The Dash.

The Dash is used to denote a change in the construction of a sentence, or in its meaning, an interruption, or a hesitation.

Examples.-"Honor-'tis an empty bubble."-"I visited him yesterday-what a sight!"—"If we go—why, then-but we will talk of that anon;-speak on."-"Have mercy on me! I-I-I'll confess it all." The dash is also used to set off words and clauses used parenthetically; as, “I have seen thousands—or, more properly, tens of thousands— feeding together on the rich grass of the prairies."

The dash is often placed after other points to give greater prominence to the separation denoted by them.

Curves.

Curves, or parenthesis marks, are used to enclose a word, a phrase, or a clause, either explanatory or suggested by the main idea, which is introduced in such a way as not to interrupt the connection of the parts of the sentence.

Examples.—“The disposition of our most eminent and most virtuous men (alas! that it should be so) to keep aloof from public affairs, is a serious fact."—"The bright moon poured in her light on tomb and monument, on pillar, wall, and arch, and most of all (it seemed to them) upon her quiet grave."

The parts which are enclosed by curves must be punctuated as others are; but, usually, no point is placed before the latter curve, unless the words form a full sentence, or require an exclamation or an interrogation mark.

Curves are not employed so much as they were formerly; dashes take their place; as, "The great northern kingdoms of Europe-Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway-did not then attract much attention."

Brackets.

Brackets are used to enclose words necessary to explain a preceding word or sentence, or to correct an error.

Examples. "The finder [James] has been rewarded."—"Washington was born on the twenty-second [the eleventh, according to old style] day of February, 1732."-"He said how [that] he would not disappoint us."

Quotation Marks.

The Quotation Marks (" ") are used to enclose the exact words quoted from a speaker or writer.

Example.

-"Let these words be remembered: Touch not, taste not, handle not.'

A quotation within a quotation must be enclosed by single marks.

If there are other quotations included within included. quotations, they must have double marks, and so on alternately.

Examples.-1. What a world of meaning is conveyed in the expression, "There shall be no Alps!"

2. The teacher said, "What meaning is conveyed by the expression, "There shall be no Alps!""

3. The teacher said, "I find in my book the following sentence: "Trench says, "What a lesson is contained in the word ' diligence '!""" A divided quotation must have both parts enclosed by marks; as, I have been convinced," said he, " that I am wrong."

of personal pronouns, 32, 34
of relative pronouns, 35, 37
Defective verbs, 66

nominative independent, 123, Definite article, 40, 148