逗號，但是對於II和III則要根據個人偏好。在一個句子中，通常在Jr.和Sr.後面會加一個逗號，但是對於II和III，只有當它們前面有逗號時後面才加逗號。

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."前面加逗號，除非是因為其他原因。

Saltzman et al.
Saltzman, M. J., et al.
Saltzman, Brown, et al.

? 對於日期，在日後面加逗號，但是如果月後面沒有日的話就不要加逗號。

June 15, 1996
June 1996

當句中給出一個完整日期時，在年後面也加一個逗號。

On August 18, 1984, an extraordinary person was born.

? 當句中給出一個地理位置並且名稱中包含逗號，那麼在名稱的後面也要加一個逗號。

Iona College, in New Rochelle, New York, is the CEOs alma mater.
The lead researcher, who obtained her education at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, addressed the reporters questions.

? 用逗號來引入語錄。

In the words of Pasteur, "Chance favors the prepared mind." Pasteur said, "Chance favors the prepared mind."

? 如果語錄是句子的主語，不要在它後面加逗號。

"Chance favors the prepared mind" is a translation from the French. (語錄是句子的主語)

句點（Period）

? 在每一個陳述句後面加句號，但是不要與其他標點符號同時使用。

He said, 「Watch out!」
She asked, 「May I go?」

?不要在大部分測量單位的縮寫後面加句點，除非它們會與某個單詞混淆（比如in. for inches, at. for atomic, no. for number）。

? 如果句子以帶句點的縮寫詞結尾，那麼就無需再加一個句號。

She will return at 3 a.m.

? 在人名的首字母后面加句點和空格。

J.-L. Gay Lussac J. E. Lennard-Jones M. S. Newman

例外：當在文章的致謝部分提到某個作者時，只用句點而不用空格。

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.

? 不要在機構或組織的縮寫或首字母縮略詞後面加句點。

ACS CNRS NASA NIH

分號（Semicolon）

? 在未被連詞連接的獨立從句之間加分號來進行分隔。

All solvents were distilled from an appropriate drying agent; tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether were also pretreated with activity I alumina.

? 如果一系列的單詞、短語或字元串中有些已經包含逗號，就用分號來分隔它們。

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.

即使包含逗號的是最後一項，這個規則也同樣成立。

The compounds studied were methyl ethyl ketone; sodium benzoate; and acetic, benzoic, and cinnamic acids.

? 在由連接性副詞或轉承語（"that is", "however", "therefore", "hence", "indeed", "accordingly", "besides" 和 "thus" 等）連接的獨立從句之間加分號。

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.

? 在獨立和非獨立從句之間不要加分號。

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.

冒號（Colon）

? 使用冒號引入用於解釋、闡明或詳述它之前的信息的單詞、短語、一個或幾個完整的句子。僅當冒號引入超過一個完整的句子、引文或正式聲明時，將冒號後的第一個單詞首字母大寫。

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.

? 在圖表的題注中，用冒號來引入符號的意義等內容。

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.

? 不要在動詞和它的賓語或補足語之間加冒號，也不要在介詞和它的賓語之間加冒號。

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.

? 用冒號或者斜杠來表示比例，但是不要用短破折號（en dash）。用斜杠或短破折號來表示混合物的組分，但是不要用冒號。

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

引號（Quotation Marks）

引號與相鄰的其它標點的位置關係是ACS有別於其它的一大特點。1978年，ACS質疑了傳統的做法，並提出一種方案：邏輯位置。因此，當某標點為引文的一部分時，將它放入引號裡面；反之，若此標點不屬於引文，作者不應當誤導讀者。

? 若標點不屬於引文原文的一部分，就把右引號放在它前面；反之，則將右引號放在它後面。

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."

? 當詞語用作一種新的意思，或者並不是從字面上表達時，在它的前後加引號。注意只有第一次出現時才需要加。

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.

? 在書籍或文章中的唯一命名的部分或章節的標題外加引號。

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.

? 在簡短直接的引文外加引號（最多三個句子）。

In the book Megatrends, Naisbitt concludes, "We are moving from the specialist who is soon obsolete to the generalist who can adapt."

? 對於更長的引文（50詞以上），使用較窄的欄寬度（也就是兩邊加縮進），而不要使用引號。

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，這一慣例並不適用於引用被採訪者的文章。此時，引文不需要用欄寬度來區分，而是需要加引號。

? 只有在雙引號的內部才使用單引號。

He said, "You should read the article Fullerenes Gain Nobel Stature in the January 6, 1997, issue of Chemical & Engineering News."

括弧（ Parentheses）

插入語包含了對句子主旨的補充信息。句子並不依賴於括弧裡面的內容。

?在表示闡釋、確認或說明的插入語外加括弧來指引讀者。

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.

? 標點要加在插入語後面而不是前面。

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.

? 如果一個括弧里的句子包含在另一個句子里，不要在括弧里加句號，也不要把括弧里句子的首字母大寫。

Our results (the spectra are shown in Figure 5) justified our conclusions.
Our results justified our conclusions (the spectra are shown in Figure 5).

