PROPOSITION. This word is often used when _proposal_ would be better, for the reason that _proposal_ has but one meaning, and is shorter by one syllable. "He demonstrated the _proposition_ of Euclid, and rejected the _proposal_ of his friend."
PROSAIST. Dr. Hall is of opinion that this is a word we shall do well to encourage. It is used by good writers.
PROVEN. This form for the past participle of the verb _to prove_ is said to be a Scotticism. It is not used by careful writers and speakers. The correct form is _proved_.
PROVIDING. The present participle of the verb _to provide_ is sometimes vulgarly used for the conjunction _provided_, as in this sentence from the "London Queen": "Society may be congratulated, ... _providing_ that," etc.
PUNCTUATION. The importance of punctuation can not be overestimated; it not only helps to make plain the meaning of what one writes, but it may prevent one's being misconstrued. Though no two writers could be found who punctuate just alike, still in the main those who pay attention to the art put in their stops in essentially the same manner. The difference that punctuation may make in the meaning of language is well illustrated by the following anecdote:
At Ramessa there lived a benevolent and hospitable prior, who caused these lines to be painted over his door:
"Be open evermore, O thou my door! To none be shut--to honest or to poor!"
In time the good prior was succeeded by a man as selfish as his predecessor was generous. The lines over the door of the priory were allowed to remain; one stop, however, was altered, which made them read thus:
"Be open evermore, O thou my door! To none--be shut to honest or to poor!"
He punctuates best who makes his punctuation contribute most to the clear expression of his thought; and that construction is best that has least need of being punctuated.
THE COMMA.--The chief difference in the punctuation of different writers is usually in their use of the comma, in regard to which there is a good deal of latitude; much is left to individual taste. Nowadays the best practice uses it sparingly. An idea of the extent to which opinions differ with regard to the use of the comma may be formed from the following excerpt from a paper prepared for private use: