` ` ` ` Lesson 248. ` ` ` ` OF CHARACTERS USED IN PUNCTUATION. ` ` ` ` A Comma [, ] denotes the slightest degree of separation between the ` ` elements of a sentence. ` ` ` ` A Semicolon [; ] denotes a degree of separation somewhat greater than that ` ` indicated by a comma. ` ` ` ` A Colon [:] marks a still greater degree of separation than a semicolon. ` ` ` ` A Period [.] usually indicates the close of a sentence. ` ` ` ` The Interrogation Point [?] is used at the end of a question. ` ` ` ` The Exclamation Point [!] denotes astonishment or other emotion. ` ` ` ` A Hyphen [ - ] is used to join words or syllables. ` ` ` ` A Dash [-] marks a sudden break or stop in a sentence. ` ` ` ` A Parenthesis [( )] includes words which might be left out without ` ` injuring the sense. ` ` ` ` Brackets [ ] inclose words, etc., intended to explain or rectify what ` ` precedes or follows. ` ` ` ` An Apostrophe ['] indicates the omission of one or more letters; or ` ` denotes the possessive case. ` ` ` ` Quotation Marks [" "] show that the passage included, is taken from some ` ` other author. ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` OF CAPITAL LETTERS. ` ` ` ` A Capital should begin: (1) the first word of every sentence, and of every ` ` line of poetry; (2) proper names of persons, places, months, and days; (3) ` ` all appellations of the Deity; (4) titles of honor; (5) names of things ` ` personified; (6) names denoting the race or nation of individuals; (7) ` ` adjectives derived from proper names; (8) the first word of a direct ` ` quotation or speech; (9) the principal words in the titles of books; (10) ` ` words denoting important events, the chief subject of a composition, etc. ` ` (11) The pronoun I and the interjection O are always capitals. ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `
