Grammar, Punctuation, and Transcript Formatting Flashcards

How should numbers below 10 be written in a verbatim legal transcript?

Answer: Spell them out: one, two, three

Standard transcript style spells out numbers below 10, consistent with legal and editorial guidelines.

In a deposition transcript, how is an 'off the record' remark typically indicated?

Answer: With a notation such as '(Off the record.)' or '(Discussion off the record.)'

An off-the-record notation in parentheses preserves the transparency of the transcript without recording the actual content.

Which is the correct way to transcribe a dollar amount stated as 'four hundred and fifty thousand dollars'?

Answer: $450,000

Legal transcripts and standard style use numerical format with dollar signs for monetary amounts.

How should a reporter handle a word they could not hear during testimony?

Answer: Insert a phonetic spelling in parentheses or mark as [inaudible]

Inaudible or unclear words should be marked with a notation such as [inaudible] to preserve accuracy.

Which punctuation is correct when a speaker trails off mid-thought in testimony?

Answer: Ellipsis: 'I thought that maybe ...'

An ellipsis indicates a trailing off or pause, while a dash indicates an abrupt interruption.

What is the correct format for a date in a formal court transcript header?

Answer: March 22, 2026

Legal transcripts use month-day-year format with the month spelled out in the header.