© The Croydon Convention Consultative Committee Ltd claims copyright for the provisions stated within this convention as at the date specified within the headding. The date shall be specified using dates from The Holocene Era. Holocene-dates can be converted into common-era dates by removing the first occurrence of the digit ‘1’, from the date referrence quoted. For example: 1st January 12000 H-E is the equivalent of 1st January 2000 C-E.

(At the time of publication – 15th November 12025 [H-E])  The Croydon Convention™ States:

Division-1

General Rules for the Presentation of Written Works

Rule-1.1:

Whatever the order of presentation of rules within The Croydon Convention™, Rule-2.1 is always paramount.

Rule-1.2:

The set of rules containned herein may be referred to as: ‘The Croydon Convention™’. The word: ‘atroc’ may also be used. ‘Atroc’ is shorthand for: ‘According to the rules of convention’. Within the text of these rules, The Croydon Convention™ can be referred to as: ‘the convention’, or ‘this convention’.

Rule-1.2(a):

The rules are intended to codify standard written English when presented within formal printed text. The rules might be transferrable to languages other than English.

Rule-1.2(b):

A governing body shall be established in accordance with the provisions of Rule-1.8. The governing body shall administer The Croydon Convention™ and publish the latest version of the convention in the manner described under Rule-1.8(a).

Rule-1.2(c):

The rules of The Croydon Convention™ apply to formal printed text. Such rules might or might not be applicable to other mediums of communication.

Rule-1.2(d):

The rules within The Croydon Convention™ can be stated using the followwing recognized words:

Atroc - According to (the) rules of convention (That is: According to the rules of The Croydon Convention™),

Attow - At the time of writing,

Eseap - Expressly stated exceptions are permitted (e-g: Traditional apostrophes may be used as an alternative to newly introduced symbols),

Fotgi - Focussing on the grammatical issue(s) (Putting other debatable issues to one side),

Itgs - In the grammatical sense (e-g: The word: ‘proper’ as a category of nouns),

Mytbe - Mandation yet to be established (At the time of writing the rule is not mandatory, but the intention is that, in due course, the rule will become mandatory.),

Neus - Normal everyday usage sense (e-g: The word: ‘proper’ meanning a moral judgement),

Stopo - Subject to only primary overrule,

Trabd – Traditional rules accepted by default (The Croydon Convention™ has not yet created an appropriate set of rules, and so the traditional rules have [effectively] been adopted by the convention.),

Trec – Traditional rules enshrined conventionally. (The convention does not require any departure from the traditional rules),

Twigd – The writer is granted discretion. (The writer has various options to choose from, and is free to choose whichever option the writer might prefer.),

Uara - Unless another rule applies,

Rule-1.2(e):

Reference can also be made to a phenomena known as: ‘a genstat’, and as: ‘mandation’. A genstat is a generic statement. This technical term is explainned in greater detail in Rule-3.1. The word: ‘Mandation’ is used to mean the process of making mandatory. A full definition is supplied in Rule-3.7.

Rule-1.3:

A failure to comply with the rules will mean that a writer will be unable to (truthfully) claim that the work they have produce is compliant with The Croydon Convention™.

Rule-1.3(a):

People who read formal printed works shall be referred to within this convention as: ‘Beholders’. The category: Beholders shall include (but shall not be limitted to) Publishers.

Rule-1.4:

The Croydon Convention™ is a mechanism that is designed to enhance communication. Accordingly, (with the exception of Linguistics), the convention is completely neutral on all issues no matter how controversial. The rules should be followwed without fear or favor concerning the subject matter.

Rule-1.5:

The rules within The Croydon Convention™ can be sub-divided into:

Primary Rules:

There are four rules within this convention that have been assigned the status of being primary rules. The degree of precedence for the four primary rules is stated as follows:

• Rule-12.8 is at primary-level-four. This means that it can be superseded by the other three primary rules, but not by any other rule within the convention.

• Rule-12.9(b) is at primary-level-three. This means it overrides Rule-12.8 (if applicable), it also supersedes all other rules within the convention apart from the two remainning primary rules.

• Rule-12.9(c) is at primary-level-two. This means that no other rule within the convention can supersede Rule-12.9(a), with the sole exception of Rule-2.1.

• Rule-2.1 is at primary-level-one. All other rules within the convention are subject to the overriding requirements of Rule-2.1.

Rules-stopo:

Rules that are subject to only primary overrule. Denoted as: ‘(stopo)’. For example: ‘Rule-9.7(b), can only be overruled by the primary rules. Rule-9.7(b) stipulates that if a year referrence is quoted, for a date more than one hundred years previous, or more than one hundred years into The Future, then, the full year referrence should be quoted, and not just the last two digits.

Rules-twigd: 

Rules where the writer is granted discretion. That is to say: ‘The writer has been given the freedom to choose. Denoted as: ‘(twigd)’. For example: Words from American English such as: ‘Sidewalk’, have an equal status to words used in other variants of the language, (including British English), such as: ‘Pavement’. Therefore, the writer makes their own decision about which word to use.,

Rules-trec:

Traditional rules enshrined conventionally. That is to say: ‘Traditional rules which have been incorporated into the convention. Denoted as: ‘(trec)’. For example, Rule-7.8 stipulates the already established tradition that, (whenever possible), a new sentence should begin with a capital letter.,

Rules-trabd:

Traditional rules apply by default. The convention requires the continued application of traditional rules, because no alternative rules have been considerred to be necessary. Denoted as: ‘(trabd)’. For example: ‘Adding the suffix ‘… ing’ to the end of a verb, converts the verb into the continuous-form.,

Rules-mytbe:

Rules where mandation (is) yet to be established. These are rules where exceptions will be permitted. That is to say: ‘The rule is not considered to be tanse.’. Denoted as ‘(mytbe)’. Rules-mytbe allow individuals to continue followwing traditional rules, even when the convention has replaced those traditions. For example: The convention stipulates that all adjectives are to be treatted as common words (uara), however, those who choose to stick to the (arguably inappropriate) traditions, have been granted a (temporary) exemption. The stipulations regarding the capitalization of adjectives are set-out in Rule-4.4(c), and Rule-4.4(d).,

Rules-uara:

Rules to be followwed unless another rule applies. Rules that can and sometimes should be overridden by an alternative rule. Denoted as: ‘(uara)’. For example: Rule-4.4(c), requires common nouns to use lowercase initial letters. Rule-4.4(c) is a rule-uara. Rule-4.4(c) is expressly stated as being subordinate to Rule-7.8(c), (which requires that, [where possible], the first genstat of a sentence should always begin with a capital letter, even if that first genstat is a common word).,

Rules-eseap:

Rules where expressly stated exceptions are permitted. Denoted as: ‘(eseap)’. For example: Under Rule-4.4(c) the oneself-pronoun should be presented as: ‘i’. However, Rule-4.4(e), grants an expressly stated exception allowwing this pronoun to be presented as: ‘I’. The followwing table might be helpful:

Example

I have a Spanish friend who speaks fluent russian.

Comments

In this context the word: ‘spanish’ is an adjective describing the friend, whilst the word: ‘Russian’ is the proper name of a language.

Relevant Rules

Adjectives are common words – Rule-4.4(c). (uara)

Proper names are presented with initial capital letters – Rule-4.3(b) (tanse)

Permission is granted, (but not encouraged), to use traditional presentation when a strong tradition exists – Rule-4.4(d) (eseap)

Sentence-1

‘I have a Spanish friend who speaks fluent russian.’,

Ruling

Breach of a rule-uara when no overriding rule applies – Rule-4.4(c) – (‘Spanish’ [in this context], is not a proper noun).,

Breach of a rule-tanse – Rule-4.3(b) – (‘russian’ [in this context] should be treatted as a proper noun).,

Presentation is not atroc..

Sentence-2

‘I have a Spanish friend who speaks fluent Russian.’,

Ruling

Compliance with a rule-tanse – Rule-4.3(b).,

Permitted breach of a rule-uara – Rule-4.4(c).,

Permission granted by a rule-eseap – Rule-4.4(d).,

Presentation is atroc by permission only, and not by actual compliance..

Sentence-3

‘I have a spanish friend who speaks fluent Russian.’,

Ruling

Complete compliance with the convention..

Rule-1.5(a):

If there is a conflict between any two, (or more), rules within the convention, then the followwing principles apply in the order that is listed.

• Rule-2.1 supersedes all other rules within the convention.

• The three remaining primary rules apply in the order stated under Rule-1.5.

• A rule that is not specified as falling into one of the sub-divisions listed under Rule-1.5, is assumed to be a rule-stopo (uara).

• A rule-eseap cannot exist on itᵖs own; it must be generated by another rule. It also cannot exist alongside a rule-stopo, because rules-stopo have no exceptions, other than the primary rules. Therefore, a rule-eseap must always be pairred with another type of rule. Thus, a person claimming to write in accordance with the rules of the convention will be allowwed to make a free choice between the rule-eseap and itᵖs associated conventional rule, unless or until such time as the exception granted by the convention is removed.’.

• The order of precedence shall be the same as the order provided within Rule-1.5. That is to say that Rule-2.1 is paramount, a rule-stopo cannot be overruled by any other type of rule except for the primary rules. A rule-twigd can only be overruled by a rule-stopo or a primary rule. This pattern then continues as each type of rule is considered.

• The list provided in Rule-1.5 stipulates that rules-eseap can only be applied if none of the other categories of rules are applicable.

• If there is a conflict between two, (or more), rules within the convention, which cannot be resolved by the above guidance, then the rule which is designated with the lower referrence number is deemmed to take precedence. For example, the referrence: ‘1.2’ is lower than the referrence: ‘1.3’.

Rule-1.6:

People can and should challenge existing rules for the presentation of written work. Whether a rule has been established by tradition or convention, there is no linguistic rule which is considerred to be sacred. Challenges can be made to rules concerning: Abbreviating, Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, or any other linguistic topic. Such challenges are desirable if people believe it will improve the functionning of such rules. For example: by tradition, there are various scenarios where the use of speech-marks is considerred desirable. The use of speech-marks, (in certain situations), might be a tradition, however, The Croydon Convention™ exists to challenge traditions, when the desire is to improve communication.

Rule-1.6(a):

Additions and amendments to the rules of this convention must be performed and then communicated as set-out in Rule-1.8(a).

Rule-1.6(b):

Any person wishing to offer comments or feedback about The Croydon Convention™, is entirely welcome to do so. To contact The Croydon Convention Consultative Committee Ltd (‘C-C-C-C’) visit the website at https://www.cccc-com.org and go to the contact page.

Rule-1.7:

The rules can and should vary according to the medium, and according to the power of existing technology. For example: speech-marks might be appropriate for writing with a pen and paper. That does not necessarily make them appropriate for text produced by a word-processor.

Rule-1.8:

The Croydon Convention™ shall be administerred by a company known as: ‘The Croydon Convention Consultative Committee Ltd’. The said company is registerred in England and is limitted by guarantee. The registration number of the company is: 16803348.

Rule-1.8(a):

Amendments to The Croydon Convention™ will be executed by The Croydon Convention Consultative Committee Ltd, in accordance with the provisions of that companyᵖs constitution. Amendments must be publicized as required by the constitution of that company.

Rule-1.8(b):

Any deletions should be stated in the form: ‘Rule-x.y(z) (or similar) – deleted, (date)’. Accordingly, that rule reference number cannot be assigned to any other rule within the convention. Rule-1.8(b) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-1.8 (c):

Any amendments to any of the rules within this convention should maintain the same reference number as the original rule. The format for an amended rule should be: ‘Rule-x.y(z) (or similar) – amended, (date)’. Rule-1.8(c) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-1.8(d):

Any additional rule included within the text of the convention should be identified, by an appropriate reference number in an appropriate format consistent with the existing format of reference numbers within the convention. The numberring assigned to that addition should be appropriate to the position of the amendment within the convention. For example, general rules about the convention should be assigned a reference number beginning with: ‘1’. Rules related to proper names should be assigned reference numbers beginning with: ‘4’, and so on.

Rule-1.8(e):

The reference number for any rules that are added should specify the date that the amendment was added. Rule 1.8(e) is a rule-tanse.

Rule1.9:

Various technical terms used in the study of Grammar can be somewhat verbose. The followwing grammatical terms have been abbreviated throughout this convention as shown in the table below:

1-p-s:     First-person-singular (the person speakking or writing),

2-p-s:     Second-person-singular (the person listenning or readding),

3-p-s:     Third-person-singular (A person or object outside of the conversation),

1-p-p:     First-person-plural,

2-p-p:     Second-person-plural,

3-p-p:     Third-person-plural,

1-p-s-a:    First-person-singular-attributive (see Rule-6.1[a]),

1-p-s-o:   First-person-singular-objective (see Rule-6.1[a]),

1-p-s-s:    First-person-singular-substantive (see Rule-6.1[a]),

Similar patterns for second-person, third-person, and plurals,

3-p-s-p-a: Third-person-singular-personal-attributive (e-g: ‘This is: Karim’s’ or ‘This bes Karim[p]s’)

3-p-s-m-a: Third-person-singular-masculine-attributive (e-g: ‘This is his’ or ‘This bes he[p]s’ )

3-p-s-f-a: Third-person-singular-feminine-attributive (e-g: ‘This is hers’ or ‘This bes she[p]s’)

3-p-s-n-a: Third-person-singular-neuter-attributive (e-g: ‘This is one’s’ or ‘This bes one[p]s’)

3-p-s-i-a: Third-person-singular-inanimate-attributive (e-g: ‘This is its’ or ‘This bes it[p]s’)

Similar patterns for third-person-plurals.

Rule-1.9(a):

Throughout the convention reference will be made to: ‘the published spelling guide’. The phrase: ‘the published spelling guide’ refers to: the most recent publication of, the north-american edition of, The Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Division-2

General Rules for Communication within Formal Printed Text

Rule-2.1:

The purpose of Communication is to put a message across. Thus, Rule-2.1 overrides any other rule within this convention. If the requirement to put a message across, conflicts with any other rule within this convention, then the requirement to put the message across, supersedes such other rule(s). As set-out in Rule-1.5(a), Rule-2.1 is established at primary-level-one.

Rule-2.2:

When devising a message to be delivered, a writer should bear-in-mind the overriding requirement of Rule-2.1. Communication is not about what makes sense to the writer. Communication is about what makes sense to the beholder. So, for example, if a person knows what the phrase: ‘bete noire’ means, then good luck to them. Nevertheless, that person will not communicate a message to a beholder unless the beholder understands the phrase used by the original writer.

Rule-2.2(a):

It is not possible for a convention to make a precise ruling on the style of communication. However, the recommendation is to work with the (rebuttable) assumption that the beholder has a limitted ability to understand. It is better to make the mistake of being too patronizing than to make the mistake of being overly presumptive.

Rule-2.2(b):

The degree to which a writer can rebut the assumption set-out under Rule 2.2(a), will depend upon what is known about the beholder(s). For example, if a person is writing a formal letter which will only be read by a qualified lawyer, then it will be acceptable to refer to: ‘equitable estoppel’. By contrast, if somebody is writing an article for a newspaper, (even a technical magazine), then the likelihood is that, without providing additional explanation, some of the readership will not be able to understand. The phrase ‘equitable estoppel’ is deliberately not explainned by The Croydon Convention™ to illustrate the point that technical phrases might not be understood by The General Public.

Rule-2.3:

In view of the desire of The Croydon Convention™ to simplify and codify the rules of formal presentation in printed format, a distinction is made between a traditional rule, and a conventional rule. In the context of The Croydon Convention™, the terms: ‘traditional rule’ and ‘conventional rule’, are not synonymous. A traditional rule has been established over a period of time, for example: ‘ ‘‘I’’ before ‘‘e’’, except after ‘‘c’’.’. There is no logical basis for such a rule, it is merely an established rule that is applied by most people simply because this is the tradition. A conventional rule is formally written down within The Croydon Convention™, for example, Rule-2.1 states: ‘The purpose of Communication is to put a message across.’. Accordingly, it should always be possible to quote a reference number to support a conventional rule. For example: ‘A rule-tanse is a rule where there are no specific exceptions.’ (Rule-1.5).

The followwing table might be helpful:

Rule:

Some adjectives start with an initial capital letter whilst other adjectives start with lowercase initial letters, , even if the original word was a proper name.

Examples: Thatcherite, herculean

Authority: None

Description: Traditional

Reasoning: Unclear

Rule:

All common words, including adjectives, are presented with an initial lowercase letter, unless that rule is overridden by another conventional rule.

Examples: Lions roam in the african plains. African animals can be very ferocious.

Authority: The Croydon Convention™ Rule-4.4(c).

Rule-4.4(c) is expressly stated as being subordinate to Rule-7.8(c), (which requires that the first genstat of a sentence should always begin with a capital letter, even if that first genstat is a common word).

Description: Conventional

Reasoning: The default usage should be normal text, so that proper names stand-out within a written passage.

However, where two or more rules come into conflict with each other, the overriding rule takes precedence.

Rule-2.3(a):

Conventional rules are designed to aid communication. The principle is that if establishing a rule by convention, aids communication then such a rule is considerred to be desirable. By contrast, traditional rules might be recognized, (that is: ‘tolerated’), by the convention, but not necessarily enshrined within the convention. For example, many traditional word-usage rules are permitted by the convention, but not enforced by the convention. In the sentence above the phrase: ‘each other’, has been used. The Croydon Convention™ does not enter into the debate about whether to use: ‘each other’, or: ‘one another’. Both of these phrases are permitted by the rules of this convention. A detailled discussion of word-usage principles is set-out in Division-17.

Rule-2.3(b):

In some cases, the aim of the convention will be to discourage or even overturn a traditional rule if the traditional rule hampers communication. For example, it is traditional to place a period, (or full-stop), after an abbreviation, as in, ‘British Airways plc.’. However, this rule can sometimes hinder communication rather than enhance it. If a sentence ends with the name ‘British Airways plc’, a question then arises: ‘Should it be written as ‘‘… British Airways plc..’’ (with two full-stops, which is logical) or ‘‘… British Airways plc.’’ (with one full-stop, which is traditional)?’. By contrast if the convention states: ‘There is no full-stop after an abbreviation (tanse). – (Rule-9.6)’, then there is no debate about how to finish a sentence. The logical presentation would be: ‘… British Airways plc.’, (full-stop once), because the full-stop is no longer followwing the abbreviation, it is simply finishing a sentence that ends with an abbreviation.

Rule-2.3(c):

The process of followwing presentational rules highlights any genstats with special features. Examples include: using initial capitals (Rule 4.3), italics (Rule-5.1[a]), quotation-marks (Rule-7.7), underlining (Rule-14.3[a]), or unusual typefaces (Rule-14.4).

Rule-2.3(d):

If there are no special circumstances, genstats should appear in a normal or default style. Special formatting is effective only when most of the text uses standard presentation. For example, the word: ‘it’, is usually presented in that way (normal type-face, no underlining, no initial capitals). Contrast that presentation to: 'It' – a novel written by Stephen King – and: 'I-T' – Information Technology. In these cases, special presentation stands out from the normal presentation.

Rule-2.4:

Over centuries, countless traditions have developed. As a result, it is now impractical to create rules that address every tradition. For example, (by tradition), we might describe a dress as being: ‘the prettiest’. However, equally by tradition, we might describe the same dress as being: ‘the most beautiful’, rather than being: ‘the beautifulliest’. It would be impossible to devise a convention to establish when to say: ‘most (adjective)’, and when to say: ‘…iest’. In such situations The Croydon Convention™ chooses to stay neutral. Thus, even if: ‘beautifulliest’ is frowned-upon by traditionalists, the convention still permits, (but does not encourage), the use of such words. The writer is then free (atroc) to choose for themselves whether or not to use such a non-traditional grammatical style. The beholder is equally free to criticize or even refute the use of such a non-traditionalist approach.

Rule-2.5:

When deciding what rules to apply in specific situations, the governing principle will be the context of the presentation under review. Tradition sometimes implies that specific rules are applied for reasons other than context. Examples include:

• The origin of a word, (e-g: ‘Hanoverian’, [as an adjective in normal prose], [traditional], by contrast to: ‘hanoverian’, [as an adjective in normal prose], [conventional]).

• The existence of a conjunction, (e-g: The use or avoidance of The Oxford Comma Rule),

 and

• The usage of specified words, as opposed to alternative words with the same meaning, (e-g: ‘fewer than’ as opposed to: ‘less than’).

It could be argued that traditional rules in these types of situations either lack logic, lack justification, or lack both at the same time. Accordingly, the approach adopted by The Croydon Convention™ is to select a rule to be applied, by reference to context, regardless of other, (arguably-irrelevant), criteria.

Rule-2.6:

The Prudence Option should be applied when using the rules of the convention. The requirement to use The Prudence Option is stated within Division-2, because it is a general compliance guide. However, the application of The Prudence Option is best explainned towards the end of the convention. Accordingly, the details of The Prudence Option are set-out in Division-99.

Division-3

Definitions to be Used, When Applying the Rules of the Convention

Rule-3.1:

The word: ‘Genstat’, shall be defined as:

‘A generic statement which exists within the language that is being communicated’.

Examples of genstats shall include, (but shall not be limitted to): syllables, words, contractions, symbols, emojis, phrases, terms, sentences, lyrics, paragraphs, chapters, books, and serials. For example, the suffix: ‘…ing’, the word: ‘hello’, the emoji: ‘😊’, and The Declaration of American Independence, can each be considerred to be a genstat. Genstats are used throughout this document to illustrate linguistic concepts and provide guidance on effective communication.

Rule-3.2:

The genstat: ‘Compound-Genstat’, shall be defined as:

‘A conjoinned set of two or more genstats, such that the combination so formed, shall behave as if the compound-genstat was one single word.’

Hyphens may be used between elements of a compound-genstat to emphasize that the phrase should be interpretted as a single unit. However, the use of hyphens is optional and context-dependent. For example: both: 'commander-in-chief' and 'rush of blood' would be regarded as compound-genstats.

Rule-3.3:

The word: ‘Common’ (itgs), shall be defined as:

‘Any genstat that is not a proper, (in the grammatical sense), genstat.’

All common genstats shall, (wherever practical), commence with a lowercase letter (uara).

Rule-3.3(a):

The genstat: ‘Proper-Genstat’, shall be defined as:

‘A genstat that is used as a label to identify an entity, as being the-one-and-the-only in existence.’

Rule-3.3(b):

For the purposes of Rule-3.3(a), the word: ‘Proper’, in this context, shall be used in the grammatical sense only, regardless of any perceived viewpoint about the rights and wrongs of the idea being expressed. For example: ‘Homophobia’, is the proper name (itgs) of an attitude towards a specified group of people within our society. The Croydon Convention™ is entirely neutral about whether or not it is proper (neus) to be homophobic. However, any person involved in drafting The Croydon Convention™ will be entitled to hold and express their own private opinions about that issue, or any other debatable issue.

Rule-3.4:

The genstat: ‘Traditional-Rules’, shall be defined as:

‘Presentational rules that have been adopted whilst The English Language has developed. Such rules might be well-known, but the origins of such rules have not always been documented.’

Rule 3.4(a):

The genstat: ‘Conventional-Rules’, shall be defined as:

‘Rules which have been expressly stated within The Croydon Convention™’.

In some cases, conventional rules merely formalize a tradition that has already become established, for example Rule-7.8(c) states: ‘A new sentence begins with a capital letter.’. In other cases, the convention seeks to establish a clear rule in situations where previously there was no clarity, for example, (by tradition), the word: ‘draconian’, is presented with a small ‘d’ (uara), but, (by tradition), the word: ‘Dickensian’, (sic) is presented with a capital ‘D’. The conventional rule – Rule-4.4(c) – states that all adjectives are common-genstats.

Rule-3.4(b):

Whatever the source of the conventional rule may be, the rule is regarded as conventional, precisely because the rule is stated within The Croydon Convention™.

Rule-3.4(c):

Conventional rules may also be referred to as: ‘croydonian rules’, because, (in this context), the word: ‘croydonian’, is used as an adjective.

Rule-3.5:

The words used within The English Language can be categorized to facilitate grammatical analysis. Nine such categories are recognized. These groupings can be referred to as: ‘Parts-of-Speech’. The categories are:

1)    Nouns,

2)    Pronouns,

3)    Verbs,

4)    Adjectives,

5)    Adverbs,

6)    Prepositions,

7)    Conjunctions,

8)    Interjections,

and

9)    Articles.

Rule-3.5(a):

Unless otherwise stated, The Croydon Convention™ makes no attempt to define the meanings of the various parts-of-speech. Definitions supplied in a standard dictionary will suffice.

Rule-3.5(b):

In some cases, the various parts-of-speech can be sub-divided. For example, Nouns can be sub-divided into: ‘Proper Nouns’, and ‘Common Nouns’, (also referred to as: ‘Proper Genstats’, and ‘Common Genstats’). These sub-categories can again be divided up. For example, Rule 4.6 provides sub-divisions of the groupping known as: ‘Proper Genstats’.

Rule-3.5(c):

Categorizing words helps to apply rules to specific groups whilst, excluding other groups of words from such rules. This can make the rules clearer. For example, a specific sub-division of Proper Genstats is known as: ‘Compositions’. Thus, rules can be established that apply to compositions (for example Rule-4.8), which then, by default, do not apply to any of the other categories of words, unless otherwise stated.

Rule-3.5(d):

When applying rules based upon parts-of-speech, the context is more important than the application of the usual rules. For example, the word: ‘man’, is generally regarded as being a noun. However, if the word: ‘man’, is used as a substitute for a personᵖs name or description, then the word: ‘man’, is acting as if it was a pronoun. For example: ‘Ronald Reagan is a former state-governor. Many people know the man went on to become President of The United States.’. In this example, the phrase: 'the man', is a substitute for the proper name: 'Ronald Reagan'. Thus, the phrase: ‘the man’ is, (effectively), a pronoun. Pronouns are common words (itgs), and therefore the quasi-pronoun is presented using lowercase letters.

Rule-3.6:

The use of The Apostrophe is notorious for creating confusion. To try to simplify the rules applying to apostrophes, some new technical terms shall be introduced.

Rule-3.6(a):

Rule-3.6(a):

A ‘capostrophe’ (the word ‘apostrophe’ with the letter ‘c’ appearring at the front) shall be defined as:

‘A superscript letter ‘c’, used as a specialist form of an apostrophe to indicate contraction.’

Capostophes are used when words are contracted, for example ‘shouldnᶜt’.

Rule-3.6(b):

A ‘papostrophe’ (the word ‘apostrophe’ with the letter ‘p’ appearring at the front) shall be defined as:

‘A superscript letter ‘p’, used as a specialist form of an apostrophe to indicate possession.’

Papostrophes are used to indicate possession for example: ‘Amirᵖs bicycle’.

Rule-3.6(c):

The use of capostrophes is set-out in Division-9, referring to Abbreviations. The use of papostrophes, will be as set-out in Division-12, referring to Punctuation.

Rule-3.6(d):

Accordingly, the word: ‘apostrophe’ can be regarded as being synonymous with the genstat: ‘invertted comma’. Invertted commas can be used to apply to traditional situations regardless of whether or not those traditional situations have been enshrined into the convention.

Rule-3.7:

The word: ‘mandation’, shall be defined as:

‘The process of making mandatory’.

For example: ‘The mandation of Rule-1.5, concerning the classification of rules, has been completed.’. However: ‘The mandation of rules concerning possessive perspectives, (‘‘mine’’, ‘‘yours’’, ‘‘hers’’ and so on), has yet to be formulated.

Rule 3.8:

The genstat: ‘nonstandalone-genstat’, shall be defined as:

‘A genstat which is unable to standalone, and thus, has to be attached to another word, in order to form a completely new word’.

For example, at the time of writing, there is no such word as: ‘ance’. However, there will be times when the letters: ‘a-n-c-e’ will be attached to another word to create a new word. For example, an actor who performs, will provide: ‘a performance’.

Rule-3.8(a):

Whether a genstat is able to stand alone or not, will depend upon the context, and not the actual combination of letters. For example, the pentagraph: ‘macro’ can be placed at the front of a word to create a new word, as in: ‘macroeconomics’. However, at the same time, ‘a macro’ is a routine written to enable a spreadsheet to perform a regular task, without the need for human intervention, Thus, the genstat: ‘macro’ is both a prefix, and a word in itᵖs own right. Accordingly, the fact that the word: ‘macro’ is able to standalone in the context of being a spreadsheet routine, does not alter the fact that the pentagraph: ‘macro’ is unable to standalone when used as a prefix to indicate significant size.

Rule-3.8(b):

A similar example is the trigraph: ‘ant’, which can be added to the verb: ‘to consult’, to produce the word: ‘consultant’. Even so, ‘an ant’ is a very small insect. Thus, ‘ant’, as an insect is a standalone genstat. At the same time, ‘ant’ as a suffix, is a nonstandalone genstat.

Division-4

General Rules for the Presentation of Proper Names within Formal Printed Text

Rule-4.1:

The way in which proper names are presented actually matters. This is because the presentation of a proper name can change the meanning of a sentence. For example: There was once a pop group known as: ‘The Entire Population of China’. The host of the show could legitimately say: ‘And now we have for you on stage The Entire Population of China.’. It would be a lie to say: ‘And now we have for you on stage the entire population of China.’.

Rule-4.2:

A proper name can be defined as:

‘A genstat that is generally accepted as being one of the names of an entity which is the-one-and-the-only such entity’.

For example: ‘The Battle of Hastings’, is considerred to be a proper name. ‘The battle that allowwed William of Normandy to become King of England.’, is not an example of a proper name. So, we can say: ‘The battle won by William of Normandy which enabled him to become King of England has been given a proper name. That proper name is: ‘‘The Battle of Hastings’’.’.

Rule-4.3:

Subject to the overriding requirements of Rule-12.8, (which requires faithful reproduction), The major words within a proper name should be presented with initial capital letters (uara). By contrast common words (itgs), which are not part of a proper genstat, are presented with script initial letters (uara). Consider, for example:, the followwing sentence:

‘The Silk Road is a road that was used for transporting silk.’.

In the sample sentence, the genstat: ‘The Silk Road’, is a proper name. The nouns: ‘road’, and: ‘silk’, which follow shortly afterwards, are common nouns. Thus the words: ‘road’, and: ‘silk’, are presented with lowercase initial letters, as these words are used in the normal english sense. By contrast, the genstat: ‘The Silk Road’, – a proper name – is presented with capitalized initial letters.

Rule-4.3(a):

By default, if a word appearring within a proper name is not a major word, then it is considerred to be a small word. A small word appearring within a proper name is treatted in precisely the same way as common words within normal prose. That is to say:

‘If a common word (itgs) within normal prose, would be presented with a script initial letter (uara), then a small word within a proper name, would also be presented with a script initial letter (uara).’.

Rule-4.3(b):

In addition to the requirement that major words within a proper name are to be presented with initial capital letters, it is also a requirement that the very first genstat of a proper name is presented with an initial capital letter, whenever it is physically possible to do so. This requirement applies even if the very first genstat is a small word. For example, within the proper name of the play: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, written by William Shakespeare, the indefinite article, (the letter ‘A’), is a small word. Even so, the indefinite article still appears as a capital letter – ‘A’, – because ‘A’, is the first word of the title of that well-known play. Note: Rule-4.3(a) is a rule-uara. Accordingly, Rule-4.3(a) is superseded by Rule-4.3(b) which is a rule-tanse.

Rule-4.3(c):

Rules-4.3 and -4.3(b), are superseded by Rule-12.8, (which requires faithful reproduction), including faithful reproduction of an authoritative statement of a proper name. For example: (according to the rules of the convention), a service provided for television viewers should be referred to as: ‘The B-B-C Iplayer’. However, the overriding requirement is to refer to that service as: ‘The BBC iPlayer’, because it has been authoritatively stated that the service will be known by that name. Other television-catch-up services are available.

Rule-4.3(d):

If a proper name begins with a symbol, then that symbol is considerred to be the first genstat within that proper name. Accordingly, no other word within the title of the properly-named entity can be considerred to be the first word. Thus, that subsequent word is capitalized if it is a major word, and non-capitalized if it is a small word. For example, if a song is entitled: ‘😊 for Me’, (‘Smile for me’), then the first genstat is an emoji. The word: ‘for’, is a small word and so it will start with a script ‘f’, because that word is not the very first genstat of the song title. Rule-4.3(d) is a rule-tanse. The word: ‘Me’, (in this context), is a major word because it identifies who the smile is intended for.

Rule-4.3(e):

If the first word of a proper name appears after a punctuation-mark, then the punctuation-mark is not regarded as the first genstat, precisely because it is a punctuation-mark. For example, the song: (They Long to Be) Close to You, is presented (atroc) in precisely that fashion, because: ‘They’, is the first word of that song title.. The openning bracket is a punctuation-mark. An openning bracket might be considerred to be a symbol, but the fact that it is simultaneously a punctuation-mark, overrules the fact that it might also be a symbol. Rule-4.3(e) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-4.3(f):

A major word can be defined as being: ‘A word that is so important to that proper name, that without such a word the entity is no longer identifiable.’. So, for example, the busiest airport in The UK cannot be identified as: ‘Airport’, but it can be identified as: ‘Heathrow Airport’. Accordingly, ‘Heathrow’ is a major word within the proper name of that airport.

Rule-4.3(g):

A useful way to determine whether a word within a proper name is a major word or a small word is to apply The Telegram Test. The Telegram Test, imagines that the proper name is being transmitted by telegram. If the word could be omitted from the telegram, without losing the identity of an entity, then that word is considerred to be small (itgs). If the word is essential to identifying the entity, then the word is considerred to be major. If, after applying The Telegram Test, there is still doubt about whether a word is small or major, then by default, the word is considerred to be major. Accordingly, the word being considerred should be presented with an initial capital letter (uara). For example, it might be possible to debate if the aforementionned location should be referred to as: ‘Heathrow Airport’, or ‘Heathrow airport’. The very fact that this is a debatable issue, means (atroc) that the word: ‘Airport’ is, by default, treatted as major. (Atroc) ‘Heathrow airport’ (with a small ‘a’ for the word: ‘airport’), breaches the convention. The correct presentation (atroc) is: ‘Heathrow Airport’.

Rule-4.4:

In certain situations a decision will have to be made about whether or not a genstat is a proper name at all. The followwing guidance is provided:

(i)             A proper name is a label used to identify a specific entity.,

(ii)           An entity can only justify being given a proper name if it is the-one-and-the-only. For example, the genstat: ‘a capital city’, is not a proper name, because there are many capital cities. However there is only one state capital city for Western Australia. Accordingly, the genstat: ‘Perth’, is an example of a proper name. There is more than one location known as: ‘Perth’, nevertheless, the one-and-the-only state capital city of Western Australia has been given the proper name: ‘Perth’.,

(iii)         The fact that an entity is the-one-and-the only, does not, in itself, mean that the entity possesses a proper name. For example: ‘The pair of jeans that I wore three days ago’, might be the-one-and-the-only such item of clothing but it is still the case that that item of clothing has not been given a proper name.

(iv)          The fact that an entity might have a proper name, and the fact that the entity can be identified, does not, in itself, make the genstat used into a proper name. The above example of: ‘The battle that enabled William of Normandy to become The King of England’, is not a proper name, even though there can be no doubt about which battle is under discussion.

(v)           The question of identifying what is and what is not a proper name can be especially tricky when referring to people who hold offices. For example: ‘Is the genstat: ‘‘The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs’’, a label for a specified person, or a description of what that person does in his or her capacity as a government official?

Rule-4.4(a):

The problem identified in Rule-4.4 (Item-v) can be tackled using a test known as: ‘The Radio-Interviewer Test’. The Radio-Interviewer Test asks: ‘How would a trainned professional radio-interviewer address an individual at the start of the interview?’. If such a radio-interviewer would refer to the interviewee by the title, or a contraction of the title, then the title is a proper name. In this case a radio-interviewer would start out by saying: ‘Foreign Secretary, my first question is: …’. Accordingly, ‘Foreign Secretary’, is an example of a proper name. By contrast the genstat: ‘government official’, is not a proper name. The genstat: ‘government official’, is a description of the role of The Foreign Secretary.

Rule-4.4(b):

The convention established in Rule-4.2, implies, and therefore confirms, that if a word is not part of a proper name, then it might, (under certain circumstances), be appropriate to present that word without capital letters (uara). For example, we can say: ‘The celestial object that orbits The Earth is known as: ‘‘The Moon’’, (capital ‘‘M’’). The Moon, (capital ‘‘M’’), is one example of numerous moons, (small ‘‘m’’), within The Solar System.’. Rule-4.4(b) is a rule-uara. A capital letter is used for a specifically named entity, a lowercase letter is used for a common noun (itgs). However, there are rules which override this principle. Rules which supersede Rule-4.4(b) include: -4.3(b), (capital letters for the first word of a title), - 7.8(c), (capital letters for the first word of a new sentence), and -12.8 ,(faithful reproduction of an original).

Rule-4.4(c):

A proper name is necessarily a noun (or a compound-noun). Accordingly, the rules for proper names only apply to nouns. They cannot apply to other parts-of-speech such as pronouns, verbs, or adjectives. Nor can such rules apply to nouns that are not proper nouns, that is to say: ‘The rules for proper names cannot be applied to common nouns.’. Accordingly, all parts-of-speech, apart from proper names, are always common words, and are therefore presented with script initial letters (uara). Rules that override Rule-4.4(c), include Rule-7.8(c), (which provides rules for words appearring at the very start of sentences), and Rule-4.3(b), (which provides rules for words appearing that the very start of proper names). Rule-4.4(c) is a rule-uara.

Rule-4.4(d):

Where a strong tradition exists that another part-of-speech is presented with an initial capital letter, it will be permitted, (although not encouraged), to stick to that tradition. For example, the rules of this convention would require a writer, (if they so choose), to state: ‘It is a very british trait to queue.’, because an adjective is being used to describe a trait. Precisely because the word used to describe that trait, is an adjective, it is considerred to be a common word (itgs). The convention requires that common words (itgs) are presented with script initial letters (uara). However, it is permitted, (although not encouraged), to present that particular adjective with a capital ‘B’, because (attow) a strong tradition exists. Rule-4.4(d) is a rule-eseap.

Rule-4.4(e):

Rule 4.4(c) states that the principles of capitalization cannot be applied to pronouns. Accordingly, pronouns are regarded as common words. Thus, pronouns should be presented with script initial letters (uara). An exception is permitted for the oneself-pronoun which should, according to Rule-4.4(c), be presented as: ‘i’, but which is permitted to appear as: ‘I’. Rule-4.4(e) is a rule-eseap.

Rule-4.5:

Speech-marks should be reserved exclusively for quoted genstats. Accordingly, specifically in the case of formal printed text, there is never a need to enclose a proper name within speech-marks (uara).

For example:

            One of the many books written by Charles Dickens is Nicholas Nickleby.

(Reference is made to a book written by Charles Dickens. No quotation-marks, because the composition has been identified using italics.) 

Charles Dickens wrote many books. One of those books is entitled: ‘Nicholas Nickleby’.

(The name of the said book is being quoted. Hence the quotation-marks. The quotation-marks are not in any way related to the fact that Nicholas Nickleby is a composition. That is to say: ‘The name of the book is presented with italics and no quotation-marks. Quotation-marks are then used because another rule applies.)

Rule-4.6:

Within the category referred to as: ‘Proper Names’, there are a number of sub-categories as follows:

• Physical Creations

• Compositions

• References,

• Organizations,

• Religious Writings, (see Division-20)

and

• Concepts..

Rule-4.6(a):

Concepts is considerred to be a residual category. Any proper name which does not fit within the other categories, is therefore considerred to be a concept.

Rule-4.6(b):

An example to illustrate how Rule-4.6(a) would operate is presented as follows:

The genstat: ‘a day’, is a common noun. Since the formation of The Solar System there have been literally billions of days. Humankind has considerred it appropriate the group a sequence of seven days into a period of time known as: ‘a week’. The genstat: ‘a week’, is also an example of a common noun. Each day within a generic week has been assigned a proper name. This means that the genstat: ‘Sunday’, (capital ‘S’) is an example of a concept. The word: ‘Sunday’, is considerred to be a concept, because it is a proper noun that does not fall into any of the other categories. The genstat: ‘Sunday’, is the proper name given to the first day of any generic week. The very fact that there are numerous weeks, means that there have been, and always will be, numerous sundays, (lowercase initial letter ‘s’). That is to say: ‘The genstat: ‘‘Sunday’,’ is the proper name of a concept. The genstat; ‘‘a sunday’,’ is a common noun that can be applied to any of the numerous days that fall at the beginning of a generic week.’. Some people might decide to eat a sundae, (common noun), on a sunday. For example: ‘A person ate a sundae on the-one-and-the-only day that has been designated as: ‘Sunday 5th January 12025 (H-E), which was a sunday, that fell within a january, (one of many januaries).’.

Rule-4.7:

The general rules for the presentation of proper names within formal printed text apply to all sub-categories listed under Rule-4.6, with the exception of Compositions. There are special rules for Compositions, set out in Rule-4.8.

Rule-4.8:

For compositions only, (when presented within formal printed text), the proper name of that composition should be presented in italics. This is so that the beholder can identify the entity being named, as being a composition, rather than being any other type of entity. It is important that the beholder is informed that the entity is a composition, because a composition could conceivably, (although not necessarily), influence the thoughts of any beholder who encounters that composition.

Rule-4.9:

For the purposes of this convention, a composition is defined as:

‘An ethereal communication which conceivably, (although not necessarily), lacks objectivity.’

Examples of compositions include, (but are not limitted to): songs, music-without-lyrics, dances, poetry, stories, films, dramas, newspapers, podcasts, advocations, and t-v franchises.

Rule-4.9(a):

Specifically excluded from the category of Compositions would be physical creations, even if those creations are considerred to be works-of-art. This is because a physical work-of-art is not ethereal. For example, the genstat: ‘Christ the Redeemer’, (which refers to a statue located in Rio de Janeiro), is presented without italics, because it is a physical rather than ethereal creation. A beholder might look at that statue and start to think. However, they will be thinking their own thoughts, and not necessarily the thoughts of Paul Landowski, (and others), who sculpted that statue.

Rule-4.9(b):

Any entity mentionned within a composition, which is not itself a composition, does not fall within the definition of a composition. For example: Wuthering Heights, is a fictional location mentionned within the composition entitled: ‘Wuthering Heights’. Similarly: Oliver Twist, is a fictional character within the composition entitled: ‘Oliver Twist’. However, in the story: Cloud Atlas written by David Mitchell, reference is made to a various other fictional stories including: Letters from Zedelghem. Both the actual work of fiction, (Cloud Atlas), and the fictional work of fiction, (Letters from Zedelghem), are presented (atroc) in italics.

Rule-4.9(c):

The requirement to present the proper name of a composition using italics, is completely independent of the message within that composition. This requirement is consistent with Rule-1.4, (which states that The Croydon Convention™ is neutral on all issues, except Linguistics). For example: Free to Choose is a composition written by Milton Friedman. Das Kapital is a composition written by Karl Marx. The Croydon Convention™ stipulates that both of these works are considerred to be compositions. Accordingly, both book titles are formatted identically – i-e: using italics, with initial capital letters for the major words within the titles. Rule-4.9(c) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-4.10:

By default, an ethereal communication is considerred to be a composition, unless the specific aim of that ethereal communication is solely to communicate information which is objectively truthful.

Rule-4.10(a):

The definition of the phrase: ‘objectively truthful’, shall be considerred by reference to a reasonable person. An objectively truthful statement, is one that a reasonable person would agree is true, based upon evidence or fact. Such statements are called: 'positive' (itgs). This contrasts with the phrase: ‘a normative statement’, which expresses a value, judgment, or opinion, which might not be universally agreed upon. For example, it can be positively asserted that the eighth of The Ten Commandments states: ‘Thou shalt not steal.’ (Exodus 20:15). No reasonable person could dispute the fact that The Eighth Commandment stipulates: ‘Thou shalt not steal’. While the content of the commandment can be stated as a fact, whether a person agrees with it(p)s moral imperative is a separate, normative issue. Accordingly: ‘It can be positively stated that The Eighth Commandment is a normative statement.’. However, whilst The Eighth Commandment is a normative statement, it is objectively truthful to say: ‘The Eighth Commandment appears in Exodus Chapter-20 Verse-15.’.

Rule-4.10(b):

To be consistent with Rule-4.10(a) the phrase: ‘objectively truthful’, shall be defined as:

            ‘A statement that no reasonable person could conceivably argue with’.

Accordingly, if it is conceivable that a reasonable person could argue with a message, then that message is a composition. That conclusion, in turn means that (atroc) the proper name of such a composition must be presented in italics. Rule-4.10(b) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-4.10(c):

If the purpose of the ethereal communication is to solely communicate information that is objectively truthful, then that ethereal communication would be considerred to fall within the category of References, (for example a dictionary). A directory of postcodes is considerred to be a reference, because no reasonable person could dispute the statement of a postcode, (assuming the postcode is correct). Because references are not compositions the name given to that reference is presented without italicisation. This is because all categories of proper names, other than Compositions, are presented without italicisation.

Rule-4.10(d):

Rule-4.10(c) applies only to ethereal communications that are without any doubt intended to be purely factual. Subject to the overriding provisions of Rule-4.10(g) if there is any doubt about whether an ethereal communication is objectively truthful, the default requirement is to treat as a composition. Accordingly, that proper name is presented using italics. For example, an autobiography might present purely factual information, but by default, the name of an autobiography is presented in italics, because there will inevitably be a lack of objectivity in such a book. For example, the genstat: ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ is presented in italics. By contrast The Croydon Convention™ is a reference, and so the name does not appear in italics. It would be entirely reasonable to disagree with what The Croydon Convention™ requires. However, it is an undeniable fact that The Croydon Convention Consultative Committee has decided that these are the rules for compliance with the convention. Similarly, there are those who dispute the truth of The Einstein Theory of Relativity. Nevertheless, it is objectively truthful that Einstein has theorized that Relativity governs the workings of The Universe. A further example is The Theory of Evolution. Charles Darwin wrote a book entitled: ‘On the Origin of Species’, which is a composition. Within that composition Darwin argues that Evolution is a fact. It is reasonable to dispute Darwin(p)s conclusions, but it is not reasonable to dispute that Darwin has indeed put forward the proposal that Evolution explains the flora and fauna of the current times.

Rule-4.10(e):

The ideas outlined in Rule-4.10(d), would also apply to The Big Bang Theory. However, different ideas apply to The Big Bang Theory. The second use of that proper name refers to a t-v franchise. In the first usage, reference is made to a scientific theory. That theory might be disputed. Even so, it can be objectively stated that this particular theory holds that The Universe was created from a massive explosion. The Big Bang Theory has overtaken a previous concept known as: ‘The Steady State Theory’, at the time of writing, very few scientists believe The Steady State Theory to be correct. Even so, it can still be objectively reported that a previous theory about The Universe did hold that all existence was constant. To summarize it can be objectively reported that there used to be a widely-held theory that The Universe existed in a steady state. It can also be objectively stated that, at the time of writing, the most widely-held theory is that a big bang created The Universe. Accordingly, this theory is a concept known as: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ (with no italics). Meanwhile it can be stated that there is a t-v franchise which takes it(p)s name from that widely-accepted theory. The t-v franchise lacks objectivity and so it is referred to (atroc) as: ‘The Big Bang Theory’, (presented with italics).

Rule-4.10(f):

It is then possible to go on to say there may be more than one big-bang theory, (lowercase initial letters), but there is only one theory which holds that The Universe was created from a massive explosion. That theory has been properly named as: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ (no italics). At the same time there is only one t-v franchise that encourages us to laugh at Sheldon Cooper and his associates. That franchise is called: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and is presented (atroc) in italics.

Rule-4.10(g):

The decision about whether an ethereal communication is a reference or a composition is based upon the intention of the creation. For example, Wikipedia, might contain factual errors, but the intention is to present objectively factual information. Accordingly, Wikipedia is considerred to be an example of a reference, and not an example of a composition. Thus, the word: ‘Wikipedia’, is an example of a proper name presented without italics.

Rule-4.11:

A proper name is a label to identify an entity. Accordingly, subject to the overriding provisions of Paragraph-4.11(a), the proper name is presented with no stopper at the end of that name (uara). Thus, if people would not call a former president of The USA: ‘Abraham Lincoln (full-stop)’, then writers should not add a full-stop at the end of a film title such as: ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’, because even though that genstat would normally constitute a sentence, in this specific example the genstat is a label, and therefore it is not a sentence.

Thus, information might be presented as follows:

‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (no full stop), is a well-known movie starring: Zero Mostel, Michael Crawford, and Buster Keaton.’ (full stop at the end of a sentence)’.

Rule-4.11(a):

Whilst Rule-4.11 is the norm, there will be exceptions if punctuation is part of the proper name. Thus, Rule-4.11 is a rule-uara. For example, one of the many books written by Terry Pratchett is called: ‘Guards! Guards!’. The exclamation-marks are part of the title, and therefore the exclamation-marks appear within the proper name.

Rule-4.11(b):

If a proper name contains a punctuation-mark part-way through that name, then the normal rules of writing in prose should be applied. A search of The Internet reveals a book written by Dave Eggers, entitled: ‘Your Fathers, Where are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?’. This book title has a question-mark after the first occurrence of the word: ‘They’. The word that follows: ‘And’, is a small word, but it is the start of a new sentence. Because the word: ‘And’, is the start of a new sentence, the word begins with a capital letter. The next word is the word: ‘the’. That is a small word which is not at the very start of a sentence, nor a title. Accordingly, the word: ‘the’, is presented with a small ‘t’. The word: ‘Prophets’ ,(in this context), is a common noun, however it is a major word within the title of the book, and so that word is presented with an initial capital ‘P’.

Rule-4.12:

Many entities derive their proper names from other proper names. For example, Hudson Bay is named after Henry Hudson. Or in other words: ‘Henry Hudson has attributed his name to that location.’. That particular mass of water does not belong to Henry Hudson. The aforementionned geographical area takes it(p)s name from Henry Hudson. Accordingly, it would be wrong to call the bay Hudson(p)s Bay, because that name implies possession. The correct name of the body of water is Hudson Bay. Similarly Albert Einstein does not own The Theory of Relativity. Thus (atroc), it would be wrong to name this idea as: ‘Einstein(p)s Theory of Relativity’. The correct name (atroc) would be: ‘The Einstein Theory of Relativity’. That is to say: ‘The Theory of Relativity is attributed to Einstein. It has never been owned by Einstein.’.

Rule-4.12a:

Rule-4.12 applies when there is no possession. When possession exists, then the possessive form would indeed be appropriate. For example, in the film: Sophie’s Choice, the choice belongs to Sophie. By contrast The Busby Babes were named after Sir Matt Busby, they did not belong to him.

Rule-4.13:

Various entities that exist in multiple quantities are named after an entity which has a proper name. For example, a sandwich, is named after: The Fourth Earl of Sandwich. The principle in these situations is that the multitudinous items are referred to by a common name, precisely because there are many of them. For example, a boysenberry (common name), is named after Rudolph Boysen (proper name). Rule-4.4(b) requires that if an item is one of many then it is given a common name. Proper names, (with initial capital letters), apply to the one-and-the-only. For example, there is a one-and-only country called: ‘Italy’, (capital ‘I’), there are millions of italians, (script ‘i’).

Rule-4.13(a):

The idea that, (in certain situations), a word should begin with a capital letter, implies that there is something special about that word,. Accordingly, the desire is to make the word stand-out from the text surrounding it. This same reasonning applies when the first word of a sentence is presented with an initial capital letter (Rules-7.8[c] and -7.8[e]). In the same way, the first word of a proper name is presented with an initial capital letter (uara). This rule applies even if the word concerned is considerred to be small (itgs) (Rule-4.3(b)). At the same time the major words within a proper name are always presented with initial capital letters (Rule-4.3). The effect of these various rules is that a proper name stands-out from the text surrounding it.

Rule-4.13(b):

Rule-4.13(a) implies, and therefore confirms, that if there is nothing special about a word then that word is to be regarded as a common word (itgs). For example, if a word is a common noun (itgs), then that word is presented with a script initial letter (uara), (Rule-4.4). This implies, and therefore confirms, that if a word is normally a proper name (itgs), that word can still be a common noun (itgs) if the word is being used in the context of being one-of-many, as opposed to the context of being the-one-and-the-only.

Rule-4.13(c):

The guidance set-out in Rule-4.13(b), means that words such as: ‘Paris’, ‘Jane’, and ‘Williams’, are all examples of words that have the potential to be common (itgs), as well as being proper (itgs). For example:

‘There is a paris, in France, (lowercase ‘‘p’’, because the context is: one-of-many locations known as: ‘paris’). There is also a paris in Texas, and a paris in Idaho. The paris in France, is known as: ‘‘Paris’’, (capital ‘‘P’’, because the context is: the-one-and-the-only). That is the proper name of the said city. Similarly, the paris in Texas is known as: ‘Paris’. The paris in Idaho is also known as: ‘Paris’.

Rule-4.14:

When a proper name appears within a compound-genstat the provisions of Rule-16.4 apply. This rule states that attention is attracted to the focal noun. For example: a natural force is a force, (common noun), provided by Nature, (proper name). The focal noun in this case is the word: ‘force’. The force is then being described as: ‘natural’. The word: ‘natural’, is an adjective. Thus, according to Rule-4.4(c), the word: ‘natural’, is a common word (itgs). All adjectives (atroc) are common words. Thus, in the genstat: ‘force-of-nature’, the words: ‘of’, and: ‘nature’, are describing the force. Accordingly, the correct way (atroc) to present the genstat is as: ‘a force-of-nature’. It would be incorrect (atroc) to describe such a phenomenon as: ‘a force-of-Nature’.

Rule-4.15:

Many proper names are compound-genstats. Examples include: The Colossus of Rhodes, Washington District of Columbia, Richard the Lionheart, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Denis the Menace, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Rule-4.15(a):

Names of this sort exist (in part) to identify the entity concerned. For example, there are several locations known as: ‘Newcastle’. There is a town of that name in Staffordshire, sometimes known as: ‘Newcastle-under-Lyme’. There is a newcastle in County Down. There is a newcastle in New South Wales, and in New Zealand, and in South Africa, and in a host of other locations. Thus, the name: ‘Newcastle-upon-Tyne, distinguishes the settlement on The North-East Coast of England, from other newcastles.

Rule-4.15(b):

Genstats such as: ‘ … -upon-Tyne’ and ‘… -under-Lyme’ are known as: ‘Identifiers’, because the extra words identify an entity that might otherwise be confused with another entity given the same principal name. An identifier is a quasi-adjective, because the genstat is being used to describe the principal name. (Atroc) an adjective is a common genstat (itgs) (Rule-4.4[c]). Therefore, the adjective is presented with small initial letters (uara). In the case of identifiers another rule does apply, because the identifier would necessarily be a major word within a proper name. For this reason the major words, (but not the small words), within an identifier are presented with initial capital letters (Rule-4.3). Subject to the overriding provisions of Rule-12.8 (faithful reproduction of an original), Rule-4.15(b) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-4.15(c):

An intensifier is a genstat that is not strictly necessary within a proper name, but which is added to the proper name to draw attention to a particular quality of that properly-named entity. For example, in the compound-genstat: ‘The King’s Most Excellent Majesty’, the words: ‘Most’, and: ‘Excellent’, are not strictly necessary to identify the entity, but the words are still added to stress the significance of The Monarch. The genstat: ‘The King’s Most Excellent Majesty’, is an alternative proper name for: ‘The King’ ,(in the context of a male individual who holds the rank of being The Monarch). This approach is no different to the idea that the city known as: ‘New York’ is also sometimes known as: ‘The Big Apple’. Thus, there is a rule for when The Monarch is referred to as: ‘The King’s Most Excellent Majesty’, and a rule for when The Monarch is referred to as: ‘The King’. The rule for intensifiers is precisely the same as the rule for identifiers (Rule-4.15[b]), that is to say: ‘An intensifier is considerred to be part of the proper name of an entity, and therefore (atroc), in accordance with Rule-4.3, the major words within an intensifier are presented with initial capital letters. Subject to the overriding provisions of Rule-12.8 (faithful reproduction of an original), Rule-4.15(c) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-4.16:

The word: ‘The’, appears at the start of many proper names. The question is: ‘Is the definite article, (the word: ‘The’), part of the proper name, or a word that comes immediately before the proper name?’. The view of The Croydon Convention™ is that the word: ‘The’, is part of the proper name, precisely because the proper name begins with the word: ‘The’. So, for example, the genstat: ‘The Renaissance’, is a two-word proper name, the first of those two words being, the word: ‘The’.

Rule-4.16(a):

The implication that follows from Rule-4.16 is that the word: ‘The’, is the very first genstat within the proper name. Thus, in accordance with Rule-4.3(b), that particular word should be presented with a capital ‘T’, precisely because, it is the first genstat of the proper name. The word: ‘The’, might be considerred to be a small word. However, Rule-4.3(b) supersedes Rule-4.3(a). There can be no doubt that if the very first genstat of a proper name is the word: ‘The’, then that very first genstat is presented with a capital ‘T’.

Rule-4.16(b):

Rule-4.16(a) only applies if the word: ‘The’, is at the very start of a proper name. Accordingly, subject to the overriding provisions of Rule-4.16(c), if the word: ‘the’, appears part of the way through a proper name then the word: ‘the’, becomes a small word, and thus, in accordance with Rule-4.3(a) the word: ‘the’, is presented with an initial script letter ‘t’. For example, the film released in 11967 (H-E), starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger is entitled: ‘In the Heat of the Night’. The word: ‘the’, appears twice within that film title, and in both instances the word: ‘the’, constitutes a small word, and is therefore presented with a lowercase initial ‘t’. Compare the previous example to the film entitled: ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’, where the first instance of the word: ‘The’, begins with a capital ‘T’, whilst the second instance of precisely the same word, begins with a script initial ‘t’.

Rule-4.16(c):

A problem arises if the proper name includes another proper name which begins with the word: ‘The’. Consider, for example, a collection of songs entitled: ‘The Very Best of The Doors’, which, as the name suggests, is a compilation of songs recorded by the american rock band: The Doors. The genstat: ‘The Doors’, is the proper name of the rock band. The name of the rock band is then reproduced within the title of the compilation of the songs. The word: ‘of’, is a small word, and so it appears with a lowercase letter ‘o’. The word: ‘The’, in the first instance appears with a capital ‘T’ because that is the first genstat of the name of the collection of songs. The songs have been recorded by a group of musicians known as: ‘The Doors’, (with a capital ‘T’), and so the title of the compilation includes the word: ‘The’, twice, and in both instances the word: ‘The’, has a capital ‘T’. As demonstrated by this example the requirement of The Croydon Convention™ is that when a proper name appears within a proper name, the proper name included within the proper name is presented faithfully. Subject to the overriding requirements of Rule-12.8, (faithful reproduction of original presentation). Rule-4.16(c) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-4.16(d):

Rules-4.16 through to -4.16(c), are rules which apply when there can be no doubt that the word: ‘The’, should be used. However’ there is considerable scope for confusion about whether the word: ‘The’, should appear at all. For example: ‘Should people make reference to: ‘‘Brooklyn Bridge’’ or ‘‘The Brooklyn Bridge’’?’. Traditional rules do not seem to provide an answer to such a question. The Croydon Convention™ addresses this question in Rules-4.16(e) through to -4.16(m).

Rule-4.16(e):

To decide whether or not to start the proper name of an entity with the word: ‘The’, a series of defaults should be applied. Default-1 is to ask: ‘Is there an authoritative statement?’. For example, it is expressly stated that the proper name of The Croydon Convention™ begins with the word: ‘The’. Similarly, it has been expressly stated that: ‘The Tempest’, written by William Shakespeare, has a proper name that begins with the word: ‘The’. By contrast, by omission, we have been authoritatively informed that Bridge over Troubled Water recorded by Simon and Garfunkel, does not begin with the word: ‘The’.

Rule-4.16(f):

If there is no authoritative statement then Default-2 should be applied. In the case of Default-2, the question asked is: ‘What sounds natural?’. It sounds wrong to say: ‘Bourgeoisie was a significant group at the time of The French Revolution.’. It would be usual to say: ‘The Bourgeoisie was a significant group at the time of The French Revolution.’. By contrast it would sound odd to say: ‘The Sherwood Forest was the home of Robin Hood.’ Normally the home of Robin Hood is referred to simply as: ‘Sherwood Forest’.

Rule-4.16(g):

If the first two defaults do not supply a sufficient answer, then consider Default-3. Default-3 does not answer the question. Default-3 simply states that other defaults have to be applied.

Rule-4.16(h):

Default-4 applies to non-singularities. A non-singularity refers to any entity that is not unique to a single location or instance, as opposed to a singularity, which exists only once or in one place. For example, chemical substances, (both elements and compounds), will exist in multiple locations. The first element in The Periodic Table is properly-named as: ‘Hydrogen’. The eighth element is properly-named as: ‘Oxygen’. Hydrogen and Oxygen can combine together to produce a substance which is properly-named as: ‘Water’. Hydrogen, Oxygen and Water are all found in multiple locations. Similarly, animals in the same biological groupping would exist in multiple locations, (unless threaten with extinction). The proper name for a class of animals that feed their young on milk is: ‘Mammals’. Examples of Mammals can be found in numerous locations. Yet another example would be commercial outlets. Starbucks® is a single organization, but it has outlets all over the world. In situations where an entity exists in multiple locations the default is to omit the word: ‘The’. This omission reflects the fact that these entities are not unique or singular in context. Instead, they exist in many places at once.

Rule-4.16(i):

Default-5 applies when there is no authoritative statement, no clear natural-sound guidance, and the entity is a singularity. The next question to ask is: ‘Is the entity animated?’ Animated entities can be real or fictional, living or deceased, or objects depicted as having life-like qualities. For all animated entities, (other than those coverred by Defaults-1, -2, -3, and -4), the default is to avoid the definite article. For example, a famous roman general was: ‘Julius Caesar’, and not: ‘The Julius Caesar’. Superman was never known as: ‘The Superman’. The dim-witted horse in Animal Farm written by George Orwell was called: ‘Boxer’, and not: ‘The Boxer’. Meanwhile, Herbie was a fictionalized volkswagon beetle that was imagined to have human qualities. The name of that creation was: ‘Herbie’, and not: ‘The Herbie’. Note: significant plants, for example: The Tolpuddle Martyrs(p) Tree, have been excluded from this category because, they are not animated. The requirements for significant plants are discussed under Default-6.

Rule-4.16(j):

After all of the other defaults have been applied, only Default-6 remains. The remainning entities share a key characteristic  – none of the previously discussed aspects would apply. They have no authoritative written statements, no natural-sound guidance, they have never been animated, and they exist as singularities. The very fact that such entities exist in one single location implies that the definite article is appropriate. For example, the planet on which we live, exists in one location. It has never been literally living. Both the genstat: ‘Earth’, and the genstat: ‘The Earth’, sound acceptable. Furthermore, the name was assigned to that object before writing was invented. In a situation of this sort, Default-6 states that, (according to The Croydon Convention™), the definite article should be used. Numerous well-known examples illustrate this requirement. According to The Croydon Convention™ the planet we live on is to be referred to as: ‘‘The Earth’’.’. Similarly, the world(p)s longest river is: The Nile. Also, the most watched sporting event on the planet is: The FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile a historically significant tree, existing solely within the village of Tolpuddle, is known as: ‘The Tolpuddle Martyrs(p) Tree’. This is consistent with the ideas that a mountain that exists naturally, but is not alive, is known (atroc) as: ‘The Matterhorn’, whilst a naturally existing stretch of water which separates the two main islands of New Zealand is known as: ‘The Sea of Raukawa’, (sometimes referred to as: ‘The Cook Strait’). Thus, to answer the question posed earlier about the bridge over The East River, leadding from Manhattan to Brooklyn, The Croydon Convention™ would stipulate: ‘The Brooklyn Bridge’.

Rule-4.16(k):

When applying the various defaults, the order of override is as follows:

• Default-1 overrides all other defaults,

• Default-2 overrides all other defaults except Default-1,

• Default-3 is subsidiary to Defaults-1 and -2, but foremost by comparison to Defaults-4,-5, and -6,

• And so on.

Rule-4.16(l):

Rule-4.16(k) is best explainned by examples. By Default-5, a horse that wins The Epsom Derby, would normally be given a name that is devoid of the word: ‘The’, at the very start of the name. However, in 11977 (H-E) that race was won by a horse called: ‘The Minstrel’. The name of that horse was authoritatively written down and so Default-1 overrides Default-5. ‘The Facebook’, changed it(p)s name to: ‘Facebook’, because Mark Zuckerburg expressly took that decision, Default-1 is paramount in that situation. It can also be said that whilst our home planet (atroc) is named as: ‘The Earth’, the largest planet in The Solar System is not called: ‘The Jupiter’. To say: ‘Jupiter’, sounds natural. To say: ‘The Jupiter’, sounds awkward. Default-2, overrides Default-6.

Rule-4.16(m):

A further complication arises if the word: ‘The’, appears part-way through a proper name. Examples include: Robert the Bruce, Attila the Hun, and Thomas the Tank Engine. In all of these cases the word: ‘the’, is a small word within the proper name. Thus, Rule 4.3(a) is applied, and so the small word appears with a script letter ‘t’. However, in names such as: Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, the definite article appears with a capital ‘T’. The reason is because Thomas is being described as a tank engine, whilst Dwayne is being alternatively-named as: ‘The Rock’. The Croydon Convention™ expressly states that Rule-4.3(b) overrides Rule-4.3(a). This in turn requires the application of Rule-4.16(c), which requires proper names within proper names to be reproduced as the original proper name. Note that the word: ‘proper’ in this context is used in the grammatical sense. Whether or not it is proper (neus) to refer to William Perry as: ‘The Refrigerator’, is a different question. ‘The Refrigerator’ is still his proper (nick)name, in the grammatical sense.

Rule-4.17:

If an adjective is derived from a proper name, that adjective is then to be treatted as a common word, because under Rule-4.4(c) adjectives (atroc) are always considerred to be common words. So, for example, if the compound-genstat under consideration is: ‘a catch-22 situation’, then the word: ‘situation’, has become the focal noun. The focal noun is then described as having: ‘a catch-22’ feature. The genstat: ‘catch-22’, might be derived from the proper name of a well-known book written by Joseph Heller, but that is irrelevant in terms of The Croydon Convention™. What matters, in terms of conventional rules, is that the genstat: ‘catch-22’, has become an adjective, within the context of the phrase under consideration. Similarly, a dictator who uses techniques developed by Joseph Stalin, would be described (atroc) as: ‘a stalinist dictator’, (with a small letter ‘s’), whilst an error observed by Sigmund Freud would be described (atroc) as: ‘a freudian slip’, (with a small letter ‘f’).

Rule-4.17(a):

The guidance set-out in Rule-4.17 can be extended to proper names being used as descriptions. For example: ‘the james-bond franchise’, is a franchise of films relating to the adventures of a fictional individual who has been properly-named as: ‘James Bond’. Accordingly, a movie could be described as: ‘an action movie’, where the word: ‘action’, is the adjective describing the common noun: ‘movie’. Similarly, a movie could be described as: ‘a james-bond movie’, where the compound genstat: ‘james-bond’ is the adjective describing the common noun: ‘movie’.

Rule-4.17(b):

There might be a logical justification for stating that a genstat such as: ‘james-bond’, when used as an adjective should be regarded as a common genstat. However, a practical problem arises in special cases. The special cases are listed below:

• Acronyms as an adjective, for example: a CamRA event.,

• Initializations as an adjective, for example: a B-B-C radio station.,

• Codings as an adjective, for example: a B-group vitamin..

The acronym: ‘CamRA’ applies to: ‘The Campaign for Real Ale.’

Rule-4.17(c):

The practical reality is that there is no alternative, other than to allow such descriptions to be presented with capital letters. Nevertheless, it should be very clear that the use of initial capital letters applies to designated special cases and designated special cases only.

Rule-4.17(d):

In the case of acronyms, the exception only applies if the acronym is solely used as an acronym and not in cases where the acronym has been adopted into The English Language as a common word. For example: the acronym: ‘ABBA’, (Anni-Frid, Björn, Benny, & Agnetha), is a modifier that is solely used for output related to a successful pop group. Thus, Waterloo is an ABBA single, and not: ‘an abba single’. The word: ‘abba’, derives from an aramaic word meanning ‘father’. By contrast, RaDAR, (radio detecting and arranging), has been adopted as the common word: ‘radar’. Thus, the genstat: ‘radar surveillance’, is a form of surveillance described as being performed by radar. Accordingly, to comply with Rule-4.4(c), the presentation should be: ‘radar surveillance’, with a lowercase ‘r’. Similarly, ‘scuba diving equipment’, is presented in exactly that way, because ‘scuba’, has become a word that can be used to describe diving equipment. The acronym PIN, (Personal Identification Number), is often used as an adjective meanning a generic code which only one specific individual is aware of. Thus, banks will often warn people not to disclose their pin numbers ,(lowercase ‘p’), according to the rules of convention.

Rule-4.17(e):

An initialization is similar to an acronym, but the initial letters are not intended to create a pronounceable word. For example: an A-T-M machine, or a C-T scanner. In situations like this, there is no practical alternative than to describe the noun using capital letters. For example, a problem might arise if there are I-T issues, whilst people can watch the news on a t-v set. Note: As set-out in Rule-9.6(a) whenever the actual letters are pronounced, those letters should be separated by dashes.

Rule-4.17(f):

In a similar fashion there is no practical alternative other than to use the codes assigned to various objects. Examples include: A-4 paper, H-B pencils, and B-class roads.

Rule-4.17(g):

Rule-4.4(c) is a rule-uara. Another rule does apply if there is a special case adjective. The only special case adjectives are: Acronyms, Initializations, and Codings. Rule-4.17(g) is a rule tanse. That is to say: ‘These are the only three special cases, nothing else can be regarded as a special case with respect to adjectives as common words.  

Rule-4.18:

The treatment of adjectives as common words, regardless of the etymology equally applies to the treatment of other parts-of-speech, such as: common nouns, pronouns, and verbs. For example, the unit of power named after James Watt, is: ‘a watt’, because the word: ‘watt’, is a common noun, even though James Watt, had a proper name. Similarly, the verb: ‘to whatsapp’, is treatted by The Croydon Convention™ as a common word, because all verbs are common words. Thus, a person wishing to apply the convention would need to write: ‘I use WhatsApp (proper name of a registerred trademark) to whatsapp my friends (verb).’.

Division-5

General Rules for Italicization within Formal Printed Text

Rule-5.1:

Italicization shall be considerred to be a special form of presentation. Accordingly, genstats should always be presented in a normal font, unless the circumstances specified by Rule-5.1(a), are applicable.

Rule-5.1(a):

The use of italics is reserved for two specified purposes, and therefore no other purpose. In accordance with Rule-4.8, one of those specified purposes is for the presentation of the proper names of compositions. The other specified purpose shall be for the presentation of mathematical symbols. For example, Pythagoras Theorem, should be presented as:

‘a² = b² + c²’.

Similarly, the circumference of a circle is calculated by the formula: ‘2πr’.

Rule-5.2:

It is not appropriate to use italics to emphasize genstats. There are other ways to emphasize a genstat as set-out in Division-14.

Rule-5.3:

It is not appropriate to use italics for genstats that originate from languages other than English. Whatever the original source of the word might be, the word should be presented in normal text (uara). For example, the scientific name for the human species is: ‘Homo Sapiens’, which comes from the language known as: ‘Latin’. It matters not, what the origin of the genstat might be, it is still being presented as part of the formal printed text with a normal typeface. However, it is appropriate to use italics for genstats that would appear in italics if the original genstat was Standard English. For example: ‘Gone with the Wind is a film released in 11939 (H-E), Quo Vadis is a film released in 11951 (H-E)’.

Division-6

General Rules for Possessive Indicators within Formal Printed Text

Rule-6.1:

Under traditional rules, possessive indicators work based upon the perspective that applies. The table shown in Rule-6.1(a), shows that there are 33 different perspectives that are provided under traditional rules.

Rule-6.1(a):

The codes used in this table have been set-out in Rule-1.9. For example: ‘1-p-s-a’, stands for: ‘First-person-singular-attributive’.

Note: Specific items on this list are marked: ‘Y’. This symbol will be explainned at a later stage, (Rule-6.4).

1. 1-p-s-a: ‘This is my time.’,

2. 1-p-s-s: ‘This time is mine.’,

3. 1-p-s-o: ‘This time belongs to me.’,

4. 2-p-s-a: ‘This is your time.’,

5. 2-p-s-s: ‘This time is yours.’,

6. 2-p-s-o: ‘This time belongs to you.’,

7. 3-p-s-p-a: ‘This is Olga’s time.’, Y

8. 3-p-s-p-s: ‘This time is Olga’s.’, Y

9. 3-p-s-p-o: ‘This time belongs to Olga.’,

10. 3-p-s-m-a: ‘This is his time.’, Y

11. 3-p-s-m-s: ‘This time is his.’, Y

12. 3-p-s-m-o: ‘This time belongs to him.’,

13. 3-p-s-f-a:  ‘This is her time.’, Y

14. 3-p-s-f-s:   ‘This time is hers.’, Y

15. 3-p-s-f-o: ‘This time belongs to her.’,

16. 3-p-s-n-a: ‘This is one’s time.’, Y

17. 3-p-s-n-s: ‘This time is one’s.’, Y

18. 3-p-s-n-o: ‘This time belongs to one.’,

19. 3-p-s-i-a: ‘This is its time.’, Y

20. 3-p-s-i-s: ‘This time is its.’, Y

21. 3-p-s-i-o: ‘This time belongs to it.’,

22. 1-p-p-a: ‘This is our time.’,

23. 1-p-p-s: ‘This time is ours.’,

24. 1-p-p-o: ‘This time belongs to us.’,

25. 2-p-p-a: ‘This is your time.’,

26. 2-p-p-s: ‘This time is yours.’,

27. 2-p-p-o: ‘This time belongs to you.’,

28. 3-p-p-p-a: ‘This is Jack and Jill’s time.’, Y

29. 3-p-p-p-s: ‘This time is Jack and Jill’s.’, Y

30. 3-p-p-p-o: ‘This time belongs to Jack and Jill.’,

31. 3-p-p-i-a: ‘This is their time.’, Y (Third-person-plural-impersonal-attributive)

32. 3-p-p-i-s: ‘This time is theirs.’, Y

33. 3-p-p-i-o: ‘This time belongs to them.’,

Rule-6.1(b):

What can be observed from a study of the table in Rule-6.1(a), is that it is difficult to determine a pattern exhibitted by the examples. Some use apostrophes, others do not. Some add a letter ‘s’, others do not. Some use consistent wording, others vary the words.

Rule-6.1(c):

The conclusion that has to be drawn from a study of the table in Rule-6.1(a), is that converting existing traditional rules into a codified set of logical rules would be a monumental task.

Rule-6.1(d):

Traditional possession rules can be highly confusing, especially when it comes to possessive pronouns.

Here are some examples:

• We can say: ‘This is Rajiv’s book.’. We cannot say: ‘This is him’s book.’,

  The traditional requirement is: ‘This is his book.’,

• We can say: ‘My car’s engine’. We cannot say: ‘It’s engine’, (Tradition dictates that this genstat reads: ‘It is engine’),

  The traditional requirement is to say: ‘Its engine’, (with no apostrophe between the ‘t’ and the ‘s’),

• We can say: ‘This is Suki’s day off.’. We can say: ‘This is one’s day off.’. We cannot say: ‘This is her’s day off.’.

  The traditional requirement is to say: ‘This is her day-off.’ or ‘The day-off is hers.’ (with no apostrophe-s for the possessor),

• We can say: ‘This is The Thompsons’ kitchen, we see them use it all of the time.’,

  We cannot say: ‘This is them’s kitchen, we see The Thompsons use it all of the time.’,

  The traditional requirement is to say: ‘This is their kitchen, they use it all of the time.’.

Rule 6.2:

The approach adopted by The Croydon Convention™ will be to start-out by simply accepting that initially the traditional rules will have to be used, and that gradually, (over time), the rules will be amended to be more pragmatic. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, the traditional rules for possessive indication will be adopted by the convention. Rule-6.2 is a rule-trabd. The term: ‘unless otherwise stated’, shall refer to Rule-6.4.

Rule-6.3:

Possessive indicators can be sub-divided into two groups, – Ownership-Possession, for example: ‘My shoes’, and Relationship-Possession, for example: ‘My home-town’.

Rule-6.3(a):

Rule-6.3 is merely a recognition that two types of possession are conceivable. The treatment of possessive indicators will be the same for whichever type of possession applies. Rule-6.3(a) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-6.4:

For those perspectives identified with a letter ‘Y’, (as shown in the table within Rule-6.1[a]), the traditional rules will be amended as set out in Rules-6.5 through to -6.9. The perspectives so identified will be referred to as: ‘The Selected Perspectives’.

Rule-6.5:

With regards to the selected perspectives, a papostrophe (defined in Rule-3.6[b]), shall be used whenever practical to indicate possession. For example:

            ‘A dog might entertain itself by chasing it(p)s tail.’.

Similarly:

‘Arthur Balfour(p)s uncle was Robert Gascoigne-Cecil (known as: ‘Bob’). That is to say: ‘‘Bob was his uncle.’’.’.

Rule-6.5(b):

The introduction of the papostrophe allows for a far greater degree of logic. This is especially true, in the case of the selected perspectives.

We are able to say:

• ‘If something belongs to Olga, it is Olga(p)s.’,

• ‘If something belongs to one, it is one(p)s’,

• If something belongs to he, it is he(p)s’,

• If something belongs to she, it is she(p)s

• If something belongs to it, it is it(p)s

  and

• ‘If something belongs to them, it is them(p)s.’,

Rule-6.5(b) is a rule-mytbe.

Rule-6.6:

A further statement can be made, with respect to the selected perspectives. The fact that the papostrophe has been introduced by convention, makes no difference to the way the papostrophe is used, by comparison to the correct possessive-use of the traditional apostrophe.

Here are some examples:

• ‘Mr Jones(p)s house has a bright blue door.’,

• ‘The Joneses(p) house has a bright blue door.’,

• ‘The rugby-playyers(p) shirts got very muddy.’.

Rule-6.6 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-6.7:

In most cases, with respect to the selected perspectives, possession is indicated by taking the original noun and adding papostrophe-s. For example: ‘Paddington-Bear(p)s suitcase was filled with marmalade sandwiches.’

Rule-6.7(a):

When the noun ends with the letter ‘s’, or a letter that makes a similar phonetic sound such as: ‘x’, then Rule-6.7 still applies. For example: ‘I borrowwed Charles(p)s book’, or ‘The brambles stuck to the fox(p)s fur.’.

Rule-6.7(b):

When a noun is made plural by the addition of a letter ‘s’ or similarities such as: ‘e-s’, or ‘i-e-s’, then the papostrophe appears after the additionally-appended ‘s’ with no further letters. For example: ‘The Browns(p) brand-new car was delivered last week.’, ‘The Davises(p) holiday was refreshing.’, ‘The Barries(p) garden was very neat.’.

Rule-6.7(c):

When the plural form of the noun is irregular, then the possessive form of the plural noun follows the same guidance as set-out in Rule-6.7. For example: ‘The children(p)s classmates were all friendly.’, or ‘The people(p)s representative was elected democratically.’.

Rules-6.7, through to -6.7(c) are all rules-tanse.

Rule-6.8:

In cases where there is attribution rather than possession, the use of the papostrophe would be equally wrong by comparison to the traditional apostrophe. A higgs boson does not belong to Professor Peter Higgs, but these sub-atomic particles have been named after, Professor Peter Higgs. Thus, both: ‘higgs’ boson’ and ‘higgs(p) boson’ would be presentations that breach The Croydon Convention™. Rule-6.8 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-6.9:

Rule-6.3, (concerning the use of possession indicators), relates to the use of the traditional apostrophe. A parallel rule applies to the use of the papostrophe. That is to say: ‘The use of the papostrophe will be the same for both ownership-possession and relationship-possession.’. Rule 6.9 is a rule-tanse.

For example:

‘Billy Joel(p)s ex-wife – Christie Brinkley – is said to be the inspiration behind Billy Joel(p)s big hit song Uptown Girl.’.

Rule-6.10:

This rule has been left blank for future revision, concerning possessive indicators for the first-person.

Rule-6.11:

This rule has been left blank for future revision ,concerning possessive indicators for the second-person.

Rule-6.12:

One of the ultimate aims of The Croydon Convention™ is to make possessive indicators for the third-person, more rational and easier to understand.

For example, if a pencil belongs to Yasmin: it is Yasmin(p)s pencil. Therefore, if a pencil belongs to her: it is her(p)s pencil. The traditional requirement as set out in the table displayyed under Rule-6.1(a), is to say: ‘It is her pencil.’ – with no papostrophe-s.

Similarly, if a pencil belongs to Omar: it is Omar(p)s pencil. Therefore, if he is the owner, then the pencil belongs to he, (logical), as opposed to, ‘him’, (traditional). Thus, it is he(p)s pencil. (logical) as opposed to, ‘his pencil’, (traditional).

Rule-6.12(a):

Based upon the logic of Rule-6.12, the idea can be extended to the third-person-plural. Bill and Ted(p)s bogus journey was a bogus journey for them. Thus, it would be: ‘Them(p)s bogus journey’, (logical), as opposed to: ‘Their bogus journey’, (traditional). Note: in this context, reference is made to a typical pairring known as: ‘Bill and Ted’. The genstat used is not the title of a film, and so it does not appear in italics. The well-known film merely supplied the inspiration for the example that is used.

Rule-6.12(b):

An extract from the table displayyed under Rule-6.1(a) would then read as follows:

7. 3-p-s-p-a: This is Olga(p)s time.,

8. 3-p-s-p-s: This time is Olga(p)s.,

9. 3-p-s-p-o: This time belongs to Olga.,

10. 3-p-s-m-a: This is he(p)s time.,

11. 3-p-s-m-s: This time is he(p)s.,

12. 3-p-s-m-o: This time belongs to he.,

13. 3-p-s-f-a: This is she(p)s time.,

14. 3-p-s-f-s: This time is she(p)s.,

15. 3-p-s-f-o: This time belongs to she.,

16. 3-p-s-n-a: This is one(p)s time.,

17. 3-p-s-n-s: This time is one(p)s.,

18. 3-p-s-n-o: This time belongs to one.,

19. 3-p-s-i-a: This is it(p)s time.,

20. 3-p-s-i-s: This time is it(p)s .,

21. 3-p-s-i-o: This time belongs to it.,

28. 3-p-p-p-a: This is Jack and Jill(p)s time.,

29. 3-p-p-p-s: This time is Jack and Jill(p)s.,

30. 3-p-p-p-o: This time belongs to Jack and Jill.,

31. 3-p-p-i-a: This is them(p)s time.,

32. 3-p-p-i-s: This time is them(p)s.,

33. 3-p-p-i-o: This time belongs to them..

Rule-6.12(c):

The options listed under Rule-6.12(b) are logical, and therefore The Croydon Convention™  not only permits, but positively favors the various presentations set-out under Rule-6.12(b). Rule 6.12(c) is a rule-mytbe.

Rule-6.12(d):

Permission is granted for those who choose to use the traditional options set-out under Rule-6.1(a), to continue to use those options. Rule 6.12(d) is a rule-eseap.

Rule-6.12(e):

To illustrate how the idea set-out in Rule-6.12(c) would work, an imaginary review of a well-known book is provided twice – once in traditional style, and once in a revised style.

First Review

‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is a famous book written by Douglas Adams. In his story, Adams introduces a number of characters including: Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, and Slartibartfast. Arthur discovers his world has been decimated by a decision to destroy The Planet Earth in order to build an intergalactic highway. Arthur and Ford then embark on an incredible journey. Whilst on their travels, they meet Slartibartfast who claims to have originally designed the norwegian fjords.The character explains that an award was given to him for that design.’,

Second Review

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is a famous book written by Douglas Adams. In he(p)s story, Adams introduces a number of characters including: Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, and Slartibartfast. Arthur discovers he(p)s world has been decimated by a decision to destroy The Planet Earth in order to build an intergalactic highway. Arthur and Ford then embark on an incredible journey. Whilst on them(p)s travels, they meet Slartibartfast who claims to have originally designed the norwegian fjords. The character explains that an award was given to he for that design.’.

Rule-6.12(f):

It is then possible to comment upon the two reviews provided:

First Review

The review has a natural sound to people who are used to traditional possessive pronouns. However, there is no meaningful reason for the use of traditional words such as: ‘his’, ‘their’ and ‘him’.

Second Review

The review sounds awkward to those who are used to traditional words. Nevertheless, the review can still be clearly understood, and the consistent use of the pronouns: ‘he’, and: ‘them’, together with appropriate papostrophes, clearly has a logical basis.

Rule-6.12(g):

As set-out in Rules-6.12(c) and -6.12(d). the convention permits the use of the traditional possessive indicators as a rule-eseap, but equally permits the use of the more logical variants as a rule-mytbe.

Division-7

General Rules for Punctuation within Formal Printed Text

Rule-7.1:

Punctuation works in a similar way to signposts along a road. The use of punctuation advises the beholder how a written work should be read, as if it was to be read out-loud. This is similar to musical instructions, for example: ‘allegro’, to play quickly and brightly, or ‘piano’, to play softly, (in this context).

Rule-7.2:

An analogy can be drawn with mathematical notation.

            For example: 4 x 3 + 2 = 12 + 2 = 14.

            Whereas: 4 x (3 + 2) = 4 x 5 = 20.

In the same way that mathematical notation indicates how to perform a calculation, punctuation indicates how to read a text.

Rule-7.3:

The fundamental role of punctuation is to communicate to the beholder, how the writer intended for the wording to be read. Accordingly, The Croydon Convention™ does not prescribe what punctuation to use in certain circumstances. Writers are allowwed to choose for themselves what the punctuation should be, according to the message the writer wishes to deliver. For example, the use of The Oxford Comma, is neither required nor prohibitted. The writer decides whether or not to use an oxford-comma, depending upon the message that the writer wishes to convey. For example:

‘I saw a cat, eatting fish.’,

would be appropriate if somebody had observed a feline munching on some piscine flesh.

By contrast:

‘I saw a cat-eatting fish.’,

would be appropriate if somebody had observed a feline being devourred by a piscine.

Rule-7.3(a):

The freedom of a writer to design punctuation for themselves, means that there is no requirement within The Croydon Convention™ to use specific words associated with specific punctuation-marks. The, (arguably-archaic), tradition of genstat comma ‘which’, or genstat no-comma ‘that’, is neither required, nor prohibited, by the convention.

Rule-7.3(b):

Whilst the convention grants to writers, the freedom to make their own choices about punctuation, noncompulsory guidance is provided.

Rule-7.3(c):

A useful tip, is to use the power of the most up-to-date technology. Many computers will provide the option to read text out-loud. A writer would be well advised to use this facility, as it will give a writer an idea of how the words written would appear when somebody else is readding what has been written. The machine mimics what a human might do if readding text. Thus, if the machine reads something out-loud, and the sentence sounds odd, then it will probably be the case that another human-being would also struggle to understand what has been written. This will indicate to the writer whether to add, (or remove), a comma. Another indication provided, would be to highlight whether a long sentence should be broken-up into shorter sentences, and vice versa.

Rule-7.3(d):

Another useful biproduct of using the read-aloud function, is that errors can be spotted, which might otherwise be missed. This is not strictly a punctuation issue, nevertheless, it is still a useful writing tip. Consider a sentence such as: ‘I send-out at least fifty christmas-cars every year.’. Such an error would not be highlighted by a word-processor, because the word: ‘cars’, is a common english word. Asking a computer to read the sentence out-loud would make the error more obvious.

Rule-7.4:

Some forms of punctuation indicate a pause. A full-stop (.), is a pause of about one second. A comma (,), is a pause of a shorter period, – about half a second. A semi-colon (;) is a pause in-between the two, – about three-quarters of a second.

A full colon (:) is used before an announcement. For example:

‘An example of a document that enshrines linguistic rules is: The Croydon Convention™.’.

Rule-7.4(a):

Commas, semi-colons, and colons, are collectively known as: ‘Short-Pause-Indicators’, because these markings do not indicate the end of a sentence. Longer-Pause-Indicators – also known as: ‘Sentence-Stoppers’, – are discussed in Rules-7.8 through to -7.8(f).

Rule-7.5:

Other forms of punctuation indicate an aside, which is spoken more quietly. This can include dashes: ( – ), and brackets. For example, when William Shakespeare penned The Winter’s Tale he did not have access to a word-processor to enable him to give the stage direction: ‘(Exit pursued by a bear.)’. Modern technology makes it far easier to indicate that this phrase is tangential to the principal text being written.

Rule-7.5(a):

Where a bracketed-phrase, appears within another bracketed-phrase, the same style is used as applies to Mathematics. That is: round-brackets, – ( ) – for the overall enclosure, square brackets, – [ ] – for a secondary enclosure, and curly brackets, – { } – for a tertiary enclosure. Nested brackets are useful when providing additional layers of information or clarification, within a sentence, such as citing sources, or offerring commentary within quoted material.

For example:

            ‘Last night, (Wednesday 28th, [my birthday {many years ago}]), I visitted the theater.’

Rule-7.6:

A hyphen (-) is used to join words together so that the entire genstat acts as if it was one single word. When words are joinned together by a hyphen, the constituent words are read immediately after each other without any pause, for example: ‘mind-blowing’. If a hyphenated genstat is to be presented in plural form, then the rules of Division-16 apply.

Rule-7.7:

Sometimes a writer is writing-freely, that is to say: ‘They are writing whatever comes into their head, if it seems appropriate. On other occasions the writer will be constrainned by what they are compelled to say, because a message has already been deliverred, and the writer is simply repeatting that message. This is known as: a pre-determined message. Quotation-marks are used to indicate a message which is pre-determined. Thus, a message that is freely-written is presented in normal prose. Pre-determined words within the freely-written message are then indicated by quotation-marks. There are special rules for quotations as set-out in Division-12.

Rule-7.7(a):

Of equal importance to the rules about knowwing when and how quotation-marks should be used, there are situations when quotation-marks should not be used.

Here is an example:

Winston Churchill made a speech in which he referred to ‘… an iron curtain…’. Because Winston Churchill spoke those words, those words appear within quotation-marks. Nevertheless, The Iron Curtain is a concept, and therefore, (in accordance with Rule-4.5), the name of that concept does not appear within quotation-marks. Thus, we might say: ‘The proper name assigned to the concept of The Iron Curtain, comes from a speech which uses the phrase: ‘‘ … an iron curtain …’’.’.

Rule-7.8:

At the end of a sentence, a sentence-stopper is used to advise the beholder to pause for a significant amount of time, – about one second.

Rule-7.8(a):

The recognized sentence-stoppers are:

• Full-stops (Also known as: ‘periods’) (.),

• Question-marks (?),

• Exclamation-marks (!),

  and

• Interrobangs (‽),– where a question-mark, and an exclamation-mark are combined..

Rule-7.8(b):

Every completed sentence should end with a sentence-stopper. Accordingly, if a sentence is enclosed within a sentence, then it would be appropriate to use a sentence-stopper twice, (or more times), in succession. For example, in the list presented in Rule-7.8(a), there is a sentence which explains what an interrobang is. That sentence ends with a full-stop. That sentence is part of a list which ends with the sentence about the interrobang. Accordingly, two full-stops are shown after the word: ‘… combined’. The requirement to end every sentence with a sentence stopper , (even if that means two full-stops in immediate succession), is consistent with similar requirements for other circumstances. This concept is known as: ‘nesting’. Nesting is often used in Mathematics, because it is logical to do so. That same logic can be applied to grammatical issues. One speech might be inside another speech. One aside might be within another aside. Accordingly, one sentence might be within another sentence.

Rule-7.8(c):

If a sentence-stopper is followwed by another sentence, then, (whenever practical), the first word of the new sentence should begin with a capital letter. This rule applies even if the first word is a common word, for example the word: ‘it’, and even if the first word is a registerred trademark which normally begins with a script letter, for example the word: ‘eBay’. Rule-7.8(c) is a rule-tanse.

Consider the followwing, (somewhat contrived), paragraph:

‘A development of The Late-One-Hundred-and-Twentieth Century, was eBay, (small initial letter ‘e’, as per the trademark). EBay, (capital letter ‘E’, for the start of a new sentence, capital letter ‘B’ as registerred in the trademark), has become a very well-known platform for exchanging goods. This, (capital ‘T’ for the start of a new sentence), is because, it, (small initial ‘i’, for a pronoun), uses the power, (common noun), of The Internet, (proper name). It ,(Capital initial letter, for a pronoun at the start of a new sentence), is a platform used by numerous people. 6 people, in my household alone, are regular users of eBay. (The digit ‘6’, cannot be capitalised. The followwing word: ‘people’, starts with a lowercase ‘p’, because this word is a common word, and yet at the same time, it is not the first genstat of the sentence.).

Re-written as:

‘A development of The Late-One-Hundred-and-Twentieth Century, was eBay. EBay, has become a very well-known platform for exchanging goods. This is because, it uses the power of The Internet. It is a platform used by numerous people. 6 people, in my household alone, are regular users of eBay.

Rule-7.8(d):

If, (for any reason), it is not practical to start the first genstat with a capital letter, (for example if it is an emoji), then the second genstat is considerred to be part of the normal prose of the sentence. Accordingly, if the second genstat is a standard word, that word does not begin with a capital letter, unless another rule applies.

For example:

‘® (impossible to capitalize) is (small initial ‘i’, because the word: ‘is’, is not the first genstat of the sentence) a symbol to indicate a registerred trademark.

Re-written as:

            ‘® is a symbol to indicate a registerred trademark.’.

Rule-7.8(e):

The very first genstat of a completely new text should begin with a capital letter, whenever it is practical to do so. As with Rule-7.8(c), this rule applies even if the word is a common word, or even if the word is a registerred trademark. Rule-7.8(e) is consistent with comparable principles set-out in Rule-4.3(b), which considers capitalization in the case of proper names.

Rule-7.8(f):

The Croydon Convention™, requires capitalization, (where possible), of the very first genstat of a new sentence. However, this does not mean that a pre-requisite of capitalization is a previous sentence-stopper.

Thus, a genstat could, (but not necessarily must), read:

• Sentence-1, ending with a full-stop, Sentence-2, beginning with a capital letter.,

  or

• Normal prose, no pause-indicators, proper name.,

  or

• Normal prose, short-pause-indicator, proper name.,

  or

• Normal prose, colon, openning quotation-marks, quoted sentence beginning with a capital letter..

Rule-7.9:

The requirement to use a sentence-stopper only applies if there is a sentence to be stopped. Some genstats do not constitute sentences. Examples include, (but are not limitted to):

            Titles, Definitions, and Narrative-Instructions.

If a genstat is not a sentence, then that genstat can cease without the need for a sentence stopper. Nevertheless, (depending upon the circumstances), it might be appropriate to use another pause-indicator after such a genstat. For example, (in the list provided), there is a comma after the word: ‘Titles’, and another comma after the word: ‘Definitions’.

For example: Songs which appear on the-beatles album: Abbey Road, are listed as:

• Come Together (no full-stop) ,(comma)

• Something (no full-stop) ,(comma)

• Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (no full-stop) ,(comma)

  and so on until

• Your Majesty . (full-stop at the end of a list).

Division-8

General Rules for Presenting Symbols within Formal Printed Text

Rule-8.1:

Subject to the overriding provisions of Rule-8.1(a), for the purposes of The Croydon Convention™, ‘a symbol’, is defined as:

            ‘A letter, figure, or sign, that represents a full genstat.’

Rule-8.1(a):

A punctuation-mark is not a symbol (in this context). For rules concerning punctuation, please refer to Division-7.

Rule-8.1(b):

An abbreviation is not, in itself, a symbol, although symbols can be used as abbreviations. For the rules concerning abbreviations please refer to Division-9.

Rule-8.1(c):

Examples of symbols shall include, (but shall not be limitted to):

Digits (0 to 9), ampersands (‘&’), letters from other languages, for example ‘π’, emojis, for example, ‘😊‘, recognized representations, for example, ‘£’, letters from the roman alphabet used as if they were symbols, for example, mathematicians might use the letter: ‘a’, written with italics in accordance with Rule-5.1(a).

Rule-8.2:

There are various features of symbols that do not apply to normal letters. For example, some symbols cannot be capitalized. Symbols which can be capitalized might change their meanning if capitalization is applied. For example: ‘e’, can be used to represent a mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.718. However, ‘E’, is recognized in Physics as representing the phenomenon of Energy.

Rule-8.2(a):

The presentation of symbols should follow the usual rules of the convention, unless those rules are superseded by the rules set-out below in this division. That is: Rules-8.3 through to -8.8.

Rule-8.3:

If it is physically possible to capitalize a symbol, but to do so would change the meanning, (for example: ‘e’ does not mean the same as: ‘E’), then the requirement to communicate set-out in Rule-2.1 will supersede any requirement to capitalize, or to treat in any other way, for example a requirement to italicize, or not to italicize.

