ADDITIONAL MARKS OF PUNCTUATION
There are a few other marks of punctuation which we do not often use in writing but which we find on the printed page. It is well for us to know the meaning of these marks.
568. The caret (^) is used to mark the omission of a letter or word or a number of words. The omitted part is generally written above, and the caret shows where it should be inserted. For example:
- s
- I cannot give you this permis^ion.
- received
- I have just ^a letter from him.
- and all letters
- Please write your matriculation number on all examination papers ^sent in to the College.
The above examples illustrate the use of the caret with the omission of a letter, a word or phrase.
569. If a letter or manuscript is not too long, it should always be rewritten and the omissions properly inserted. Occasionally, however, we are in a hurry and our time is too limited to rewrite an entire letter because of the omission of a single letter or word so we can insert it by the use of the caret. If, however, there are many mistakes, the letter or paper should be rewritten, for the too frequent use of the caret indicates carelessness in writing and does not produce a favorable impression upon the recipient of your letter or manuscript.