? 如果一個括弧里的句子不包含在另一個句子裡面，則在括弧裡面加句號，並且首字母大寫。

A mechanism involving loss of a CH radical followed by rearrangement was proposed. (The reactions are shown in Scheme 1.)

? 在列表中使用帶括弧的數字。括弧一般成對出現，不要使用單個括弧。

Three applications of this reaction are possible: (1) isomerization of sterically hindered aryl radicals, (2) enol-keto transformation, and (3) sigmatropic hydrogen shift.

? 使用括弧來標註試劑和設備的製造商。

cobalt chloride (Mallinckrodt)
a pH meter with a glass electrode (Corning)

? 在敘述文本中引用參考文獻的編號時不要使用括弧。在這種情況下，參考文獻編號時句子的關鍵內容而不是補充信息，因此不用括弧。

INCORRECT
in ref (12), in (12)
CORRECT
in ref 12

? 關於在數學中括弧的使用在Chapter 11進行討論；在化學術語和符號中的使用則在Chapters 12 和 13 中討論。

方括弧（Square Brackets）

? 在引號中用方括弧來標註並非引用的部分內容。

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."

? 使用方括弧來表示濃度：[Ca+]。

? 關於在數學中方括弧的使用在Chapter 11進行討論；在化學術語和符號中的使用則在Chapters 12 和 13 中討論。

破折號（Dashes）###

最短的破折號是連字元（hyphen，-）;其次是短破折號（en dash，–）；最長的是長破折號（em dash，—）。連字元在Chapter 10中討論，從P135開始。

短破折號（En Dash）

? 當權重相同的詞語組成組合詞時，用短破折號連接來表示"and"、 "to"或者"versus"。

例外：顏色的結合要用連字元，比如blue-green。見Chapter 10，P140。

? 在包含三個以上數字或其他類型的區間中使用短破折號來表示"to" 或者"through"。

例外1：當數字為負或包含修飾數字的符號時，必須用"to" 或 "through"，不能用短破折號。

例外2：當使用"from"或"between"時，不要用短破折號。

from 500 to 600 mL (not from 500–600 mL)
between 7 and 10 days (not between 7–10 days)

? 用短破折號連接兩個或更多的同等重要的人名用作修飾語。

雙名的處理詳見Chapter 10 (P139)。

? 在混合溶劑的各組分之間用短破折號連接（也可以用斜線）。

The melting point was unchanged after four crystallizations from hexane–benzene.

長破折號（Em Dash）

? 用長破折號分隔容易造成誤解的詞語。

INCORRECT
All three experimental parameters, temperature, time, and concentration, were strictly followed.
CORRECT
All three experimental parameterst—emperature, time, and concentration—were strictly followed.

? 如果可以用另一種標點來分隔短語或非限制性從句的話，就不要用長破折號。

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.

省略號（Ellipsis Points）

? 在引文中，用三個句點（即省略號）來表示略過的詞語或短語。這三個句點是對其他必須標點的補充。因此，如果已經存在一個句點，就會出現連續四個句點。

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

? 不要在因為的開頭和結尾使用省略號。

? 當一個數列的形式清晰無誤時，用省略號表示略去的部分。

a = 1, 2, 3, …
n = 2, 4, 6, …
x = 1, 3, 5, …, 15

拼寫（Spelling）

查詞典是解決拼寫問題的最好辦法。韋氏大學詞典（Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary）和韋氏新世界大學詞典（Websters New World College Dictionary）是ACS技術編輯的案頭書。ACS的職員也會使用未刪節的韋氏第三版新國際英語詞典（the unabridged Websters Third New International Dictionary）。然而，無論你使用什麼詞典，選用單詞的第一種拼寫形式。除了在專有名詞和直接的引用（包括標題）之外，使用美式拼寫。[1] 附錄9-1列出了一些包含兩種及以上拼寫形式的單詞的推薦寫法。 [2]

? 在公司的官網上「聯繫我們」（「Contact」）的網頁中查找其名稱的準確拼寫形式。不要依賴官網的主頁或者搜索引擎，前者可能是不正式的，後者常見卻不一定準確。

棘手的所有格（Tricky Possessives）

? 共同所有者（joint owner）的所有格形式是在最後一個名稱後加撇號和"s"。

Celapino and Marshalls results
Bausch and Lombs equipment

? 不以"s"結尾的複數名詞F的所有格形式是在其後加撇號和"s"。以"s"結尾的複數名詞則只需要在"s"後面加撇號。

peoples rights
childrens books
compounds structures

? 以"s"結尾的專有名詞的所有格形式是在其後加撇號和"s"。

Jacobss laboratory
Matherss reception

棘手的複數（Tricky Plurals）

有時，一些名詞的複數形式過於常見而被誤用，特別是拉丁和非英語辭彙。以下列表中給出了正確的單數和複數形式。推薦的形式放在最前。

這一條可能只針對ACS以及其他美國出版商出版的期刊，其他期刊還是具體情況具體分析。但是無論怎樣，在一篇文章中最好保持統一。 ?
略去。如有需要請自行查閱原文。 ?