Rule-8.4:

The Croydon Convention™ is completely neutral on the question of whether to use digits or written words. For example, (in terms of communication), the genstat: ‘There are sixty minutes in an hour.’, is neither preferred, nor disfavorred, compared to the genstat: ‘There are 60 minutes in an hour.’. This principle applies to all numbers that can be expressed in digital form. For example, the convention permits the genstat: ‘Five people’, and equally permits the genstat: ‘5 people’.

Rule-8.4(a):

In view of the neutrality of the convention, as set-out in Rule-8.4 (above), beholders of formal written text, (for example, publishers), are free to establish their own standards about what principles they wish to apply when considerring the use of digits versus words.

Rule-8.5:

When presenting numerical information, the requirements of Rule-2.1, (‘Communication is paramount’), should be used as a guide to presentation of numerical information. For example, the common-era date: ‘1984’ (11984 [H-E]), would not normally be presented as: ‘nineteen-eighty-four’ (uara). In the case of a composition written by George Orwell, another rule does apply, because we have authoritatively been informed, that the title of that book is: ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’. It would also be wrong to present the year 11984 (H-E) as: ‘11,984 (H-E)’. It may be true that before that particular year began, there had been 11,984 completed years since the start of The Human Era. Nevertheless, to refer to that year as: ’11,984 (H-E)’ is likely to hinder communication, which is contrary to the requirements of Rule-2.1.

Rule-8.5(a):

The use of commas within numerical information is required (uara). As explainned in Rule-8.5 (above), Rule-8.5(a) will be superseded in special circumstances, such as numerical references to years. However, unless Rule-8.5(a) is superseded, the requirement is that when moving three places to the left of the decimal point, and also three places to the right of the decimal point, then the digits should be separated by commas. For example, ‘ten-million’, would be presented as: ’10,000,000’, whilst the approximate value of π, would be presented as: ‘3.142,15’. The requirement of this convention to use commas both to the left, and to the right, of the decimal point, will be criticized by those who favor tradition. However, Rule-2.1 is paramount within this convention. The use of commas in both directions, aids communication.

Rule-8.5(b):

In order to be consistent with Rule-8.5, the requirements in Rule-8.5(a) will be superseded in various special circumstances. Circumstances where Rule-8.5(a) is superseded will include, (but shall not be limitted to):

• Bank account numbers,

• Sort codes,

• Credit-card numbers,

• Telephone numbers,

• Verification codes,

• Internal business references.

In view of the fact that, Rule-8.5(a) will inevitably have exceptions, Rule-8.5(a) is designated as a rule-uara. Rule-8.5(a) is subsidary to, Rule-8.5(b), which is a rule-tanse.

Rule-8.5(c):

In cases where Rule-8.5(a) has been superseded by Rule 8.5(b), the presentation should be the presentation that is most easily understood, as required by Rule-2.1. For example, the format of bank account numbers will be: ‘12345678’, (or whatever), whilst the format for sort codes will be: ‘00-00-00’, and so on.

Rule-8.6:

A cardinal number is a number presented in the usual format, for example: ‘1, 2, 3, 4 …’. An ordinal number is a number that presents an order, for example: ‘1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th …’. To aid communication Rule 8.5(a) applies to both cardinal and ordinal numbers. For example, the four-thousand-six-hundred-and-eighty-third person to apply for a concert ticket would be presented as: ‘… the 4,683rd person’. Rule-8.6 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-8.7:

When writing digital-numbers in word-format, the numbers are written as they would be spoken, and at the same time presented with hyphens throughout the genstat, in order to indicate that the worded presentation refers to, one single number. This principle applies to both cardinal and ordinal numbers. For example: ‘twenty-six-thousand-five-hundred-and-thirty-six, (26,536),’ or ‘The Twenty-Fifth Amendment, to The Constitution of The United States of America’. Rule-8.7 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-8.8:

The requirement of Rule-2.1, (communication is paramount), necessarily means that large and complex numbers, should be presented as digits, whenever it is possible to do so. Thus: ‘fourteen’, is just as easy to understand as: ‘14’, but a number such as, The Planck Constant, (6.626 x 10⁻³⁴[m².kg]/s), would be virtually unreaddable, if written out in words. Presenting The Planck Constant, in words would contravene Rule-2.1.

Rule-8.8(a):

The convention would, however, permit worded-presentation if the purpose of doing so, is to highlight why, (in the ordinary course of communication), worded presentation would be inappropriate. In such cases, it would be permitted to write-out: ‘The value of The Planck Constant is: six-point-six-two-six times ten-to-the-power of minus-thirty-four, meters-squared-kilograms per second’.

Division-9

General Rules for the Use of Abbreviations within Formal Printed Text

Rule-9.1:

Abbreviations can be sub-divided into various categories as follows:

• Replacements: For example: v-v, to replace: ‘Vice Versa’.,

• Substitutions: For example: ‘Ceteris Paribus’, meanning: ‘ … all other things being equal …’.,

• Shortenings: For example: ‘bus’, as opposed to: ‘omnibus’.,

• Contractions: For example: ‘Canᶜt’, as opposed to: ‘cannot’.,

• Initials: For example: H-M-R-C, – His Majestyᵖs Revenue and Customs.

• Acronyms: For example: DEFRA, – The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs,

• Symbols, (including emojis), for example: ‘😊‘, ‘+’, ‘©’, and ‘ ™ ’.

Rule-9.2:

The category of abbreviation, as shown in the list above is not usually important. The same principles apply in all cases. The rules in Division-9 should be read in conjunction with Rule-2.2(a), which states: ‘It is better to make the mistake of being too patronizing, than to make the mistake of being overly presumptive.’. This means that the writer should take care to ensure that the beholder is able to understand the abbreviation. If there is any possibility of doubt, then explain.

Rule-9.2(a):

The question of where to strike the balance will inevitably produce the answer: ‘It all depends.’. The total avoidance of abbreviations can be just as much an inhibitor, to communication, as the excessive use of abbreviations. Nobody, (unless the intention is to make a grammatical point), would write a sentence such as:

‘I was watching a television program transmitted by The British Broadcasting Corporation, at eight of the clock post meridian which reported that even omnibuses had to be registerred with The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, because a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization is concerned about the risk of trinitrotoluene being transported by an enthusiast for self-containned underwater breathing apparatus.’.

(‘I was watching t-v and saw a B-B-C program at 8 pm about buses being registerred with The DVLA, because a quango is concerned about the risk of TNT being transported by a scuba diver.’)

Nor, would anyone write a (formal) sentence, addressed to a bank manager saying:

            ‘OMG Gen-Zs trans pics via X.’.

(Goodness, people born around-about the turn-of-the-century, transfer pictures using a social-media platform, previously known as: ‘Twitter’.)

Rule-9.3:

When a word, or phrase, has been turned into a contraction, it is traditional to incorporate an apostrophe (’). This can create confusion as apostrophes are also used, by tradition, to indicate possession. A common problem is when to use ‘it’s’, or ‘its’. For this reason, it is recommended that a papostrophe (superscript ‘p’) is used to indicate possession, (as explained in Rule-6.2), whilst a capostrophe (superscript ‘c’) is used to indicate contraction, (as explainned in Rule 9.3). For example:

‘Itᶜs important that a formal text doesnᶜt confuse itᵖs readers, by the inappropriate use of apostrophes.’

In the above example, ‘itᶜs’, is a contraction of the genstat: ‘it is’, whilst ‘itᵖs’, is an indication that an item belongs to: it. Rule-9.3, is a rule-mytbe.

Rule-9.3(a):

Permission is granted for the use of traditional indications of contraction for example:

 ‘It’s important that a formal text doesn’t confuse its readers, by the inappropriate use of apostrophes.’(The first appearance of the word: ‘it’, has an apostrophe-s, because, it is a contraction. The second appearance of the same word, has no apostrophe, because, the pronoun is possessive.).

Rule-9.3(a), is a rule-eseap.

Rule-9.4:

It is important that the beholder is able to understand the abbreviation which is being used. For example, it is not necessary to explain an abbreviation in widespread everyday use: such as: ‘C-B-E’. However, if there is likely to be any doubt, then the recommended approach is to use the full-length version on the first occasion with the abbreviation alongside. For example:

‘The Croydon Convention™ is published by The Croydon Convention Consultative Committee Ltd (or ‘The CCCC’).’.

After this initial introduction, a writer can use the abbreviation: ‘CCCC’ throughout the text, without further explanation.

Rule-9.4(a):

Similarly, it would be completely acceptable to write to a professor of economics and say:

            ‘Ceteris paribus, tariffs, will have an impact upon trade.’

However, for most readers it would be necessary to either replace the caveat: ‘ceteris paribus’, with the phrase: ‘… all other things being equal …’, or to explain the meanning of ‘ceteris paribus’ at the start of the communication, and then repeatting that phrase, (without explanation), on subsequent occasions.

Rule-9.5:

Tradition states that some notable abbreviations are not permitted, for example the contraction: ‘ainᶜt’.  Tradition also criticizes contractions such as: ‘wonᶜt’, and requires the use of the full-length: ‘will not’. This is essentially a word-usage issue, rather than an abbreviation issue. More is said about word-usage in Division-17. Suffice to say, that The Croydon Convention™ neither prohibits, nor encourages, the use of these contractions.

Rule-9.6:

Tradition states that many abbreviations call for additional presentation requirements, for example: ‘Mr.’ (M, r, full-stop). The Croydon Convention™ takes the view that this form of presentation actually hinders communication, because there are other uses for full-stops. For example, a full-stop is a punctuation-mark. The problem has become even more significant in recent years as full-stops are often used in website addresses. Accordingly, it is a requirement of The Croydon Convention™ that full-stops should be eliminated from abbreviations whenever it is possible to do so. This can often be done by simply not bothering to include the, (arguably-archaic), full-stop. Examples include: ‘Ms’, ‘Prof’, ‘Dr’, ‘Rt Hon’, ‘Col’, ‘Co Ltd’, St, ‘etc’, etcetera. Full-stops can also be eliminated by the use of short dashes, for example: ‘e-g’. Other examples include: ‘i-e’, and ‘N-B’.

Rule-9.6(a):

One of the wonders of modern technology, is that machines can now read text out-loud for the benefit of those who are visually-impairred. Whilst such machines have amazing abilities, it is still important, in terms of communication, to make readding the abbreviation as easy as possible for such machines. Accordingly, it is stated as being against the convention to use, (the arguably-archaic), ‘e-full-stop-g-full-stop’. Nevertheless, at the same time it is also against the convention to write: ‘eg’, (with no spaces). The reason for this is because a machine might read that word as: ‘egg’, which can be confusing for the visually-impairred. For this reason, the requirement of The Croydon Convention™ is to use dashes to indicate that letters are to be sounded out. This rule applies even if the letters are consonants. Examples include: ‘e-g’, ‘i-e’, ‘c-c’, and ‘N-B’. By tradition the usual abbreviation for Information Technology is: ‘IT’. It would aid communication if that abbreviation is presented as: ‘I-T’. Similarly, reference to a well-known bank might be better written as: ‘H-S-B-C’.

Rule-9.7:

When a reference is made to a year it is a frequent practice to omit the digits on the left-hand-side, as that part of the year reference is (often) superfluous. For example: ‘The Berlin Wall became a thing-of-the-past in November ᶜ89.’.

Rule-9.7(a):

Great care should be taken when contracting year references, because the beholder needs to be as clear as the original writer about which period is being referred to. For example: ‘The Gregorian Calendar replaced The Julian Calendar in ᶜ52.’, might be interpretted as 11952, when in fact this event took place in 11752.

Rule-9.7(b):

To avoid any possible confusion, dates which took place more than one hundred years ago, should use more than two digits for the year reference. This principle also applies to anticipated dates in The Future. Rule-9.7(b) is a rule-tanse.

Here are some examples:

• Google was first launched in ᶜ98,

• The French Revolution took place in 11789,

• The designated birth-date, for Captain James T Kirk, of The USS Enterprise, is: 22nd March, 12233.

Rule-9.7(c):

The use of contracted dates can help to resolve any tensions surrounding common-era dates and holocene-era dates. For example, it could be stated: ‘The Croydon Convention™ was first published, (in itᵖs original form), in ᶜ2025.’. This presentation acknowledges the desire on the part of the writer to use holocene-era dates, but allows for the possibility that a beholder might prefer common-era dates. Thus, the list produced in Rule 9.7(b) could be re-written as:

• Google was first launched in ᶜ98,

• The French Revolution took place in ᶜ1789,

• The designated birth-date, for Captain James T Kirk, of The USS Enterprise, is: 22nd March, ᶜ2233.

Rule-9.7(d):

Contracted dates can often be used for a range of dates. For example: ‘Joan of Arc led her forces into battle against The English during the ᶜ1400s.’ or ‘Flower Power was a movement during the ᶜ60s.’

Rule-9.7(e):

In these situations, the years being referred to, are nouns. Care should be taken to correctly use, plural-form nouns, and possessive-form nouns. The writer simply has to ask: ‘Is the appended ‘s’ used for just plurality, or both possession and plurality?’.

Here are some examples:

• Baby-Boomers were born during the ᶜ1950s and ᶜ60s. (plural-form),

• Live Aid was an event of the ᶜ1980sᵖ. (Possessive-form of the plural-form).

Division-10

General Rules for Attaching Prefixes within Formal Printed Text

Rule 10.1:

In General English the word: ‘prefix’, applies to any combination of letters and/or digits that is placed in front of another word.

Rule 10.1(a):

The Croydon Convention™ slightly modifies this definition for technical reasons. Those reasons will be explained under Rule-10.3(h).

Rule 10.2:

Examples of prefixes in the general-english-usage sense, include:

• ‘Royal’, – as in: ‘Royal Tunbridge Wells’,

• ‘The first’, – as in: ‘The First Newton Law of Motion’,

• ‘Super’ – as in: ‘superannuation’,

• ‘Non’ – as in: ‘noncompliance’,

• ‘Mon’, or ‘Mono’, – as in: ‘monarchy’, ‘monolithic’, and ‘monorail’.

Rule-10.2(a):

There can be various reasons for using such prefixes, including status, or emphasis, or meanning-change.

Rule-10.3:

The Croydon Convention™ focuses attention upon prefixes that do not form standalone words. For example, the prefix: ‘Non’, is both a generic and conventional prefix because it cannot stand alone.

Rule-10.3(a):

Attention is drawn to Rule-3.8, which defines the term: ‘nonstandalone genstat’. One of the points made is that many genstats have the potential to be standalone, and nonstandalone, both at the same time. To explain this principle in greater detail, it may be useful to take a close look, at the common english phrase: ‘To assess the pros and cons’.

Rule-10.3(b):

The two genstats: ‘pros’, and: ‘cons’, have various similarities. Both of these words are expressed in plural form. Both are capable of being standalone words. Both are trigraphs, (‘units that are three letters long, in their single form’). In both cases the standalone usage is informal. The fact that such usage is informal, makes no difference, in terms of applying the rules of the convention. Whether a word is formal or not, the word still stands alone. Both of these two genstats can also be conventional prefixes, because, (depending upon the context), the two genstats can both be nonstandalone prefixes.

Rule-10.3(c):

The word: ‘pro’, can be used as an informal abbreviation for the word: ‘professional’. For example: ‘A pro-golfer is paid to play Golf.’. However, ‘pro’, can also be used as a nonstandalone prefix, which means: ‘support for’. For example, the word: ‘prochoice’. If an individual is described as being; ‘prochoice’, that person supports the idea of allowwing people to make their own choices. When ‘pro’, is used as an abbreviation, then the rules within Division-10, do not apply, in the same way that the rules do not apply to other standalone words. However, the provisions of Division-10, do apply if the genstat: ‘pro’, is used in the context of being an indication of support. This is because, (in that context), ‘pro’, is a nonstandalone genstat.

Rule-10.3(d):

‘A con’, is an informal abbreviation for the phrase: ‘confidence-trick’. In this context, ‘con’, is a standalone word. However, ‘con’, can also be a nonstandalone prefix meaning: ‘together’. Many examples are based upon Latin, however a direct example from English is the word: ‘confederation’, which is an arrangement where many federations agree to work together. Accordingly, ‘con’, is another example of a generic prefix which is capable of being both standalone, and nonstandalone.

Rule-10.3(e):

However, in the case of the genstat: ‘pros and cons’, the trigraph: ‘con’, has a completely different meanning to the definitions supplied in Rule-10.3(d). Even so, the trigraph: ‘pro’ maintains the meanning of: ‘support for’. In the context of: ‘pros and cons’, ‘cons’ ,is an abbreviation for ‘contras’. ‘Contra’ is itself a nonstandalone prefix, meanning: ‘against’. Once again most of the etymology comes from Latin, however an english example is the verb: ‘to flow’, where; ‘contraflow’, means: ‘against the usual direction of flow’.

Rule-10.3(f):

Thus, the phrase: ‘to assess the pros and cons’, means: ‘To take into account both the reasons for an option, and the reasons against an option. That is to say, (in this context), ‘a pro’, is: ‘an argument in support of an option’, whilst: ‘a con’, is: ‘an argument against an option.’ Thus, (in this context), ‘a pro’ is: ‘A standalone word for a nonstandalone prefix which means: ‘‘support for’’ ’, whilst: ‘a con’ is: ‘A standalone word for a nonstandalone prefix which means: ‘‘against’’ ’.

Rule-10.3(g):

After establishing the difference between’ ‘a standalone prefix’, and ‘a nonstandalone prefix’, the inevitable follow-up question will be: ‘Why does this matter?’.

Rule-10.3(h):

This distinction exists because, if a word can function on itᵖs own, there is no need for conventional rules. The writer is free to decide for themselves how to use the generic prefix, and the subsequent word. Examples include:

• ‘Data’, as in: ‘data base’, ‘data-base’, or ‘database’,

• ‘Straight’, as in: ‘straight forward’, ’straight-forward’, or ‘straightforward’,

• Summer, as in: ‘summer time’, ‘summer-time’, and ‘summertime’,

and many more.

In all of these cases, (according to the convention), it is for the writer to decide on the appropriate treatment (uara). Rule-10.3(h) is a rule-twigd.

Rule-10.3(i):

Examples of genstats that are both generic and conventional prefixes at the same time include:

• co,

• dis,

• inter,

• pre,

• re,

and many more.

Rule-10.3(j):

Whilst the convention grants a writer the freedom to decide, in the case of standalone prefixes, some noncompulsory advice can be given.

Rule-10.3(k)

(With the exception of a hyphen), a punctuation-mark between words, advises a readder to pause, albeit briefly. By contrast, no punctuation-mark indicates that there is hardly any pause at all. For example, in the phrase: ‘hardly any pause at all’, there is no punctuation between the words, so the phrase reads smoothly without interruption.

Rule-10.3(l)

Conjoining with a hyphen, indicates rapid-fire continuation, as demonstrated by the compound-genstat: 'rapid-fire', where the hyphen signals a close connection between the two words.

Rule-10.3(m)

A word-merger occurs when two separate words appear as one single word, for example: ‘tomboy’. Creating a word by conjoining two separate words is also known as: ‘concatenation’.

Rule-10.3(n)

It follows from the advice given by rules-10.3(k), (l), and (m), that a writer should be guided by the sound they wish to communicate. The followwing examples illustrate the point.

• ‘It is extra ordinary to discover a work-of-art hidden in an attic.’,

• ‘It takes an extra-ordinary person to devote their private time to charitable causes.’,

• ‘It is extraordinary to learn that Humankind used to believe that The Earth was at the center of The Universe.’.

A further example now follows:

‘Maybe The Croydon Convention™ is a radical idea.’ compared to: ‘It may be that The Croydon Convention™ is very radical.’, .

These examples illustrate how presentation will influence the rhythm and clarity of a sentence. The presentation chosen by a writer, is able to convey the intended tone, or the emphasis. This makes it easier for a beholder to comprehend the message.

Rule 10.3(n) is a rule-twigd.

Rule-10.4

There is, however, a need for guidance when the prefix is both generic and conventional. That is to ask: ‘Should a writer be granted the freedom to make their own choices about whether to use concatenation, or hyphennation?’. The option of complete separation is not availlable as a conventional prefix cannot stand alone.

Rule-10.4(a):

There are several examples of this type of dilemma, a few of which appear below:

• Co-incidence,

• Co-operative,

• Con-federation,

• Dis-respectful,

• Hyper-ventilate,

• Ir-replaceable,

• Micro-organism,

• Mis-appropriate,

• Non-abrasive,

• Non-stop,

• Per-cent

• Pre-date,

• Pre-determine,

• Pre-historic,

• Pre-raphaelite (as an adjective),

• Re-invigorate,

• Re-organize,

• Re-phrasing,

• Un-professional,

  and many more.

Rule-10.4(b):

The list shown in Rule 10.4(a) produces various responses from a word-processor. Some items on the list are marked as spelling mistakes, others as grammatical problems, whilst others are deemed acceptable. However, if the hyphens are removed, then individual responses might change, but the overall pattern is still one of inconsistency.

Rule-10.4(c):

The Croydon Convention™ answers this dilemma by referring back to Rule 10.3(n). In all cases where a nonstandalone prefix is used, a completely new word is created. Thus, there should never be any need for a hyphen. To write the genstat: ‘inter-national’, would be as ridiculous as writing the genstat: ‘hy-phen-nation’. Rule 10.4(c) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-10.4(d):

In linguistic terms, the idea that a prefix such as: ‘pre‘, is used to form an entirely new word, with no hyphen, may be straightforward for a word such as: ‘predetermine’. However, for logical consistency, compliance with The Croydon Convention™ would also require a writer, (with such an intention), to write a paragraph along the following lines:

‘Raphael was an italian painter, who had a significant effect upon artistic styles. A few centuries later, a group of English painters and poets considered the influence of Raphael, to be counter-productive. They argued that Art should develop as if Raphael had never existed. This group of artists became known as: The Preraphaelites (proper name). An example of preraphaelite art, is: Proserpine, painted by, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, in 11874 H-E.’.

Note: In the last sentence of the above paragraph, the word: ‘preraphaelite’, is used as an adjective, to describe the type of art. Because that word is an adjective, rather than a proper name, the word begins with a lowercase ‘p’.

Rule-10.4(e):

An example which is sometimes quoted is the word: ‘unionized’, which has two different pronunciations. A group of factory-workers might have joined a union, and would therefore be described as: ‘unionized’. A chemical substance might be devoid of ions, and would therefore be described as ‘unionized’. The technical name for words of this sort is: ‘homographs’. Homographs are discussed in Division-22. Suffice to say that The Croydon Convention™ does not advocate breaking-up the components of a word, unless there is a special reason for doing so, such as discussing etymology.

Rule-10.4(f):

Accordingly, the approach of The Croydon Convention™ is, to merge the nonstandalone prefix, to create a single word. This principle applies whether the merger brings together two vowels, for example: ‘coordinate’, two consonants, for example: ‘disproportionate’, or a vowel and a consonant, for example: ‘destabilize’, and ‘disentangle’. Rule 10.4(f) is a rule-mytbe.

Division-11

General Rules for Attaching Suffixes within Formal Printed Text

Rule-11.1:

Adding suffixes to base-words is a complex topic. Therefore, Division-11 first states itᵖs recommendations clearly, without providing any explanation. Detailed explanations and discussions follow later-on within the division.

Rule-11.1(a):

The rules for adding suffixes to the end of base-words are as follows:

(i)         The rules of Division-11, will be subject to the overriding provisions set-out in various other divisions that tackle specific topics. Thus, Division-11, is overruled by the followwing divisions: 

• Division-15, (Spelling =Rules)

• Division-16, (Pluralization of Nouns),

• Division-21, (Adjectival Degrees), (where applicable). See Rule-11.4(c),

and

• Division-23, (Verb Tenses).

(ii)    Writers are left to exercise their discretion when a standalone word appears as a suffix, (Rule-11.2[a]). In practical terms, it is rare to encounter a suffix that is a standalone word. However, this rule is clearly stated so that there can be no doubt about the principles in such cases. This is a rule-uara.

(iii)   In most cases, traditional rules for appending suffixes are to be followwed, (Rule11.3[a]). However, conventional rules have been introduced for cases where the base-word is a verb, ending in the form: vowel-consonant. This is a rule-trabd.

(iv)    Base-words that end in the form: vowel-consonant, should also follow the traditional rules, except for:

• Changing the tense, (but not the conjugation), of a verb,

• Changing the degree of an adjective,

  and

• changing a verb into another part-of-speech.

For more details, see Rule-11.7. Rule-11.1(a)-Case-(iv), is a rule-mytbe.

(v)    In the specific instances listed under case (iv) above, The Double-Consonant Rule should be consistently applied for all 21 consonants. This is a rule-mytbe.

