LEC052008-Anaswara T.H

                                                                                                    Anaswara T H

                                                                                                       Roll No:LEC052008

                                         Mechanics of Writing

Writing is considered to be one of the most finest methods to articulate ones ideas,insights and opinions.While often being regarded as a creative feat writing is also governed by a set of rules.Mechanics of writing refers to the set of technical rules or conventions followed in writing in order to communicate the points effectively and precisely.The mechanics of writing includes the use of capitalization,names of persons,title of works,italicization,abbreviations,numbers etc.

1). Capitalization: Capitalization is one of the rigid rules followed in writing.The first word of every sentence  and the first word of every quoted sentence is capitalized.All proper nouns like names of places,people and products are to be capitalized.Also the days of the week,months,holidays,specific names of the companies,organizations,religions,schools and colleges should be capitalized.

2).Names of Persons:Formal titles are usually avoided while referring persons living or dead.By convention,titles are are associated with or used for certain names,for instance,the poet Henry Howard,earl of Surrey is referred to as Surrey instead of Howard.Some times simplified names are also used(e.g:Dante for Dante Alighieri). Pseudonyms are widely used as ordinary names(e.g:George Orwell whose original name was Eric Arthur Blair).

3).Titles of Works:The titles of published works,pamphlets,periodicals,films,radio and television programs,ballets,operas,instrumental music,paintings,sculpture and names of ships and aircraft are italicized.

4).IItalicization:The titles of books,plays,movies,works of art,complete record albums,television and radio programs,magazines,news papers,periodicals and electronic publications such as tapes,disks,computer  programs,CD-ROMs and online databases are to be italicized.Also italics are  used to set off foreign words.Italics is also used for providing emphasis,for defining terms and for discussing words as words.Italicization is  substituted  by  the use of underlines.

5). Abbreviations: Standard titles are abbreviated if they come immediately before or after names.(e.g:Ms.Susan Winters). Commonly used abbreviations are time related like A.M,P.M,A.D,B.C etc.If the writer introduces beforehand,the names of well known organizations,schools and groups can be  abbreviated(e.g:CIA for Central Intelligence Agency).

6). Numbers: Numerals are preferred to words for dates,page numbers,street numbers,telephone numbers,measurements and hours of the day or night when used with A.M or P.M.Numerals are also used rather than words for numbers of three or more words.Use a word rather than a numeral if a sentence begins with a number and this rule applies regardless of the size of the number.

                                          Along with grammar, a consistent use of this mechanics of writing are of equal importance to good writing.A careful use of these elements sets apart the text from inferior writings.They are employed not as rigid rules but a set of guidelines that help the writer to communicate his or her ideas effectively.