HELPS

IN THE USE OF

GOOD ENGLISH.

CAPITAL LETTERS.

IN the employment of capital letters usage is nearly uniform, though occasional differences exist in the application of some of the rules.

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 the first word 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. Thus,

"Where have you been?" "It is a very pleasant day."

3. Numbered Clauses, etc.-The first word of each of a series of numbered clauses or phrases should begin with a capital letter. Thus,

"He stated three things: 1. That he had not been present; 2. That his brother had not been present; 3. That neither had any desire to be present."

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. Thus,

Ex. "To err is human."

5. After an Introductory Word.-The first word after an introductory word or clause should begin with a capital letter. Thus,

Resolved, "That all land should be taxed."

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. Thus,

The expenses of the committee were as follows:

It will be noticed that the chief items in a statement of this kind or in a bill begin with capital letters. Thus, MR. JOHN HENDERSON,

7. Direct Questions.-The first word of a direct question should begin with a capital letter. Thus,

"The question is, Where can we get a better?”

This rule is taken also by some to cover an important statement. Thus,

"My remark was this: If he does not do the work properly, he must be dismissed."

8. Direct Quotation.-The first word of every direct quotation should begin with a capital letter. Thus,

The Bible says, "Blessed are the meek."

9. Poetry. The first word of every line of poetry should begin with a capital letter. Thus,

"Now came still evening on, and twilight gray

Had in her sober livery all things clad."

10. Proper Names.-Every proper name should begin with a capital letter. Thus,

John, Susan, New York, Thomas Jefferson Jones.

11. Particular Objects or Events.-Words naming particular objects or events should begin with capital letters. Thus,

Niagara Falls, Fourth of July, The Statue of Liberty, The National Educational Association, The Park.

12. Proper Adjectives. — Adjectives derived from proper names should begin with capital letters. Thus, English, American, Welsh, Johnsonian.

13. Titles. Titles of honor, office, or respect, usually begin with capitals. Thus,

President Cleveland, General Grant, Superintendent Brooks, Sir Walter Scott, Mr. Williams, Richard the Third, Professor Greene, Colonel Meredith, Mrs. Johnson.

14. Names of the Deity.-All appellations of the Deity should begin with capital letters. Thus, God, Almighty, the Divine Architect.

15. I and O.-The words I and O should always be written as capital letters.

16. Book Titles.-In the titles of books, or the sub