1. The Hyphen (-) is used between syllables and between the parts of a
compound word; as, No-ble, col-o-ny, and text- book, easy-chair.
2. The Comma (,), the Semicolon (;), and the Colon (:) denote grammatical
divisions.
NOTE--These marks do not indicate the comparative length of the pauses to
be made where they occur.
3. The Period (.) is placed at the end of a sentence. It is also used
after an abbreviation; as, God is love. Dr. Eben Goodwin.
4. The Interrogation point (?) denotes a question; as, Has he come? Who
are you?
5. The Exclamation point (!) denotes strong feeling; as, Oh Absaom! my
son! my son!
6. Quotation marks (" ") denote the words of another; as, God said, "Let
there be light."
7. The Apostrophe (') denotes that a letter or letters are left out; as,
O'er, for over; 't is, for it is. It also denotes the possessive case; as,
John's hat.
8. The Curves ( ) include what, if omitted, would not obscure the sense.
The parenthesis, or words included by the curves, should be read in a low
key, and with greater rapidity than the rest of the sentence.
9. Brackets [ ] include something intended to exemplify what goes before,
or to supply some deficiency, or rectify some mistake.
10. A Dash (-) denotes a long or significant pause, or an abrupt change or
transition in a sentence.
11. Marks of Ellipsis (***) indicate the omission of
letters of a word, or words of a sentence; as, P * * * * e
J**n, for Prince John; the ******* was hung, for the traitor was hung.
Sometimes a long line, or a succession of dots is used instead of stars;
as, J--n A---s, for John Adams; the D..e W.....m, for the Duke William.