(vi)    Exemptions are granted permitting departure from the provisions of case (v) above, see Rule-15.2(a) and -15.2(b).

Rule-11.2:

There are obvious similarities between prefixes and suffixes. The principal differrence, (of course), is that prefixes appear in front of a word, whilst suffixes are appended to the end of the word. Note: Whilst all suffixes are appendages, (because they are appended at the end of a base-word), not all appendages are suffixes. Any additional letter(s), added to the end of a base-word, can be regarded as an appendage. To be a suffix, the appendage must change the nature of the original base-word. For example, the conjugation of a verb might change, especially when considering the third-person-singular. A change in conjugation can be indicated by an appendage, for example the letter: ‘s’. Nevertheless, appending letter(s) such as: ‘s’, is a requirement of conjugation rules, (discussed in Division-25). This is a completely separate grammatical topic from suffixes. For example, the verb: ‘to jump’, becomes: ‘she jumps’, in the present tense of the third-person-singular. However, in this case, the letter: ‘s’ is not considered to be a suffix, because the base-word retains the same meanning. Although the letter: ‘s’, in this example. is not a suffix, it is still an appendage. For further details, see Rule-11.8(i).

Rule-11.2(a):

An important similarity between prefixes and suffixes, is that each can provide examples of genstats which have the ability to be both standalone, and nonstandalone at precisely the same time. This feature is explained in greater detail in Rule-3.8, which defines the term: ‘a nonstandalone genstat’. For example: ‘less’, is a standalone word in itᵖs own right, meanning: ‘a smaller quantity’, however it is also possible for: ‘less’ to be a tetragraph, (‘a unit four letters in length’), which then changes the meaning of the base-word. For example: ‘Cordless’ is a product without a cord attached. In the context of being a tetragraph, ‘less’ is considered to be nonstandalone, because that tetragraph only makes sense if it is appended to another word.

Rule-11.2(b):

Rule-10.3(h) states that when a prefix is a word in itᵖs own right then there is no requirement for the convention to be prescriptive. Accordingly, writers are left to exercise their discretion when a standalone word appears as a prefix. The same principle applies to suffixes when the suffix is a standalone word.

Rule-11.3:The convention does, however, provide various rules to be applied when a suffix is a nonstandalone genstat. Examples include:

• Plurals such as: ‘s’ and ‘e-s’. However, special rules apply for irregular plurals,

• Verb tense changes such as: ‘e-d’, for completed actions, and ‘i-n-g’, for continuous actions,

• Conversions, for example the noun: ‘picture’, converts to the adjective: ‘picturesque’,

• Referrences for example: ‘Apollo-11’, ‘Room-101’ and ‘Hepatitis-B’,

  and

• Adjectival degrees such as: ‘soft’, ‘softer’, and ‘softest’.

Rule-11.3(a):

For the remainder of Division-11, the guidance will apply to regular patterns only. The basic principle with irregular patterns is that traditional rules will apply, unless or until the pattern for the base-word becomes regular. For example, there is no guidance provided about the pluralized treatment of the word: ‘foot’, other than to say: ‘Traditional rules still apply.’, in such an example.

Rule-11.4:

In some cases, a nonstandalone suffix will be very easy to apply. For example, the plural of ‘star’, is ‘stars’. A person who ‘packs’, is: ‘a packer’. A person who does things in ‘a superb fashion’, does things: ‘superbly’. However, alongside these straightforward examples there are various complications.

Rule-11.4(a):

Complications arise due to:

• Various cases where the base-word ends with a vowel, for example changing the verb: ‘to chase’, into itᵖs continuous form: ‘chasing’,

• Various cases where the base-word ends with a ‘y’, for example, the plural of ‘fly’, (as an insect), is: ‘flies,, but the plural of ‘chimney’ is ‘chimneys’,

• Cases where the base-word ends with a potentially-doubled consonant, for example the word: ‘travel’. Is somebody who travels ‘a traveler’ or ‘a traveller’?

Rule-11.4(b):

The word: ‘travel’, has been deliberately picked as an example, because in North-American English, a person who travels is: ‘a traveler ‘, (with one ‘l’), but in British English, such a person is: ‘a traveller’, (with two ‘l’s).

Rule-11.4(c):

In some cases, these issues are considered within a specialist division. For example, Division-16 discusses Plurals, whilst Division-21 looks at Adjectival Degrees.

Rule-11.5:

One of the problems when discussing the addition of suffixes is that the examples are so numerous. Consider, (for example), verbs which end with the letter: ‘e’. There can be consonant-e, for example: ‘to hope’, ‘to name’, and ‘to rate’. There are also verbs that end in vowel-e for example, ‘to flee’, ‘to boogie’, ‘to canoe’, and  ‘to argue’.

Rule-11.5(a):

For consonant-e verbs, the rule is that the final ‘e’ is omitted when adding certain suffixes such as: ‘i-n-g’. For example: ‘hoping’, ‘naming’, and ‘rating’. Another example is: ‘googling’. This same rule applies when making the verb into the past tense. In such cases the letter ‘e’ is removed and then immediately replaced by the suffix ‘e-d’, for example: ‘hoped’, ‘named’, and ‘rated’. A similar pattern develops with adjectival degrees. Thus, ‘humble’ becomes ‘humbler’, (‘humbl’ + ‘e-r’), and then ‘humblest, (‘humbl’ + ‘e-s-t’). However, the rule becomes differrent when an adjective is changed into an adverb. In these cases, the ‘e’ remains in place, as in: ‘evasively’, ‘tritely’, and ‘fortunately’. Another example where the final ‘e’ continues to remain, is pluralization. When a noun, in the form: consonant-e, refers to a plural, a rule can be established, provided that the pluralization follows a regular pattern. In such cases all that is required is to append the letter: ‘s’ ,for example: ‘lanes’, ‘mazes’, and ‘rules’.

Rule-11.5(b):

When a consonant-e verb, is changed into itᵖs continuous form, the rule explained above in Rule-11.5(a) applies. For example, ‘to make’ becomes: ‘making’, whilst ‘to prove’ becomes: ‘proving’. However, for vowel-e endings, the letter ‘e’ remains in place, as if it were protecting the preceding vowel from the suffix. Examples include: ‘sightseeing’, and ‘canoeing’. However, in the case of ‘i-e’ the final two letters are replaced by a letter ‘y’, for example ‘lying’, ‘tying’, and ‘boogying’. Meanwhile, with ‘u-e’ words, the ‘u’ behaves like a consonant, which means that the letter: ‘e’, is removed.  For example: ‘arguing’, ‘queuing’, and ‘suing’. The rule for verbs ending with the letter: ‘e’, is, (arguably), enormously complicated. Sometimes the final ‘e’ remains in place, on other occasions the letters are changed into other letters, and at other times the final ‘e’ is removed altogether. Nevertheless, the fact remains that traditional rules operate in this fashion. Thus, if the convention requires the continued application of traditional rules, then, the convention will need to enshrine a rule of this sort, even if that rule is complicated.

Rule-11.5(c):

Another complication can be added by considering verbs which end with vowels other than ‘e’. For example: ‘to samba’, ‘to baa’, ‘to ski’, ‘to do’, and ‘to echo’. The rule here is not too complicated when discussing the continuous form, but irregularity creeps-in when the verb is changed into the past tense. To create the continuous form, simply add a straight ‘i-n-g’. This would produce: ‘sambaing’, ‘baaing’, ‘skiing’, ‘doing’ and ‘echoing’. In most, (but not all), cases, the past tense, is also simple to create. Just add the letters ‘e-d’. This creates: ‘sambaed’, ‘baaed’, ‘skied’ and ‘echoed’. Despite this principle, the application of traditional rules requires people to acknowledge that some verbs ending with vowels follow irregular patterns. For example ‘to do’ (in the present) does not become: ‘doed’, (in the past). The traditional past participle for the verb: ‘to do’, is: ‘did’, or ‘done’.

Rule-11.5(d):

Even when examining just a small fraction of all possible examples, a vast range of complications has been demonstrated. This highlights the inherent complexity of appending suffixes to a vast range of words.

Rule-11.6:

Although suffixes can be a complex topic, clear patterns do emerge. The pattern is that within a tightly specified group, the words given in these examples all follow a consistent pattern.

Here are some examples, for cases where a verb ending with the letter: ’e’, is changed into itᵖs continuous form::

• For verbs that end: consonant-e, the final letter ‘e’, is replaced with: ‘i-n-g’. Hence, ‘to delegate’ becomes: ‘delegating’.,

• Unless otherwise stated, verbs ending: vowel-e, simply add the suffix: ‘i-n-g‘. Hence, ‘to tiptoe’ becomes: ‘tiptoeing’.,

• However, ‘i-e’ always changes to: ‘y, followed by ‘‘i-n-g’’ ’. Hence, ‘to caddie’ becomes: ‘caddying’.,

• Meanwhile, ‘u-e’ always changes into: ‘u’ and then ‘i-n-g’. Hence, ‘to continue’ becomes: ‘continuing’..

Thus, careful study does, in fact, reveal a number of micropatterns, rather than one single overarching pattern.

Rule-11.6(a):

This observation allows for a general rule to be established. The suggested rule is as follows:

Default-1: If there is no logical pattern, then traditional rules continue to apply. So, for example, if the verb: ‘to see’, is to be expressed in the past tense, then the word to use would be: ‘saw’, (traditional), rather than ‘seed’, (logical but nevertheless traditionally incorrect).

Default-2: If a logical pattern does exist, albeit for a restricted group, then follow that logical pattern. So, for example, the past form of the verb: ‘to tango’, is: ‘tangoed’, whilst the past form of the verb ‘to subpoena’ is ‘subpoenaed’. This can be a helpful guide, but difficulties arise for irregular verbs. For example, the verb: ‘to go’, ends with a vowel. However it is a verb which follows an irregular path. ‘Go’, in the past tense is either: ‘went’, or: ‘gone’.

Rule-11.6(a) is a rule-trabd. This is because, (at the time of writing), there appears to be no alternative other than to stick with the traditions.

Rule-11.6(b):

Rule-11.6(a) is somewhat unsatisfactory, but there appears to be little alternative. Thus, it is possible to establish rules that apply to specific cases. Here is an example of the specific case of when an adjective is to be changed into an adverb.

• For a word which ends with two or more consonants (except for ‘y’),

Add the suffix: ‘l-y’. For example: ‘harsh’ becomes ‘harshly’, ‘amazing’ becomes ‘amazingly’.,

• For a word ending with consonant-y,

Change the ‘y’ into an ‘i’ and add: ‘l-y’. For example, ‘happy’ becomes ‘happily’, ‘easy’ becomes ‘easily’, whilst ‘necessary’ becomes ‘necessarily’.,

• For a word ending with vowel-y,

Just add the suffix: ‘l-y’. For example: ‘gray’ becomes ‘grayly’, ‘rigid’ becomes ‘rigidly’.,

• For a word which ends with consonant-e,

Just add: ‘l-y’ to the end of the word. For example, ‘false’ becomes ‘falsely’, ‘astute’ becomes ‘astutely’.

Note: In the special case of converting adjectives into adverbs, for consonant-e words, the rule is precisely the opposite of the general rule. In most cases, the letter ‘e’ is removed, for example: ‘collate’ becomes: ‘collating’. Even so, the special rule for adjectives becoming adverbs, means that: ‘pure’ becomes: ‘purely’.

The rule for changing adjectives into adverbs does, however, have itᵖs exceptions. For example, (by tradition), ‘whole’, becomes ‘wholly’, and ‘simple’, becomes: ‘simply’. ,

• For words that end ‘u-e’,

Just add: ‘l-y’ to the end of the word. For example, ‘vague’ becomes ‘vaguely’, ‘grotesque’ becomes ‘grotesquely’.

Once again, however, there are exceptions. For example, (by tradition), ‘due’ becomes ‘duly’ and ‘true’ becomes ‘truly’.

Rule-11.7:

The guidance provided in Rule-11.6(a) is certainly not ideal, but it provides some sort of a pattern to deal with most situations. The one situation which is not covered consistently by traditional rules is, when a word ends with vowel-consonant. Examples include: ‘hop’, ‘pan’, ‘orbit’, and ‘travel’.

Rule-11.7(a):

The words: ‘hope’ and ‘hop’ present a problem, because if the rule is to remove the final ‘e’, then: ‘hope’ (without an ‘e’) would replicate the word: ‘hop’. The traditional way to overcome this problem is to double the consonant when there is no final letter ‘e’. Thus, ‘hop’ becomes: ‘hopped’ or ‘hopping’, with each word containing a double-‘p’. For example, a sentence might read: ‘She hopped on the train- (not literally), and hoped she would get to work on time.’

Rule-11.7(b):

A police-informant might be ratting on his accomplices, whilst a police inspector might be rating the information supplied.

An architect might spend time planning a new building, (with a double-n for: ‘planning’). At a later stage a carpenter would have to be employyed for planing the wood, used for that building, (with a single-n and no letter: ‘e’, for: ‘planing’).

Similarly, a gold-prospector would spend much time ‘panning’ (with a double ‘n’).

Rule-11.7(c):

Thus, a planet which orbits The Sun would spend itᵖs time orbitting in Space. However, a word-processor immediately says that the spelling is wrong. Even if the settings on the word-processor are adjusted to british spellings, the word ‘orbitting’ with a double-‘t’ is still shown as being incorrect. If anybody should try to pit their wits against a word-processor, then that person would be pitting their wits. The word: ‘pitting’, (with a double-‘t’), is considered to be correct for both british and american settings. Other examples include: ‘budgeted’, (with one ‘t’), compared to: ‘gutted’, (with two ‘t’s). As has already been discussed, the word ‘travel’ follows different rules depending upon which side of The Atlantic the dictionary was produced.

Rule-11.7(d):

The conclusion is that there appears to be no logical pattern for words that end with vowel-consonant. There may well be reasons why this, (arguably), shambolic arrangement exists. Even so, whatever those reasons may be, the unavoiddable reality is that people trying to make sense of The English Language, are likely to be left utterly bewildered. (Or should it be ‘bewilderred’ – with a double-‘r’?).

Rule-11.8:

The Croydon Convention™ exists to draw attention to anomalies within The English Language and to try to recommend solutions. Clearly there is a very significant problem, if words like: ‘budgeted’, follow one rule, whilst words like: ‘gutted’, follow a different rule. The problem is even more noticeable if The British and The Americans cannot agree about which rule applies to words such as: ‘travel’, and ‘cancel’. The question for The Croydon Convention™ is: ‘What solution should be recommended in the face of what appears to be an utter shambles?’.

Rule-11.8(a):

One approach would be to imagine, (no matter how unrealistically), that it was possible to start with a blank sheet of paper. In that case the question would be: ‘What rule would sensible people devise?’. There is logic to the idea that the continuous form of the verb: ‘to hop’, is: ‘hopping’ (with two ‘p’s), whilst the continuous form of the verb: ‘to hope’ is: ‘hoping’ (with one ‘p’). Thus, surely the sensible thing to do, would be to say that no matter what the historical background to the various traditions may be, from this point onwards, all verbs that end in the form: ‘vowel-consonant’ should double the consonant when a suffix is added. There should be no exceptions. The same principle should apply to other parts-of-speech including adjectives such as: ‘big’ and ‘bigger’, and also: ‘sweet’ and ‘sweetter’, – even if the word-processor raises objections.

Rule-11.8(b):

There is, however, a problem with the idea of imagining a fresh re-start. Division-15, considers spelling – in general terms. The conclusion is that spellings should be based upon the published spelling guide. Thus, whilst there is significant criticism of spellings that appear to follow no logical pattern, the fact remains that the published spelling guide authorizes spellings of this nature.

Rule-11.8(c):

The rule which advocates the use of north-american spellings has been designated as Rule-15.2. This is a rule-mytbe, (a rule which is not rigidly enforced). That is to say: ‘The rule permits exceptions.’. Indeed Rule-15.2(a), permits, (but does not favor), other national variants, such as the british variant. This makes it possible to adopt the approach of sayying: ‘The convention favors the use of north-american spellings when it suits the convention to do so. At the same time the convention requires alternatives to those spellings when departure is the preferred option.’. This rule is stated as: Rule-15.1(c).

Rule-11.8(d):

A special problem arises when the genstat: ‘able’, is appended to a verb which ends: vowel-consonant. A similar problem arises with genstats such as: ‘ably’, ‘ible’ and ‘ibly’.

Rule-11.8(e):

The problem is that the words: ‘able’, and ‘ably’, are words which stand on their own. Thus, in accordance with Rule-11.2(a), the writer should be granted discretion to choose the presentation for themselves, without stipulations from the convention. However, (strictly speaking), the letters: ‘a-b-l-e’, and similar suffixes, do not standalone when used as a suffix. Instead, the letters create a new and differrent word. For example, if something can be accepted, then it is said to be: ‘acceptable’, whilst if something can be returned, it is said to be: ‘returnable’. These examples are straightforward because the base-words, (‘accept’, and ‘return’), have more than one consonant at the end of that base-word. Complications arise with differrent endings for the base-word. For example, to convert the verb: ‘to adore’, into an adjective, the word becomes: ‘adorable’, (with the letter ‘e’ omitted). However, if it is possible to take something, then the item is said to be: ‘takeable’, (with the letter ‘e’ included).

Rule-11.8(f):

Once again, tradition provides a lack of consistency when verbs end in the form: vowel-consonant. For example, if something can be hit, it is said to be: ‘hittable’, (with a double-t). If it can be stopped it is said to be: ‘stoppable’, (with a double-p). However, a person might seek to avoid something which is: ‘avoidable’, (with a single-d). Alternatively, they might wish to steer a vehicle which is: ‘steerable’ (with a single-r).

Rule-11.8(g):

An example of the welter of inconsistencies is the verb: ‘to refer’. The verb in itᵖs past tense becomes: ‘referred’, (with a double-r). In continuous form the verb becomes: ‘referring’, (again with a double-r). However, a document people can refer to is: ‘a reference’, (with a single-r), whilst a person who provides that reference is: ‘a referee’, (again with a single-r). However, the person asking for the reference is: ‘a referrer’, (this time with a double-r). The only conclusion is that the verb: ‘to refer’ is consistently inconsistent.

Rule-11.8(h):

The various examples quoted, would support the idea of establishing a much simpler rule, and then requiring that rule to be applied without exceptions. Thus, The Croydon Convention™ expands the idea set-out in Rule-11.8(a), as follows:

‘In most situations the traditional rules for applying suffixes to base-words, will continue to operate. However, there is one specific situation where the convention does seek to establish a new rule. If a suffix is appended to a verb which ends in the form: vowel-consonant, then, The Double-Consonant Rule should be applied, as set-out in Rule-11.1(a)-Case-(ii).’.

Rule-11.8(h) is a rule-mytbe.

Rule-11.8(i):

Examples of words that would be created in this fashion might include:

• A person who cleans would be: ‘a cleanner’,

• A person who reasons is: ‘reasonnable’

• An event which occurs is: ‘an occurrence’,

• An event cancelled due to the weather, would be: ‘rainned-off’.

Note: This principle does not apply to the conjugation of verbs. Conjugation is discussed in Division-25. Consider, for example, the verb: ‘to remain’. When this verb is used in the present tense for the third-person-singular, the conjugation changes. For example, ‘He remains, (with an appended letter: ‘s’), convinced that he was right.’. In this example the letter :‘s’, is appended due to conjugation rules, rather than as a suffix. Here are some further examples, relating to the verb: ‘to remain’:

• The remains of Hadrian Wall can still be seen in Northumbria. In this case the word: ‘remains’, is a noun in plural form, and so Division-16, overrules Division-11. Note: the name of this structure is attributed to The Roman Emperor Hadrian, it does not belong to Hadrian. Thus, (atroc), the name quoted, is devoid of a possessive indicator.

• France remains a republic despite the history of that country. In this case the verb: ‘to remain’ is shown in itᵖs present tense for a 3-p-s situation. Accordingly, the letter: ‘s’, is appended due to conjugation rules, rather than as a suffix.

• After The Yardbirds disbanded, some of the remainning band members formed a new group which was named: ‘Led Zeppelin’. In this example the verb: ‘to remain’, has been changed into an adjective. Hence, (atroc), The Double-Consonant Rule has been applied.

Rule 11.8(j):

Rule-11.8(h) might well be logical and consistent, however, it should not be forgotten that the rule only applies to suffixes appended to verbs. Furthermore, the principle only applies if the verb ends in the form: vowel-consonant. For example, the word: ‘inevitable’ is spelt with a single-t, because the word exists in itᵖs own right. At the time of writing, there is no such verb as: ‘to inevit’. Similarly, the word ‘equitable’ is also spelt with a single-t, because that word is derived from the word: ‘equity’ which is a noun, and not a verb.

Rule-11.9:

The approach advocated under Rule-11.8(h), will undoubtedly lead to a number of questions being posed. Some anticipated questions are listed below:

(i)  Would The Double-Consonant Rule, apply to each and every, of the 21 consonants, including ‘k’, ‘q’, ‘w’, ‘x’ and ‘y’?

(ii) Would The Double-Consonant Rule, apply to all examples of nonstandalone suffixes, or would the rules vary according to circumstances?

(iii)      Is there a danger of homographs, being created by the requirement to use double-consonants in various situations? Homographs are discussed in Division-22.

(iv)       Will any exceptions be permitted?

Rule-11.9(a):

The answer to the first question is: ‘ ‘‘Yes.’’. Rules should be applied consistently.’. For example, the continuous form of the verb: ‘to mix’, would be ‘mixxing’, (double-‘x’), and the completed form of the verb: ‘to convey’, would be ‘conveyyed’, (double-‘y’). Accordingly, when it is decided to interview somebody, the interviewwer, would discuss the matter with the interviewwee. This approach is entirely logical. If the verb: ‘to swig’ converts to ‘swigged’ or ‘swigging’, then, the same rule should apply for any verb where the base-word ends: vowel-consonant. Just sayying!

Rule-11.9(b):

The answer to the next question is: ‘Variances will have to be considered.’ For example, Division-16, discusses the pluralization of nouns. Accordingly, there is no need to apply the rules for appended suffixes to the rules for pluralization, because there is a special set of rules to cover the issue of pluralization. Thus, the application of The Double-Consonant Rule will follow the pattern outlined below:

(i)   Appendages to indicate a plural. Not applicable as Division-16, covers this issue.,

(ii)  Appendages to change the tenses of a verb. Applicable.,

(iii) Appendages due to the conjugation of a verb. Not applicable, such appendages do not constitute suffixes.

(iv) Appendages to convert a word into another form, for example a verb into a noun. The answer is: ‘It all depends.’ – see Rule-11.9(i),

(v)   Referrence appendages. Not applicable as referrences, by their very nature, apply to specific entities. Accordingly, a referrence does not change the form of a base-word.

(vi)   Appendages to indicate adjectival degrees. Applicable. This is because Division-21, considers the use of, adjectival degrees, rather than the spelling of, those degrees.

Rule-11.9(c):

Unless otherwise stated, word conversions would have to follow traditional rules, because the permutations are so numerous. There are nine recognized parts-of-speech, which leads to a significant number of permutations. At the time of writing, it is not practical to devise a comprehensive set of rules for every possible permutation.

Rule-11.9(d):

Here are some examples to illustrate the huge range of permutations, created by traditional rules:

• Somebody who waits, is said to be: ‘waiting’, (one ‘t’), – verb tense is changed.,

• A person going on a day-trip, would be a day-tripper, (two ‘p’s), – noun becomes a different noun.,

• Something made with organs, would be organic, (one ‘n’), – noun becomes an adjective.,

• A person who believes in doing things in a gradual fashion, would be a gradualist, (one ‘l’), – Adjective becomes a noun.,

• If something inspires marvel, it is said to be: ‘marvelous’, in North America, but ‘marvellous’, in Britain, – noun becomes an adjective..

Rule-11.9(e):

Looking specifically at The Double-Consonant Rule, there are times when that rule is not applied, but not applied on a consistent basis. An example would be turning adjectives into adverbs. For example, when the means of deciding and issue is open, then the issue has been decided: ‘openly’, (with one ‘n’). When people have a deep discussion, the matter is considered ‘deeply’, (with one ‘p’). Even when the adjectival form ends with vowel-l, the same principle applies. For example, if something is dealt with, on a regional basis, the matter is tackled ‘regionally’. The explanation for the double-‘l’ is because the original adjective finished with the letter ‘l’ anyway.

