Graphical Symbols for Telephone and Telegraph Use (ASA Z 10g6-1929) Symbols for Photometry and Illumination (ÁSA Z 10d-1930) Report of the Committee on Standardization of the Institute of Radio Symbols for Mechanics, Structural Engineering, and Testing Materials (ASA Z 10a-1932) PUNCTUATION Punctuation is a device to clarify the meaning of written or printed language. In speech, pauses and emphasis serve the same purpose. Either punctuation or pauses, if wrongly placed, may alter the sense. Well-planned word order requires a minimum of punctuation. The trend toward less punctuation calls for skillful phrasing to avoid ambiguity and insure exact interpretation. The punctuation required even in well-phrased text should aid clearness. If the use of a punctuation mark is in doubt, the question to be asked is "Why?" rather than "Why not?" If doubt persists, the mark should be omitted to aid the smooth flow of words. Marks interrupt. They are needed only to make the thought clearer or to facilitate oral expression. Beyond that they are detrimental to speed, ease, and exactness of understanding. Rules for punctuation may be arbitrary in origin and may be observed from habit or inertia. Moreover, rules cannot be devised to meet all exigencies in the limitless variety of word sequence; hence principles must govern. At each critical point in a sentence there may be a choice of punctuation; the following brief summary of the functions of punctuation marks, in order of decreasing break, may therefore prove helpful: The period marks a full break or complete stop. The dash, parenthesis, bracket, and comma allow the interpolation of extraneous matter in the main text. Marks of ellipsis break the continuity of the text to indicate an omission. The colon introduces the text that follows it but does not necessarily break the continuity of the thought. The semicolon breaks the text with somewhat more force than the comma and should not be used where a comma will suffice. The comma-the least break in the text-prevents ambiguity by setting off items in sequence where a false connection might otherwise be imputed. Quotation marks, question marks, exclamation points, apostrophes, hyphens, and braces all have unique functions which require no explanation. The general principles governing the use of punctuation are (1) that if it does not clarify the text it should be omitted and (2) that in the choice and placing of punctuation marks the sole aim should be to bring out more clearly the author's thought. Apostrophe. 99. The apostrophe is used(a) To indicate a contraction. it's (it is) the spirit of '76 M'LEAN (c omitted in small capitals) (b) To form the plurals of letters, figures, and symbols. Brace. of 101. The brace is used to show the relation of one line or group lines to another group of lines. The point is placed toward the fewer number of lines, or, if the number of lines is the same, toward the single group. District 1 3-hour jobs District 3 2 hours' travel time.......... [District 5) 102. Brackets, in pairs, are used (a) To indicate a correction, a supplied omission, or an inter polation. He came on the 3d [2d] of July. Our conference [lasted] 2 hours. The general [Washington] ordered him to leave. The paper was as follows [reads]: They fooled only themselves. [Laughter.] Our party will always serve the people [applause], in spite of the opposition [loud applause]. (If more than one bracketed interpolation, both are included within the sentence.) I do not know. [Continues reading:] The WITNESS. He did it that way [indicating]. Q. (By Mr. SMITH.) Do you know these men [handing witness a list]? (b) In bills, contracts, etc., to indicate matter that is to be omitted. 103. A single bracket may be used in poetry and indexes before overrun words or figures. Colon. [of all. Till one man's weakness grows the strength [710 Wireless, regulations of 93, 682, 703, 104. The colon is used (a) To introduce a clause that supplements the preceding clause. Railroading is not a variety of outdoor sport: it is service. (b) After a complimentary address. MY DEAR SIR: Ladies and Gentlemen: (flush) (c) To introduce formally any matter that follows. The following question came up for discussion: What policy should be adopted? He said: [if direct quotation of more than a few words follows] (d) In expressing clock time. 2:40 p. in. (equal space each side of colon) (e) In Biblical citations. Luke 4: 3 (full space after colon) I Corinthians xiii: 13 (full space after colon) (f) In proportions. Concrete mixed 1:3:5 (equal space each side of colons) (g) After introductory lines in lists, tables, and leader work, if subentries follow. Seward Peninsula: Comma. Council district: Northern Light Mining Co. Wild Goose Trading Co. Fairhaven district: Alaska Dredging Association. 105. The comma is used (a) To separate two words or figures that might otherwise be misunderstood. Instead of hundreds, thousands came. Instead of 20, 50 came. February 10, 1929. In 1930, 400 men were dismissed. To John, Smith was very kind. (b) Before a direct quotation of only a few words following an introductory phrase. He said, "Now or never." (c) To indicate the omission of a word or words. Then we had much; now, nothing. (d) After each of a series of coordinate qualifying words. short, swift streams; but short tributary streams (e) Between an introductory modifying phrase and the subject modified. Beset by the enemy, they retreated. (f) Before Jr., Sr., Esq., Ph. D., F. R. S., etc. (g) To set off parenthetical words, phrases, or clauses. but: Mr. Jefferson, who was then Secretary of State, favored the location of the National Capital at Washington. Mr. Jones, attorney for the defendant, signed the petition. I should add, moreover, that the conditions are quite different. It must be remembered, however, that the Government had no guaranty. It is obvious, therefore, that this office cannot function. The man who fell [restrictive clause] broke his back. The dam which gave way [restrictive clause] was poorly constructed. He therefore gave up the search. (h) To separate thousands, millions, etc., in numbers of four or more digits, except in serial numbers. (i) After each member within a series of three or more words, phrases, letters, or figures. horses, mules, and cattle Cloth is sold by the bolt, by the yard, or in remnants. a, b, and c 6, 7, and 10 (j) Before the conjunction in a compound sentence if the second clause is complete with subject and predicate. Fish, mollusks, and crustaceans were plentiful in the lakes, and turtles frequented the shores. The boy went home alone, but his sister remained with the crowd. (k) After a noun or phrase in direct address. Senator, will the measure be defeated? Mr. Chairman, I will reply to the gentleman later. (1) Between title and name of organization in the absence of the words of or of the. Chief, Division of Finance chairman, Committee on Appropriations colonel, Seventh Cavalry president, Yale University (m) Between the name and number of an organization. Columbia Typographical Union, No. 101 General U. S. Grant Post, No. 25 106. The comma is omitted (a) Between month and year in dates. June 1935; 22d of May 1935; but June 2, 1935; January, February, and (c) Between superior letters or figures in footnote references. Numerous instances may be cited.1 2 (d) Wherever possible without danger of ambiguity. Dash. General Order No. 12; but General Orders, No. 12 Public Law 37; Public Law No. 37; but Public, No. 37 June last My age is 30 years 6 months 12 days. Thomas of Utah; Thomas of Oklahoma (duplicate names of Senators or Carroll of Carrollton; Henry of Navarre (places closely identified with the 107. The dash is used (a) To mark a sudden break or abrupt change in thought. He said—and no one contradicted him-"The battle is lost." If the bill should pass-which God forbid! -the service will be wrecked. The auditor-shall we call him a knave or a fool?-approved an inaccurate statement. |