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Quotation marks are sometimes used around words for special effect or to indicate irony. In most instances, however, they are unnecessary.Using their own finances and being informed about the economics of the approach, some may opt for the “boutique class” of health care. ...Less

Use the apostrophe to show the possessive case of proper nouns in accordance with the following examples (see also , Eponyms, Nonpossessive Form): Jones' bones (1 person named Jones) the Joneses' bones (2 or more people named Jones) If a singular or plural word does not end in s, add 's to form the possessive. If a proper noun or name ends in a silent s, z, or x, form the possessive by adding 's.Theroux’s The Mosquito Coast Jacqueline du Pres’s recordingsDo not use 's with possessive pronouns: his, hers, ours, its, yours, theirs, whose.The idea was hers. Give the ...Less

If material quoted from texts or speeches is longer than 4 lines of text, the material should be set off in a block, ie, in reduced type and without the quotation marks. Paragraph indents are generally not used unless the quoted material is known to begin a paragraph. Space is often added both above and below these longer quotations.If the block quotation appears in a section to be set in reduced type, do not reduce the type size of the quoted material further.If another quotation appears within a block quote, use double quotation marks around the contained quotation, rather than ...Less

Brackets are used to indicate editorial interpolation within a quotation and to enclose corrections, explanations, or comments in material that is quoted. (See also , Quotation Marks, Quotations; , Ellipses, Change in Capitalization; and , Ellipses, Omission of Ellipses.)“Enough questions had arisen [these are not described] to warrant medical consultation.” Thompson stated, “Because of the patient’s preferences, surgery was absolutely contraindicated [italics added].” “The following year [1947] was a turning point.”Note: Use sic (Latin for “thus” or “so”) in brackets to indicate an error or peculiarity in the spelling or grammar of the preceding word in the original source of ...Less

The first word after the end punctuation mark and the ellipses should use the original capitalization, particularly in legal and scholarly documents. This facilitates finding the material in the original source and avoids any change of meaning. If a change in the original capitalization is made, brackets should be used around the letter in question. (See also , Brackets, Insertions in Quotations, and , Quotation Marks, Quotations.)[H]e shows a stark, rectangular grid lit by centers of rounded forms, brilliantly colored. In the cover story, the artist is described as using “[v]ivid oranges, reds, and purples, light greens, creamy violets, and ...Less

Coined words, slang, nicknames, and words or phrases used ironically or facetiously may be enclosed in quotation marks at first mention. Thereafter, omit quotation marks. (See also , Typography, Specific Uses of Fonts, Italics.)We further hope that, above all, those who have been fed only “docufiction” on this matter, as if it were truth, will cease to be misled. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics is not a … synopsis of or a companion to the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, although initially our associates dubbed it “Baby Nelson,” “Half Nelson,” and “Junior Nelson.” It has been said that shoes and latrines are ...Less

The colon is the strongest of the 3 marks used to indicate a decided pause or break in thought. It separates 2 main clauses in which the second clause amplifies or explains the first.This dictum is often believed to be in the Hippocratic Oath: First, do no harm.Do not use a colon if the sentence is continuous without it.You will need enthusiasm, organization, and a commitment to your beliefs. Not: You will need: enthusiasm, organization, and a commitment to your beliefs.Avoid using a colon to separate a preposition from its object or to separate a verb (including to be in ...Less

Commas are the least forceful of the 3 marks. There are definite rules for using commas; however, usage is often subjective. Some writers and editors use the comma frequently to indicate what they see as a natural pause in the flow of words, but commas can be overused. The trend is to use them sparingly. Follow the accepted rules and use commas only when breaks are needed for sense or readability or to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.The comma is used to separate phrases, clauses, and groups of words and to clarify the grammatical structure and the intended meaning.Use a comma ...Less

Commas, semicolons, and colons can be used to indicate a break or pause in thought, to set off material, or to introduce a new but connected thought. Each has specific uses, and the strength of the break in thought determines which mark is appropriate.Commas are the least forceful of the 3 marks. There are definite rules for using commas; however, usage is often subjective. Some writers and editors use the comma frequently to indicate what they see as a natural pause in the flow of words, but commas can be overused. The trend is to use them sparingly. Follow the ...Less

Enclose in quotation marks a common word used in a special technical sense when the context does not make the meaning clear. (See also , Definition or Translation of Non English-Language Words.)In many publications, “running feet” on left-hand pages face the “gutter” at the bottom of the page. “Coma vigil” (akinetic mutism) may be confused with conscious states. ...Less