Rule-11.9(f):

This observation creates a further dilemma. If something has the feature of being: ‘sad’, then that issue is considered ‘sadly’ (with one ‘d’). Yet at the same time, if something is more sad than something else, it is said to be ‘sadder’ (with two ‘d’s). Even so, it is still logical to point-out that the adjective: ‘sad’, converts to the adverb ‘sadly’, (without a double-consonant), just as in all the other examples, of adjectives being converted into adverbs. Thus, it could be argued that it is logical to spell: ‘sadly’ with one-d, and equally logical to spell: ‘sadder’ with two-ds.

Rule-11.9(g):

This analysis indicates that, when it comes to word-conversion, traditional rules provide no distinct pattern. However, it could be argued, if one hundred confusing rules exist, and then the number of confusing rules is reduced to ninety-nine, then that is a lower level of confusion. Accordingly, the approach adopted by The Croydon Convention™ is to largely tolerate the confusion created by the traditional rules, and then gradually seek to reduce the level of confusion.

Rule-11.9(h):

The requirement to apply The Double-Consonant Rule, is considered to be a useful step towards far more logical rules for, the general issue of appending suffixes.

Rule-11.9(i):

The conclusion from this discussion, is that The Double-Consonant Rule only applies in specified situations. These situations occur only when the base-word is a verb ending in the form vowel-consonant. For such verbs, The Double-Consonant Rule applies to:

• Changes to the tense of a verb, (but not the conjugation of a verb),

• Conversion of a verb to another part-of-speech,

  and

• Changes to the degree of an adjective.

Rule-11.9(i) is a rule-mytbe.

Rule-11.10:

Rules-11.9(b) through to -11.9(i), all constitute discussions about the question of whether The Double-Consonant Rule has general application or only limitted usage. The next question raises concerns about homographs. A homograph is a special form of homohetero. As discussed in Division-22, homoheteros are unavoidable within a language. Homoheteros are: ‘words which have features that are both common and variant, due to spelling, sound, or meanning’. For example: ‘unleadded petrol’ (double-‘d’) might mean: ‘Gasoline which does not contain plumbous material.’, or it might mean: ‘Gasoline that has not been assigned any direction.’. Homoheteros might create problems, but they are problems that users of English will have to cope with. Accordingly, the answer to the question is: ‘ ‘‘Yes.’’, – applying The Double-Consonant Rule, might well create homographs. However, that will just have to be tolerated.’. Division-22 sets out strategies for avoidding any confusion caused by homographs.

Rule-11.10(a):

The final question from Rule-11.9 concerns exemptions. The answer is: ‘ ‘‘Yes.’’, exemptions will be availlable to those who prefer to stick to traditional grammatical rules.’. The general principle of the convention is to allow innovative rules to exist alongside traditional rules in the hope that traditional rules will naturally become increasingly ignored as people recognize the benefits of innovation.

Rule-11.11:

The treatment of suffixes discussed so far within Division-11, can be summarized as follows:

(i)         Traditional rules are to be followed in all cases apart from base-words which end in the form: vowel-consonant.

(ii)       Base-words that end in the form: vowel-consonant should also follow the traditional rules except for specific cases listed under Rule-11.1(a)-Case-(iv). The convention has introduced revisions to the traditional rules when, changing the tense of a verb, converting a verb to another part-of-speech, and changing the degree of an adjective.

(iii)     In the specific instances listed under case (ii) above, The Double-Consonant Rule should be consistently applied for all 21 consonants.

(iv)      Exemptions are granted, permitting departure from the provisions of case (iii) above, see Rule-15.2(a) and -15.2(b).

Rule-11.11(a):

An obvious criticism of the provisions summarized under Rule-11.11 is to say: ‘The provisions are enormously complicated. There are times when traditional rules are applied, and other times when alternative rules have been created for specified situations. Even so, exemptions are granted, so that the rules are not strictly enforced, anyway.

Rule-11.11(b):

Part of the justification is to acknowledge that the starting point is, (in itself), enormously complicated. The traditional rules demonstrate a measure of inconsistency. The patterns are difficult to detect, and in many cases, even if patterns are detected, there are exceptions.

Rule-11.11(c):

Those who criticize the summary set-out under Rule-11.11 on the grounds of complexity, would need to answer the followwing question:

            ‘Have you got a goodder suggestion?’.

Rule-11.11(d):

 It may be worth exploring alternative approaches.

Rule-11.11(e):

The Do-Nothing Option should always be considered. Do nothing, never solves a problem. The only justification for the do-nothing approach would be if the cure is worse than the disease. It must surely be the case that maintainning the status quo, would simply mean living with a set of enormously complicated traditional rules.

Rule-11.11(f):

Another option would be to remove the various exemptions. The idea would be to say: ‘These are the rules, you must comply (period).’. Such an approach might alienate people who are willing to comply to some extent, but want to be able to stick with traditions on various occasions.

Rule-11.11(g):

One further option would be to abandon The Double-Consonant Rule altogether. Simply state: ‘The amended word is formed from the base-word plus the appendage, in all cases without exception. For example, the base-word: ‘‘shine’’, in continuous form would become: ‘‘shineing’’, just as: ‘‘to moo’’ would become ‘‘mooing’’.’.

Rule-11.11(h):

This option would work well for verbs such as: ‘to shine’, but it would mean that a verb such as: ‘to shin’, in itᵖs continuous form would become ‘shining’. Similarly, the past tense of: ‘to shin’, would become ‘shined’ (shin + ‘e-d’). Whereas, the past tense of ‘to shine’, would become ‘shineed’, (‘shine’ + ‘e-d’). This would create huge potential for confusion, with traditionalists insisting that: ‘shining’, would be the continuous form of the verb: ‘to shine’, whilst progressives would argue that: ‘shining’, would be the continuous form of the verb: ‘to shin’.

Rule-11.11(i):

There is also the option of a very abrupt change, along the lines of: ‘The same rules apply to all appended suffixes, no matter what the form of the base-word.’. Such an uncompromising approach would be certain to alienate traditionalists.

Rule-11.11(j):

After careful consideration, the viewpoint of the convention, is that no matter how unsatisfactory the summary in Rule-11.11 might be, there do not seem to be any more practical alternatives, (at least for the short-term).

Rule-11.12:

For those who choose to comply with Rule-11.11, without any exceptions, some examples of appropriate usage are listed below:

            ‘Run’, becomes: ‘running’, (as a continuous verb),

‘Shoot’ becomes: ‘shootting’, (as a continuous verb),

            ‘Big’ becomes: ‘bigger’, (as a comparative adjective),

‘Green’ becomes: ‘greenner’, (as a comparative adjective), just as ‘red’, becomes ‘redder’,

‘To cancel’ becomes: ‘cancelled’, (when presented in the past tense),

‘To orbit’ becomes: ‘orbitting’, (as a continuous verb),

‘To refer’ becomes: ‘referring’ (as a continuous verb),

‘To refer’ becomes; ‘referrence’, or ‘referree’, or ‘referrer’, due to the principle of applying The Double-Consonant Rule, on a consistent basis for verbs ending in the form: vowel-consonant.

‘To bewilder’ becomes: ‘bewilderred’, (as a conversion to an adjective). This is consistent with a double-‘r’ in the case of ‘refer’.

The adjective: ‘sad’, becomes: ‘sadder’, (as an increase in degree), but when the adjective is converted into an adverb the new word would be: ‘sadly’, because, (at the time of writing), The Double-Consonant Rule, consistently does not apply when converting an adjective into an adverb.

 Rule-11.12(a):

Some might say: ‘There is clearly a need for a radical overhaul, of suffix-addition rules.’. Such a complete overhaul, would take time to achieve. Accordingly, as it currently stands, the summary set-out under Rule-11.11, is the approach adopted by The Croydon Convention™.

Rule-11.12(b):

Whilst The Croydon Convention™ takes a cautious approach to reform of suffixes, it would be appropriate to state an aspiration for a situation which might arise in The Future. The ultimate desire is to have rules about suffixes which mimic the rules about prefixes. Such rules would need to be entirely consistent with other divisions within the convention. For example, consistent with plurals, consistent with adjectival degrees, and consistent with variable verb agreement rules. That is to say: ‘If a suffix stands alone from the base-word, then the writer is granted discretion. When the suffix cannot stand alone, then, (with one exception), the suffix is simply appended to the base-word, without any hyphennation, to create a single new word. Such a rule would be applied consistently. The one exception would be that where the base-word ends in the form: vowel-consonant. In that situation, The Double-Consonant Rule would apply., and it would be applied consistently’.

Rule-11.12(c):

In such an, (arguably), ideal situation a number of examples could be devised. Please note: many of the examples quoted, quite deliberately depart from standard english spellings. The examples quoted are therefore hypothetical spellings, rather than spellings presented in the published spelling guide. Some illustrative examples now follow:

• An environment affected by tides, would be ‘tideal’.,

• If something can be noticed, then it is noticeable, thus if something can be noted, then it would be: ‘noteable’.,

• The continuous form of the verb: ‘to caddie’ would be: ‘caddieing’.,

• The continuous form of the verb: ‘to plan’ would be: ‘planning’.,

• The continuous form of the verb: ‘to shower’ would be: ‘showerring’.,

• The continuous form of the verb: ‘to plane’, would be: ‘planeing’.,

• Something people are able to pursue would be: ‘pursueable’.,

• Something people are able to chew, would be: ‘chewwable’.,

• To make something ever more simple, would be: ‘simpleer’, and then: ‘simpleest’.,

• To do something in a simple manner, would require a person to act: ‘simplely’.,

• An objective people might aspire to, would be: ‘an aspireation’.,

• The act of complying, would be: ‘complyance’.,

• The past participle of: ‘to go’, would be: ‘goed’.,

• The past participle of: ‘to write’, would be: ‘writeed’.,

• The past participle of: ‘to flee’, would be: ‘fleeed’.,

• The past participle of: ‘to copy’ would be: ‘copyed’.,

• The past participle of: ‘to build’ would be: ‘builded’.,

• The past participle of: ‘to begin’ would be: ‘beginned’.,

• The adjective: ‘true’ would convert to the adverb: ‘truely’.,

• To make something ever more sour, would be: ‘sourrer’, and then: ‘sourrest’.,

• Thus, there would be many degrees of: ‘sourrness’.,

• A sour action, would then be performed: ‘sourrly’.,

• A sour action performed once an hour, would be performed: ‘hourrly’..

Rule-11.12(d):

At the time of writing, such wholesale, revisions to The English Language might be considered to be too radical to be enshrined within the convention. Nevertheless, the goal of establishing logical and consistent suffix rules, can still be expressed for information.

Division-12

General Rules for Predetermined Messages within Formal Printed Text

Rule-12.1:

Division-12 makes referrence to ‘freely-written messages’, and ‘predetermined messages’. A freely-written message is original content created by the writer. A predetermined message refers to a genstat that has been established or quoted, whether by somebody else, or by the current writer.

Rule-12.1(a):

If a genstat is a repetition of what has already been presented, then it should appear within quotation-marks, to indicate that the words are not original. Rule-12.1(a) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-12.2:

Rule-12.1(a) clearly applies to quotations, but it applies to a great many other things as well. Any expression which is, either spoken, written, thought or conceived, should be identified by the use of quotation-marks. For example: The section of The Croydon Convention™ that you are now readding has been headed: ‘Division-12’. The use of quotation-marks in the previous sentence around the division reference is required, because there is a repetition of the heading that has already been used for this part of the convention.

Here are some further examples:

• ‘To lose one parent, Mr Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose both, looks like carelessness.’ Lady Bracknell, from The Importance of Being Earnest, written by Oscar Wilde, (paraphrased).

• ‘Shall I kiss this frog?’, wondered the young girl, from The Frog Prince, written by The Brothers Grimm ,(paraphrased).

• People might wonder: ‘Where did he get the money from?’. No attribution.

Rule-12.2(a):

Rephrasing is an example of quoting. This is because rephrasing is a situation where something has already been said, and is then relayed again. That is to say: ‘If a message has already been delivered, and then it is delivered again, (albeit with different words), then the message is being repeated rather than freely-written, and thus it is considered to be a form of quotation.’. Rules-12.2 and -12.2(a) are rules-tanse.

Rule-12.3:

Whenever a genstat is quoted, the entire quote should be included within the quotation-marks. This includes any punctuation. For example: ‘ ‘‘HELP!'’, he cried.’, includes an exclamation-mark, within the quotation, immediately after the word: ‘help’. Rule-12.3 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-12.4:

It follows from Rule-12.3, that any quotation included within the text of a freely-written sentence is part of that freely-written sentence. Accordingly, the sentence being composed by the writer should apply conventional punctuation. For example: Tommy said: ‘I am going to the park.’, is a statement made by Tommy. The full-stop after the word: ‘park’, is part of the message deliverred by Tommy. The comma after the closing-quotation-mark, is part of the wording within the convention. It is therefore a requirement of The Croydon Convention™ that, (if necessary), a sentence stopper, (for example a full-stop), should appear at the end of a quoted genstat, and also at the end of a freely written sentence. For example, earlier on, it was reported that Tommy used the sentence: ‘I am going to the park.’. Tommy has finished the sentence with the word: ‘park’, and so there is a full stop after ‘park’. The example quoted is a sentence which finishes with a closing-quotation-mark (’), and so there is an additional full-stop after the closing-quotation-mark. This might not be the traditional approach, but it is a logical approach. Accordingly, Rule-12.4, is a rule-tanse.

Rule-12.5:

Simple quotations will have one pair of single inverted-commas (‘) and (’). For example, Tommy said: ‘I am going to the park.’. Rule-12.5 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-12.6:

Quotations within quotations will be identified with one pair of two raised-apostrophes (‘‘) and (’’). For example: ‘Jenny reported, mother said to me: ‘‘Make sure you are home by teatime.’’. Jenny then checked her watch.’. Rule-12.6 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-12.6(a):

Every time a quotation is included within a quotation, the pair of inverted-commas increases by one for both the openning, and closing, of the quotation. In theory, (although hardly ever in practice), there could be ten, (or more), openning-inverted-commas, followed by a quote, followed by ten closing-inverted-commas. Rule-12.6(a) is a rule-tanse.

Rule-12.6(b):

There will be times when a quotation within a quotation will come at the very start, of the underlying quotation. For example: Tania said: ‘ ‘‘To be, or not to be.’’, is the first line of Hamlet’s soliloquy. ‘. In this example, the words used by Tania are being reported. The very first words spoken by Tania are words originally drafted by William Shakespeare. Because these words are the words of Shakespeare, then spoken by Tania, the quote of Tania, quoting Shakespeare, is enclosed within double inverted-commas. That is to say: ‘This is not a quote that requires three inverted-commas. It is, in fact, one inverted-comma, immediately followed by two more inverted-commas.’. To demonstrate that this is a case of one and then two, rather than a case of a triple inverted-comma, there is a space between the first singular inverted-comma, and the immediately followwing double inverted-comma. Thus, the structure of the sentence is:

• A report by the original writer giving information about who is speaking. - Tania said:,

• An openning-quotation-mark to indicate that the words spoken by Tania are now being reported.,

• A space between the single openning-quotation-mark, and the subsequent double openning-quotation-mark.,

• The double openning-quotation-mark.,

• The words written by William Shakespeare.,

• The double closing-quotation-mark, to indicate that Shakespeare is no longer being quoted by Tania.,

• The remainning part of Tania’s speech.,

• The single closing-quotation-mark, to indicate that Tania has now stopped speaking.,

• A full stop after the single closing-quotation-mark, to indicate that the writer has now completed the writer’s own freely-written sentence.

Rule-12.7:

If a quotation consists of more than one paragraph, then, (in theory), the quotation continues until all of the quotation is finished. Thus, the closing quotation-marks are only required at the end of the quotation. Accordingly, (in theory), there is no need to start a new paragraph with quotation-marks. However, it is useful to the readder to be reminded that what they are readding is a quotation. Accordingly, to help readders, a writer should begin each paragraph within a quotation with the correct number of openning-quotation-marks. Only use a closing-quotation-mark at the end of the final paragraph of the quote. Because this approach aids communication, Rule-12.7 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-12.7(a):

For example:

            ‘(Openning-quotation-mark), (first paragraph), (no-closing quotation-mark),

‘(Repeat the openning-quotation-mark at the start of the second paragraph), (no closing-quotation-mark),

‘(Repeat the openning-quotation-mark at the start of the third paragraph)’, (Close the quotation now that it has finished, and then continue with freely-written prose).

Rule-12.8:

If a genstat is quoted, then the repetition must be faithful. That is to say: ‘It must be an exact repetition.’. The requirement to be an exact duplication includes any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors made in the original expression. This rule applies even if the original expression does not conform to The Croydon Convention™. As set-out in Rule-1.5(a), Rule-12.8 has been established at primary-level-four.

Rule-12.8(a):

Consider, for example, a book written by James Fenimore Cooper. This writer lived two hundred years before the convention was drafted. Accordingly, there was no such convention for him to either comply with, or contravene. However, if a writer of the current times wishes to claim that they are writing in accordance with the convention, then a review of one of the books written by James Fenimore Cooper might read as follows:

‘The Last of the Mohicans (1) is a book written by James Fenimore Cooper. As the name suggests, the book tells the story of the last (2) of The Mohicans (3). Within the book several referrences (4) are made to the mohican language (5). That language is known as: ‘‘Mohican’’(6).’.

Rule-12.8(b):

The explanation for this presentational style is provided as follows:

(1)  Referrence is made to the name of a book. The book being reviewwed is a composition. Accordingly, the name of the book is presented in italics, with no quotation-marks. The name of this book, does not follow the rules of The Croydon Convention™. However, the convention stipulates that when an authority exists about the name of an entity, then the name of the entity must be faithfully reproduced in accordance with that authority. That is to say: ‘If the original writer uses a lowercase ‘t’ for a proper name, then the use of the lowercase ‘t’ must be faithfully re-produced, because that was what the writer intended.

(2)  The genstat: ‘the last’ appears in normal font because this is a freely written sentence, rather than being a title, or a reproduction of the original words.

(3)  The writer of the review is in the process of using their own words, rather than the words of James Fenimore Cooper. Accordingly, the proper name of this group of native-americans, must be presented in accordance with the rules of the convention. That is with the word: ‘The’, included as part of a two-word proper name for the tribe, with both the word: ‘The’, and the word: ‘Mohicans’, presented with initial capital letters.

(4) It should be born in mind that the review is being written by a person who is writing freely, and aiming to comply with the convention. In that case the writer should follow the spelling rules established by the convention. Hence, The Double-Consonant Rule has been applied when the verb: ‘to refer’, is used as the base-word for the noun: ‘referrence’.

(5)  The writer of the review is still using their own words. They have freely chosen to make referrence to a language ,(a common noun). The previous word: ‘mohican’, is an adjective. The convention states that all adjectives are common words (unless another rule applies). No overriding rule applies in this case. Thus, the freely written genstat is: ‘the mohican language’.

(6)  The final words used by the reviewwer are freely-written words, and therefore must follow the rules of the convention. The language has now been given a proper name. That proper name is presented with an initial capital letter.

Rule-12.9:

It will frequently be the case that a quoted genstat will appear after a colon. For example: ‘Mee Ling asked: ‘‘How are you today?’’.’. In this case the words spoken by Mee Ling have been presented in accordance with the rules of the convention. The sentence spoken begins with the word: ‘How’. Therefore, according to Rules-7.8(d) and -7.8(e), that word begins with an initial capital ‘H’. This in turn means that the whole sentence has faithfully reproduced the words of the quotation, as required by Rule-12.8. The fact that the word: ‘How’, appears without an immediately-proceeding full-stop is irrelevant (see Rule-7.8[f]). It still remains the case that the words of Mee Ling have been faithfully reproduced.

Rule-12.9(a):

It is permitted, (but not required), to append the denotation: ‘(sic)’. The use of the denotation: ‘(sic)’, informs the beholder that the writer is aware of the error, but the writer has, nevertheless, complied with Rule-12.8. The reason why the use of this denotation is permitted, but not required, is because a writer only complies with The Croydon Convention™ if they faithfully reproduce the original expression. In the previous example the review writer could choose to write: ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ (sic). But that is a matter of choice for the reviewwer. The convention does not require this.

Rule-12.9(b):

Provided that the conditions specified by Rule-12.9(c) have been complied with, a writer is permitted to convey the sense of what is being said, without producing an exact replica of the original expression. However, if the writer chooses to do this, then they must indicate that the reproduction is not precise, so that the readder is aware of that fact. This can be done by using the denotation: ‘(paraphrased)’, immediately before, or immediately after, the supposed quote. It is then permitted to provide the quote within quotation-marks, subject to the overriding requirements of Rule-12.9(c). As set-out in Rule-1.5(a), Rule-12.9(b) has been established at primary-level-three.

Rule-12.9(c):

If a quote is paraphrased, then the meanning of the original expression must not be changed in any way. For example, the use of the word: ‘men’, might be considered to be politically-incorrect, because that word is not gender-neutral. So, for example, Neil Armstrong broadcast to The World: ‘It is one small step for a man. One giant leap for Mankind.’. This expression can be reproduced as: (paraphrased) ‘It is one small step for a person. One giant leap for Humankind.’. The Croydon Convention™ permits this type of rephrasing because (a) it is stated that it has been paraphrased, and, (b) because the sense of Neil Armstrongᵖs original words has not been changed. If a writer quotes what somebody else has already said, then it is not permitted to change the sense of the original expression. As set-out in Rule-1.5(a), Rule-12.9(c) has been established at primary-level-two.

Rule-12.10:

If there is a desire to convey doubt, within formal printed text, then a writer should use the actual word: ‘quote’, and the actual word: ‘unquote’. In both cases these stated-words should appear within parentheses. For example: ‘A fraudster who gets caught is (quote) unlucky (unquote).’.

Rule-12.10(a)

The reason for this required style, is because the writer is not stating a predetermined message, but is instead, freely writing their own words. Nevertheless, the writer is, (at the same time), implying doubt or reservation which the beholder should be aware of.

Division-13

General Rules for Pronunciation of Words and Phrases Used within Formal Printed Text

This division has not yet been drafted.

Division-14

General Rules for Emphasizing (or Underplaying) Genstats within Formal Printed Text

Rule-14.1:

When presenting formal printed text, there might be a desire on the part of the writer to place emphasis on a particular word or phrase. The use of emphasis is encouraged. This is because, (in accordance with Rule-2.1), the primary purpose of communication is to put a message across. Emphasis can help with the purpose of communication. The same principle applies if a genstat is to be underplayyed.

Rule-14.2:

A writer should, use emphasis when writing if words would be stressed when read aloud. Similarly, wording which is comparatively unimportant would be spoken more softly than usual, if read aloud. The writing style should reflect this.

Rule-14.3:

The type of emphasis chosen should mirror it(p)s intended effect, mirroring how the text would sound if spoken.

Rule-14.3(a):

If a word or phrase is especially important it might be spoken very slowly and deliberately. Such genstats can be emphasized by underlining. For example: ‘It is not a good idea to drink bleach.’.

Rule-14.3(b):

Sometimes a word might need to be emphasized without changing the delivery of the spoken word. In such cases the emphasis can be demonstrated using an emboldened type face. For example: ‘After discussing Point-A, it is now necessary to look more closely at Point-B.’.

Rule-14.3(c):

If words need to be shouted, then use block capitals. For example, in the hit song recorded by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, the recording opens with the cry: ‘I AM THE GOD OF HELL FIRE! AND I BRING YOU …’

Rule-14.4

To underplay a genstat the convention requires, (if technically possible), to use an alternative font, ideally of a slightly smaller size. This can be useful, for example, when provided stage directions in a drama. Thus, if the default text of the drama is: Times-New-Roman-12-Point, then stage directions can be displayyed in, (for instance), Arial-8-Point.

Rule-14.4(a)

For example, in the screenplay for the movie Spartacus, the format might be:

            (Spartacus stands up) (shouts) I’M SPARTACUS!

            (Seconds later other rebels stand-up and shout in defiance) I’M SPARTACUS!

This presentation makes it clear to the actors what are the stage directions, and what words are actually to be spoken.

Rule-14.5

Another style of underplayying would be the use of footnotes and endnotes. The software provided by a word-processor should make this process automatic. The idea is that the additional words are of such comparative unimportance that they are removed from the main text altogether and placed either at the bottom of the page (a footnote), or at the end of the entire work (an endnote). When inserting a footnote or endnote using a word-processor, the software automatically places a superscript number at the point selected within the main text. The writer is then prompted to enter the contents of the note. For example, the text might read: ‘A well-known playwright is Arthur Miller.’. A link to an appropriate website can then be shown in the footnote or endnote. The use of an appendix(s) is a further alternative where wording is to be included, but assigned less prominence.

