英语写作指导TheElementsofStyle.doc

Elementary Rules of Usage 1. Form the possessive singular of nouns by adding　 s. Follow this rule whatever the final consonant. Thus write, Charless friend Burnss poems the witchs malice Exceptions are the possessives of ancient proper names ending in -es and -is, the possessive Jesus, and such forms as for conscience sake, for righteousness sake. But such forms as Moses Laws, Isis temple are commonly replaced by the laws of Moses the temple of Isis The pronominal possessives hers, its, theirs, yours, and ours have no apostrophe. Indefinite pronouns, however, use the apostrophe to show possession. ones rights somebody elses umbrella A common error is to write its for its, or vice versa. The first is a contraction, meaning it is. The second is a possessive. Its a wise dog that scratches its own fleas. 2. In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last. Thus write, red, white, and blue gold, silver, or copper He opened the letter, read it, and made a note of its contents. This comma is often referred to as the serial comma. In the names of business firms the last comma is usually omitted. Follow the usage of the individual firm. Little, Brown and Company Donaldson, Lufkin Jenrette 3. Enclose parenthetic expressions between commas. The best way to see a country, unless you are pressed for time, is to travel on foot. This rule is difficult to apply; it is frequently hard to decide whether a single word, such as however, or a brief phrase is or is not parenthetic. If the interruption to the flow of the sentence is but slight, the commas may be safely omitted. But whether the interruption is slight or considerable, never omit one comma and leave the other. There is no defense for such punctuation as Marjories husband, Colonel Nelson paid us a visit yesterday. or My brother you will be pleased to hear, is now in perfect health. Dates usually contain parenthetic words or figures. Punctuate as follows: February to J