Without entering now into the why, let me observe that the printer may

Without entering now into the why, let me observe that the printer may always ascertain when the dash of the MS is properly and when improperly employed, by bearing in mind that this point represents a second thought⎯an emendation. In using it just above I have exemplified its use. The words ―an emendation‖ are, speaking with reference to grammatical construction, put in apposition with the words ―a second thought.‖ Having written these latter words, I reflected whether it would not be possible to render their meaning more distinct by certain other words.

Now, instead of erasing the phrase ―a second thought,‖ which is of some use⎯which partially conveys the idea intended⎯which advances me a step toward my full purpose⎯I suffer it to remain, and merely put a dash between it and the phrase ―an emendation.‖ The dash gives the reader a choice between two, or among three or more expressions, one of which may be more forcible than another, but all of which help out the idea.

It stands, in general, for the words⎯“or, to make my meaning more distinct.” This force it has⎯and this force no other point can have; since all other points have well-understood uses quite different from this. Therefore, the dash cannot be dispensed with. It has its phases⎯its variation of the force described; but the one principle⎯that of second thought or emendation⎯will be found at the bottom of all. That punctuation is important all agree; but how few comprehend the extent of its importance!

The writer who neglects punctuation, or mis-punctuates, is liable to be misunderstood⎯this, according to the popular idea, is the sum of the evils arising from heedlessness or ignorance. It does not seem to be known that, even where the sense is perfectly clear, a sentence may be deprived of half its force⎯its spirit⎯its point⎯by improper punctuation. For the want of merely a comma, it often occurs that an axiom appears a paradox, or that a sarcasm is converted into a sermonoid. There is no treatise on the topic⎯and there is no topic on which a treatise is more needed.

There seems to exist a vulgar notion that the subject is one of pure conventionality, and cannot be brought within the limits of intelligible and consistent rule. And yet, if fairly looked in the face, the whole matter is so plain that its rationale may be read as we run. If not anticipated, I shall, hereafter, make an attempt at a magazine paper on ―The Philosophy of Point.‖ In the meantime let me say a word more of the dash.

Every writer for the press, who has any sense of the accurate, must have been frequently mortified and vexed at the distortion of his sentences by the printer‘s now general substitution of a semicolon, or comma, for the dash in the MS. The total or nearly total disuse of the latter point, has been brought about by the revulsion consequent upon its excessive employment about twenty years ago. The Byronic poets were all dash.

1. The passage indicates that if given the chance to respond to the following claims, the author is LEAST likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. There is a single ideal way in which any thought can be expressed.
B. The rules of punctuation are simple and rational.
C. Punctuation helps to convey the writer‘s intended meaning and tone.
D. Most people do not understand the correct use of punctuation.
E. The full stop is superior to the comma


2. The author most likely mentions his intention to write an article entitled ―The Philosophy of Point in order to:

A. remind the reader that grammar is a branch of philosophy.
B. indicate the possibility of explaining correct punctuation concisely.
C. furnish his own credentials as an expert on punctuation.
D. emend his statement about punctuation.
E. point out the similarity between punctuation and philosophy



3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of the relationship between words or phrases separated by a dash?

A. Each word or phrase partially conveys the author‘s meaning.
B. The second word or phrase renders the first one superfluous.
C. The first word or phrase states the main topic, and the second states the sub-topic.
D. The two words or phrases pertain to separate topics.
E. The dash can be easily replaced with a colon