LEC052012. Aparna Reghunathan. "Mechanics of Writing"

 

Mechanics of Writing

 

Writing is one of the most effective means of turning the abstract nature of language into a concrete, cogent tool for expression. It achieves full force when dealt with in accordance to the technicalities of writing. Mechanics of writing include grammar, spelling and punctuation. Adherence to these elements is indispensable for the creation of a well-written work. Neglecting these minor details can lead to egregious errors such as:

   Come let us eat Grandma.

   Come let us eat, Grandma.

Grammatical correctness and usage of proper spellings are direct indicators of credibility and diligent writing. However, even with immaculate syntax and spelling, a work can turn out illegible if capitalization and punctuation are overlooked.

 Capital letters have to be used in the beginning of a sentence and quotation. All proper nouns as well as the pronoun ‘I’ has to be capitalized. For titles of books, articles and periodicals, capital is used for the first letter of each word, except for prepositions, conjunctions and articles. (For example: Pride and Prejudice)

The marks of punctuation are also essential to meet the mechanics of writing. They are:

1.     Full stop or Period (.)

It is used to mark the end of an assertive or imperative sentence.

    I will bring the cup home.

It is also used after abbreviations and initials.

    Go to your M.A. class.

2.     Comma (,)

A comma indicates a short pause. It separates words, ideas or clauses within a sentence.

    He is, after all, my only son.

    You are smart, intelligent and brave.

3.     Semicolon (;)

A semicolon is used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

    I have my own bed; he sleeps with our mother.

4.    Colon (:)

A colon usually precedes a list, quotation or an elucidation.

    He brought me many gifts: books, chocolates and a customized card.

5.     Interrogation mark or Question mark (?)

A question mark is used at the end of a sentence which functions as a direct question.

    Will you go out with me?  

6.      Exclamation mark (!)

An exclamation mark is used at the end of a sentence to indicate surprise, emphasis or any other vigorous emotion.

    I am shocked at your impudence!

7.      Double quotation mark (“ ”)

Double quotation mark is used to contain material quoted directly from a source.

    Riya said, “I cannot climb this mountain.”

8.     Single quotation mark (‘ ’)

Single quotation mark is used to contain a quote within a quote. It is also used for direct quotes that feature in news headlines.

    Aaliya said, “He was sweet to me. ‘You will surely succeed’, he said.”

9.     Apostrophe (’)

An apostrophe is used to indicate possession, contraction and at times plural form.

    That is Ravi’s car.

    Don’t go there.

    Insert two A’s after the first letter.

10.   Hyphen (-)

A hyphen connects two words that function together as a single concept. It is also used to break a long word into parts so that the rest of it can continue in the next line.

    The toll-free number is dysfunctional.

11.   En-dash (–)

An en-dash is used to indicate a range and can be understood as a symbol for through.

    The doctor is available Monday – Friday.

12.   Em-dash (—)

An em-dash allows for a sudden break in thought in the sentence.

    I gauged—for failure is such a good teacher—that the plan will not work out.

13.   Parentheses ( () )

Parentheses are used to insert an additional information or thought in a sentence.

    Emma (the eldest Brownley child) was the last to get married.  

14.   Brackets ( [] )

Brackets are used to indicate that words have been added to a direct quotation.

    “We lost [the World Cup] due to sheer bad luck.”

15.   Ellipsis (...)

An ellipsis is used to indicate omission of words from a quoted line or passage. It can also suggest hesitation, doubt or trailing off of thought.

    “The president...will announce the decision soon.”

Mechanics of writing, when followed, creates a work that is lucid and acceptable.

 

 

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