PART I. CAPITAL LETTERS, PUNCTUATION, AND LETTER-WRITING. CHAPTER I. CAPITAL LETTERS. CAPITAL LETTERS are used to distinguish certain words for the purpose of making the sense more clear. The following are the chief rules for the use of capital letters: 1. The First Word in a Book, etc.-The first word in every book, tract, essay, etc., and of every chapter or section, also of every note, letter, or other writing should begin with a capital letter. 2. The First Word of a Sentence.-The first word of every sentence or its equivalent should begin with a capital letter. Examples.-"When did you come?" "It is a pleasant morning." 3. Numbered Clauses, etc.-The first word of each of a series of numbered clauses or phrases should begin with a capital letter. Ex. "He directed his efforts to these points: 1. To show. ing the necessity for a short route; 2. To showing that the route he advocated was the shortest; 3. To showing that a road could be built most cheaply by his route." 4 First Word of an Example.-The first word of a clause or a sentence, when used as an example, should begin with a capital letter. Ex.-"A sentence should begin with a capital letter; as Procrastination is the thief of time." 5. After an Introductory Word.-The first word after an introductory word or clause should begin with a capital letter. Ex.- Resolved, That the pen is mightier than the sword." Be it enacted, etc., That a tax of three mills," etc. 6. In an Enumeration of Particulars.-The first word of each new line in an enumeration of particulars, when arranged in lines, should begin with a capital letter. Ex.-The expenses of the committee have been as follows: Note. It will be noticed that the chief items in a statement of this kind or in a bill begin with capital letters. See the following: 7. Direct Questions.—The first word of a direct question should begin with a capital letter. Ex.-"The question is, When shall we be stronger?" |