Italics

Italics are the style of type in which letters slant to the right. They are used to add emphasis to the text. 

I will never pass the writing section of the HSGQE!

Italics can also be used for the following purposes:

1. Titles of complete works

Books

Joey's favorite book, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, is a short, but powerful book.

Film

Last weekend Marlene took Lauren to see the new action movie Rush Hour.

Plays

Having seen The Taming of the Shrew on Birch Hill this summer, I have to say it was one of the best performances I've yet to witness.

Magazines

The article in last week's Newsweek really got me thinking about diet and health.

2. Abbreviated titles of completed works

Bilbo is a featured character in Tolkien's LoTR. 

(LoTR is a common abbreviation used for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.)

3. Unfamiliar words

"What do you mean 'that's wack?' " asked the confused English teacher.

4. Scientific and foreign words not yet part of the English vernacular (common, accepted language).

The work was done on a quid pro quo arrangement.

Go to The Guide to Grammar and Writing section on Italics.

Return back to Grammar Rules page.