Division-15

General Rules for Spelling within Formal Printed Text

Rule-15.1:

The Croydon Convention™ was first drafted within The British Isles. Also, The English Language was first developed within The British Isles. Nevertheless, at the time of writing, English is spoken as a first language in several countries around the world, including The United States, Canada, and Australia. In other countries, including India, Singapore, and South Africa, English is a recognized official language. As a result, the british variant of that language is now a minority dialect.

Rule-15.1(a):

In view of the realities set-out in Rule 15.1, The Croydon Convention™ recognizes that, in terms of the world population, the north-american spelling of words is more prevalent than the british spelling of words. At the same time north-american spellings are considered to be, (on-the-whole), more rational than british spellings, as british spellings are frequently based upon traditions rather than phonetics.

Rule-15.1(b)

The Croydon Convention™ has it(p)s reservations about the use of north-american spellings. In Division-11 it is argued that whilst many british spellings are problematic, there are a few occasions when british spelling appears to be more logical. An example is, the past participle of the verb: ‘to equal’, which is spelt as ‘equalled’ in Britain, by comparison to the north-american spelling ‘equaled’. On other occasions both of these national variants use the same spelling such as the word: ‘bewildered’. However, according to The Croydon Convention™ the most logical spelling would be ‘bewilderrred’ (with a double-‘r’). However, a standard word-processor highlights that spelling that word with a double-‘r’ is regarded as being incorrect. The observation is that, whilst the past tense of the verb: ‘to bewilder’ is spelt as ‘bewildered’, (with one ‘r’), according to the published spelling guide, that same guide states that the past participle of the verb: ‘to refer’, is ‘referred’, (with a double-’r’). Similarly, the continuous form of the verb: ‘to permit’, is ‘permitting’, (with a double-t), the continuous form of the verb: ‘to exhibit’, is ‘exhibiting’, (with only one letter- ‘t’).

Rule-15.1(c)

These observations lead to the idea that The Croydon Convention™ favors north-american spelling when it suits the convention to do so, but rejects north-american spelling in favor of some other variant, in particular situations. Such an alternative variant might, (or might not be), the british variant.

Rule-15.1(d)

Situations where a spelling variant, other that the north-american variant, will be used, are specified in Division 15, starting from Rule-15.4 onwards.

Rule-15.2:

Subject to the overriding requirements of Rules-15.1(c) and -15.1(d), The Croydon Convention™ regards spellings published in the north-american edition of The Merriam-Webster Dictionary as being the correct way in which english words should be spelt. The said publication shall be referred to within this convention as: ‘the published spelling guide. This requirement has been established for the reasons set-out in Rule-15.1(a). Thus, a writer living in a village in The Cotswolds, who wishes to strictly comply with the rules of the convention, would then be required to write, (should they so wish):

‘The defense (with an ‘‘s’’) of the realm will inevitably cost a lot of money.’

Rule-15.2 is a rule-uara.

Rule-15.2(a):

An exception is granted to those who wish to use spellings based upon local traditions, (for example the british tradition). For example, a (somewhat) traditionalist writer living in The Hebrides, might then be permitted to, (although not encouraged to), write, (should they so wish):

‘The defence (with a ‘‘c’’) of the realm will inevitably cost a lot of money.’

Rule-15.2(a) is a rule eseap.

Rule-15.2(b):

An exception is granted to those who wish to consistently apply the published spelling guide, despite the rules of Division-15 of the convention. For example, a (somewhat) traditionalist writer living in Vancouver, might then be permitted to, (although not encouraged to), write, (should they so wish):

‘In my opinion, Freedom of Speech is a marvelous (with one ‘‘l’’) concept.’

Rule-15.2(b) is a rule-eseap.

Rule-15.3:

Rule-15.2 relates solely to the spelling of english words. Questions such as: ‘elevator’ by comparison to ‘lift’, constitute a word-usage issue, which therefore has to be considered under Division-17.

Rule-15.4:

It is the viewpoint expressed within The Croydon Convention™ that a significant number of English words are presented with illogical spellings. This can often be for historical reasons. Revising such a mass of traditional spellings will inevitably prove to be an enormous challenge.

Rule-15.4(a)

The challenge may be daunting, but the convention does not shy away from that challenge. The strategy will be to seek a gradual evolution towards more rational spellings. Traditional spellings will be accepted by this convention, unless, under the provisions of Division-15, expressly stated alternative spellings are to be used. Rule-15.4(a) is a rule-mytbe. It is expressly stated that rule 15.4(a) does not override Rule 15.2(a), nor does it override Rule-15.2(b).

Rule-15.4(b)

The spellings that have been changed by The Croydon Convention™ will, during the initial development of the convention, have specific features. The features will be:

• The new variant is more logical than the traditional variant,

• The word is still recognizable, even if it should be the case that a standard word-processor would highlight the spelling as being incorrect. For example, the word: ‘Heatting’, (with a double-‘t’), might be highlighted as incorrectly spelt, but a word with that spelling can still be easily read and understood by a beholder.

Rule-15.5

In the specific case of the pluralized form of nouns the spelling rules to be applied will be governed by Division-16

Rule-15.6

The Double-Consonant Rule, states that if a base word should end in the form vowel-consonant, (for example: ‘seal’), then, in applicable situations, the consonant at the end of the base word should be doubled before adding a suffix to that word. Examples are provided in Rule 15.6(a). Rule-15.6 operates for applicable situations only.

Rule-15.6(a)

The Double-Consonant Rule will be applied in all situations where the tense of a verb has been changed. This rule applies to all 21 consonants within the alphabet. Examples include: ‘hopping’, ‘outfoxxed’, ‘conveyying’, ‘creditting’, and ‘allowwing’.

Rule-15.6(b)

The Double-Consonant Rule will be applied in all situations where the degree of an adjective is being increased. Examples include: ‘big’, ‘bigger’, ‘biggest’, ‘great’, ‘greatter’, ‘greattest’, and ‘sweet’, ‘sweetter’, ‘sweettest’.

Rule-15.6(c)

It is expressly stated that The Double-Consonant Rule does not apply when an adjective is converted into an adverb. ‘Examples include: ‘’great’ to ‘greatly’, ‘open’ to ‘openly’, and ‘sad’ to ‘sadly’.

Rule-15.6(d)

There will be no irregular patterns in situations where an adjective ending in ‘u-e’ is changed into an adverb. In such situations the suffix ‘l-y’ will be appended directly at the end of the adjective. Examples include: ‘grotesque’ to ‘grotesquely’, ‘vague’ to ‘vaguely’, ‘due’ to ‘duely’ and ‘true to ‘truely’.

Division-16

General Rules for Creating Plurals within Formal Printed Text

Rule 16.1:

By tradition the vast majority of nouns within The English Language are presented in different ways depending upon whether they are in singular-form or plural-form.

Rule 16.1(a):

The Croydon Convention™ seeks to standardize the use and presentation of plural-nouns, but recognizes that this will be a difficult objective to achieve.

Rule-16.1(b):

A noun will be considered to be in singular-form if there is one of that item, or minus-one of that item. For all other quantities including zero, decimal fractions and vulgar fractions, the noun shall be presented in plural-form. Rule-16.1(b) is a rule-tane.

Rule-16.1(c)

Here are some examples:

(a)   20 degrees (plural) celsius might be regarded as a pleasantly warm day.

(b)  The normal temperature range for a healthy adult is between 36.1 and 37.2 degrees (plural) celsius.

(c)   Absolute Zero occurs at -273.15 degrees (plural) celsius.

(d)  At one degree (singular) celsius, water is a liquid. At minus-one degree (singular) celsius, water is a solid. This is because the freezing point of water is zero degrees (plural) celsius.

(e)   The Triple-Point-of-Water is a scientific phenomenon measured at 0.01 degrees (plural) celsius.

(f)   The recipe calls for half liters (plural) of milk.

(g)  The recipe calls for half-a-liter (singular) of milk. (A liter is singular, the fraction of that singular liter is, one half.)

Rule 16.1(d)

In situations where a noun can be either singular or plural the noun is presented in singular form, followed by: ‘(s)’. For example: ‘We accept no responsibility for any vehicle(s) parked in this location.’. Rule-16.1(d) is a rule-tane.

Rule 16.1(e)

Rule 16.1(d) applies in all such cases even if the plural-form is non-regular. For example: ‘By Law your child(s), of an appropriate age, must attend full-time education.’. Rule-16.1(e) is a rule-tane.

Rule 16.2

As it currently stands, traditional forms of plural presentation will be tolerated. For example, both the word: ‘stadia’ and the word: ‘stadiums’, will be considered to be acceptable. Rule-16.2 is subject to the overriding provisions of Rule 16.3. Rule 16.2 is a rule-trabd.

Rule 16.2(a)

The intention is to gradually replace traditional forms of plural nouns, where the traditional form is lacking in either logic or justification. Accordingly, Rule -16.2 will be superseded by other provisions stated within Division-16 starting from Rule 16.3 onwards.

Rule-16.3

Nouns which have been introduced into The English Language on or after 1st January 11901 (H-E), will hereinafter be referred to as: ‘Modern Nouns’. Nouns which pre-date 1st January 11901 (H-E) will hereinafter be referred to as: ‘Established Nouns’.

The plural-form of a modern noun will be required to be presented as the singular form plus one of the two suffixes stated below:

(i)             An appended letter: ‘s’ whenever it is practical to do so. For example, the plural of the word: ‘photocopier’ will be: ‘photocopiers’.

(ii)           An appendage ‘es’, when the sound of a single letter: ‘s’ would be indistinguishable from the singular-form of the word. For example, the plural-form of the word: ‘fax’ will be: ‘faxes’.

Rule-16.3(a):

Rule-16.3 applies regardless of whether or not the modern noun ends with the letter: ‘y’ or the letters: ‘ey’. So, for example, the plural of the word: ‘dinky’ (double-income-no-kids-yet), will be: ‘dinkys’. Similarly: the plural of the word: ‘okey’ would be: ‘okeys’. An okey is an informal word meaning: ‘an agreement’.

Rule-16.3(b)

A modern noun which ends in the letters ‘ie’ in it(p)s singular-form, will simply follow the requirements of Rule-16.3 Option-(i). For example, the plural-form of the word: ‘selfie’ will be: ‘selfies’.

Rule-16.3(c)

Rule 16.3 also applies if an established noun has been adopted for a modern usage. For example, if a mouse is a small creature that makes a squeaking noise, then (under the provisions of Rule-16.2) the plural-form may be presented as: ‘mice’. However, if a mouse is a peripheral computer accessory, then the plural-form is required to be presented as: ‘mouses’. Rule-16.2 does not apply when the word: ‘mouse’ is used in this sense, as the word: ‘mouse’, when used in this sense, is a modern noun.

For example:

‘I bought a cardboard carton full of mouses. The next day I discovered the carton had been attacked by mice.’.

Rules-16.3 through to -16.3(c) are all designed as rules-tane.

Rule-16.4

The most common reason why a noun might demonstrate an irregular plural pattern is because the word originally derives from another language such as Proto-German, Latin or Greek. Here are some examples:

            Foot                 Feet                 Proto-German

            Louse              Lice                 Proto-German

            Ox                   Oxen               Proto-German

            Datum             Data                Latin

            Radius             Radii               Latin

            Person              People             Two different latin words

Amoeba          Amoebae         Greek via Latin

            Criterion         Criteria            Greek via Latin

Rule-16.4(a)

As with other aspects of grammar, even if the historical underpinning has logic attached to it, it still remains the case that in terms of communication these variances are unhelpful. Here are some examples:

            One hand         Two hands      One foot          Two feet

            One cow           Two cows        One person      Two People

            One fox            Two foxes       One ox            Two Oxen

            One house       Two houses     One louse        Two Lice

Rule-16.4(b)

In Malay, (and many other languages), the plural form is created by doubling the singular word.  For example: ‘Dua orang hutan orang hutan’ translates to two orangutans. Nobody would suggest that because people from Malaysia create plurals in this way, that when a malay word is adopted into English the expression should be: ‘two orangutan-orangutan’.

Rule-16.4(c)

It is for this reason that rule 16.2 initially intends to tolerate multiple variations of plural nouns, but ultimately strives to produce a regular pattern. Whilst Rule-16.3 identifies certain types of nouns are known as: ‘modern nouns’, and establishes a rule-tane for the special case of modern nouns.

Rule-16.4(d)

There are already signs that plural-forms are organically changing. For example: one person, two persons, one formula, two formulas (rather than the traditional two formulae).

Rule-16.4(e)

An example which merits special attention is the genstat; ‘The Media’, and it(p)s derivatives such as Multi-Media and Social-Media. When a singular word ends in the trigraph: ‘… ium’ then, (by tradition), the ‘um’ is replaced by an ‘a’. For example, one bacterium, two bacteria. Similarly, (by tradition) one medium, two media.

Rule-16.5

A suitable definition for the term: ‘The Media’ might be:

‘Communication channels through which we disseminate information’.

This would include: newspapers, television, radio, and The Internet. It would also include forms of communication which are hardly used in modern times such as telegrams and carrier pigeons. The idea is that any channel of communication is known as; ‘a medium’ (of communication), and therefore the collective grouping of all channels of communication is known as: ‘The Media’ because that collection includes many channels, each of which is a medium.

Rule-16.5(a)

Thus, ‘The Media’ is a single entity. It is the-one-and-the-only collection of all channels of communication. Accordingly, this entity is assigned a proper name. That proper name is capitalized.

Rule-16.5(b)

The significance of using the term: ‘The Media’ as a proper name, means that within that overall collection, it is possible to breakdown The Entire Media into it(p)s individual components, each of which is a medium.

Rule-16.5(c)

Thus, the term: ‘Social Media’ (proper name) refers to the entirety of modern communication platforms. Each of these platforms is a medium. Thus, Instagram is a social medium (proper name of a common phrase), Snapchat is a social medium (proper name of a common phrase). Therefore: Facebook and Qzone are both examples of social mediums. The reason (according to the convention) that the plural of social medium has been presented with an appended letter ‘s’ rather than the traditional (but anachronistic) letter ‘a’ requires explanation. A social medium is a phenomenon that has developed since the cut-off date of 1st January 11901. Thus, the phrase a social medium is a modern compound-noun. Accordingly, the plural form ends with the letter ‘s’.

Rule-16.6

In the case of compound-genstats the focal noun will attract the plural-form if the genstat is non-singular. Examples include:

• Person(s) of interest,

• Point(s)-of-view,

• Multi-racial group(s).

• Child(s) of The Noughties.

Rule 16.6(a):

A focal noun is defined as:

            ‘A noun which constitutes the focus of a compound-genstat’.

For example, in the genstat: ‘issue(s) of conscience’, the focus is on the number of issues, and not the number of consciences.

Division-17

General Rules for Correct and Incorrect Word-Usage within Formal Printed Text

Rule-17.1:

Whether the use of words is correct or incorrect will inevitably be a subjective issue. For example, is it wrong or correct to say: ‘Can you borrow me this book?’?

Rule-17.2:

Although it is difficult to state objectively whether a particular word-usage is correct or incorrect, traditions often make certain usages sound right or wrong. For example: 'Can you lend me this book?', is preferred over: 'Can you borrow me this book?’, because the word: ‘lend’ simply sounds more natural.

Rule-17.3:

Subject to the overriding provisions of Rule-17.4, (specifically required usage), The Croydon Convention™ does not expressly state that word-usage is either right or wrong. This is because of the practical difficulties of establishing rules for word-usage. Nevertheless, writers are encouraged to use traditional words and phrasing to aid communication, as required by Rule-2.1.

Rule-17.3(a)

The Croydon Convention™ celebrates the diverse nature of The English Language which can have a variety of words with identical or very similar meanings, for example: ‘magazine’ and: ‘journal’. Subject to the overriding provisions of Rule-17.4, The Croydon Convention™ expressly allows different words to be used to convey similar meanings. This principle also applies to words that are common within different variants of English. For example, the word: ‘diaper’, is no more and no less acceptable than the word: ‘nappy’. Similarly, the word: ‘truck’ (American-English) and word: ‘lorry’ (British-English) are both considered to be acceptable words. Rule-17.3 is a rule-uara.

Rule-17.4:

Whilst the convention does not usually specify that particular words are either right or wrong, Rule-17.4 allows the convention to expressly state that certain words are prescribed in specified situations. In such expressly-stated situation the use of any word other than the prescribed word(s) would be a breach of The Croydon Convention™. The specified situations are as follows:

(i)             At the middle of the day the precise time shall be expressed as: ‘12-noon’ or ‘12-midday’. This is because such a point in Time is neither ante meridian, nor post meridian. Variations of presenting the number: ‘12’ are permitted including, (but not limited to): ‘twelve’, and ‘12:00’.

(ii)           At the middle of the night the precise time shall be expressed as: ‘12-midnight’. This is because such a point in Time is neither ante meridian, nor post meridian. Variations of presenting the number: ‘12’ are permitted including, (but not limited to): ‘twelve’, and ‘12:00’.

(iii)         This line has been deliberately left blank for use in other situations.

Rule-17.4 is a rule-tanse.

Rule-17.5:

Publishers and other readers of formal written text can set their own standards for acceptable word-usage. For example, The Croydon Convention™ permits a sentence such as: ‘The team in second place in a league table, has less points than the team in first place.’. Nevertheless, writers are encouraged to, (but not required to), use the traditional phrase: ‘… has fewer points than …’, because the tradition aids communication, which is a requirement established under Rule-2.1. A publisher is free, (if they so choose), to require such a sentence to be re-written. That is a matter for the publisher, it is not a matter for the convention.

Rule-17.6

In general terms the convention makes no attempt to specify what words are correct and what words are incorrect. Rule-17.3 encourages the use of traditional words, but an encouragement is not the same as a requirement. The only requirements established are specifically listed under Rule-17.4. What this means is that if a word-usage issue arises which is not covered by the provisions of Rule-17.4, then writers have been given the freedom to make their own choices. For example, a writer can opt to say: ‘You and me are both interested in Grammar.’. However, the writer can equally say: ‘You and I are both interested in Grammar.’ Both of these sentences would be permitted under the rules of the convention. This is because both sentences convey a clear message. The distinction between: ‘you and I’ versus: ‘you and me’ is based upon grammatical pedantism, which makes little practical difference in terms of communication. By removing these distinctions, writers can focus on clarity and meaning rather than adhering to traditional grammatical rules, which are arguably arbitrary.

Rule-17.6(a)

The counter-argument is that maintaining traditional distinctions preserves linguistic precision. The convention holds that such precision rarely impacts upon comprehension.

Rule-17.7

Whilst Rule 17.6 allows considerable freedom of choice to a writer there are specific areas where traditionalists will tend to express strong opinions. These various considerations are discussed in Rules-17.7(a) through to -17.10.

Rule-17.7(a)

One of the regular concerns of a traditionalist will be the distinction between countable and uncountable nouns. For example: ‘A bowl containing twelve sugar cubes has fewer sugar cubes than a bowl containing thirteen such items. This is because the number of sugar cubes can be counted.’. However: ‘A bowl containing twelve sugar cubes has less sugar than a bowl containing thirteen sugar cubes. This is because the amount of sugar cannot be counted.’. As explained under Rule-17.7(b) The Croydon Convention™ abolishes this distinction.

Rule-17.7(b)

The logic of the idea set-out in Rule-17.7(a), is that if the sugar is in the form of grains rather than cubes, the number of grains of sugar can (at least in theory) be counted. Thus, (according to tradition), one of the bowls would have fewer grains of sugar, rather than less grains of sugar. Nevertheless, there would still be less sugar in one bowl compared to the other. In reality however the number of grains of sugar cannot be counted. This raises the question: ‘What is the point of such a distinction?’. That is to say: ‘Although the traditional rule is logical in theory, in practice the distinction between countable and uncountable nouns often fails to provide meaningful guidance or clarity.’. The viewpoint of The Croydon Convention is that a distinction that serves no useful purpose is entirely unnecessary. Thus, under the rules of the convention the following phrases would all be permitted with equal status: ‘less sugar’, ‘fewer sugar', 'less cubes’, ‘fewer cubes’, ‘less grains’, ‘fewer grains’.

Rule-17.7(c)

All grammatical distinctions based upon countable versus uncountable nouns are considered by the convention to be irrelevant. For example, the phrase: ‘There are many stars in the sky’, has an equal status to the phrase: ‘There are much stars in the sky’. Afterall scientists tell us that it is not physically possible to count the number of stars.

Rule-17.8

Another area where tradition clashes with progression is: the use of negative-prefixes. A negative-prefix is a genstat added to the front of a word to give that word an opposite meaning. For example, a possible opposite of the word: ‘respect’ would be: ‘disrespect’. Tradition holds that specific prefixes are acceptable, whilst others are criticised. For example: the opposite of the word: ‘typical’, is said to be ‘atypical’ rather than ‘untypical’. In accordance with the standard style of The Croydon Convention™, the approach is to abolish what appear to be arbitrary requirements, and to allow for freedom of choice. Thus, both the word: ‘atypical’ and the word: ‘untypical’ would be permitted by the convention with equal status. Other examples of words that have been assigned equal status under the requirements of the convention would be: ‘uncomplete’ versus ‘incomplete’, and ‘nonregular’ versus ‘irregular’.

Rule-17.8(a)

Attention is drawn to phrases such as: ‘a disinterested police officer’ versus ‘an uninterested police officer’. A disinterested person is a person who adopts a neutral stance, favoring neither one party nor the other. An uninterested person is a person who considers the topic to be of no importance, and is not even bothered about the discussion. The problem in this type of situation is that the word: ‘interested’ can have more than one meaning. That is to say: ‘It is not the use of the prefix that creates the problem, but rather the root word which has two different meanings, (‘‘interested’’ in this case).’. This type of problem is best resolved by choosing alternative words. For example: ‘a neutral police officer’ versus: ‘an apathetic police officer’.

Rule-17.9

Yet another issue which creates a clash between tradition and progression is a topic known as: ‘Irregular Superlatives’. Some adjectives have different endings depending upon the degree to which they apply. For example: Kanchenjunga is a high mountain. K2 is a higher mountain. Everest is the highest mountain. The word: ‘high’ is an adjective. The comparative adjective is: ‘higher’. The superlative adjective is: ‘highest’. In the case of the word: ‘high’ there are no particular word-usage problems because ‘high’ is said to be a regular adjective. However, if something is good, the standard comparative adjective is the word: ‘better’. Meanwhile the standard superlative adjective is the word: ‘best’. The word: ‘good’ is an example of an irregular adjective. The word: ‘best’ is an example of an irregular superlative.

Rule-17.9(a)

In a similar way to the word: ‘good’, the word: ‘bad’ can follow an irregular pattern. Something is bad, something else is worse, but yet another thing is the worst. However, the american songwriter Jim Croce (pronounced: ‘Crow-chey’) recorded a song with the following lyrics:

‘And it's bad, bad Leroy Brown.
The baddest man in the whole damned town.
Badder than old King Kong.
And meaner than a junkyard dog.’

Of course, the primary purpose of a song is to provide entertainment. The grammatical correctness of the song is not the major issue. Nevertheless, this song illustrates that changing an irregular adjective into a regular adjective still communicates a message. Thus, The Croydon Convention™ allows with equal status, words such as ‘good’, ‘gooder’ and ‘goodest’ along with ‘bad’, ‘badder’ and ‘baddest’ and various other examples. Even so, at the same time, the word: ‘gooder’ is neither favored nor disfavored versus the word: ‘better’.

Rule-17.9(b)

Following-on from Rule 17.9(a), there is a need to consider a word such as: ‘worser’. Logically no such word should exist, because if the word: ‘worse’ is considered to be a comparative adjective, then the word: ‘worser’ seems redundant. Whilst this logic may stand-up to examination, it would still be against the principles of the convention to seek to ban a word such as: ‘worser’ because the meaning of the word still communicates a message. Accordingly, there is no ban (under the convention) of the words such as: ‘worser’. As stated under Rule-17.3, The Croydon Convention™ does not expressly state that word-usage is either right or wrong, unless certain highly specialist circumstances arise. (See Rule-17.4).

Rule-17.10

A topic that is similar to the issue of word-usage is the issue of Adjective Degrees. The issue in such cases is when to add a suffix to an adjective, such as ‘bright’, ‘brighter’, and ‘brightest’, versus when to use a modifier, such as: ‘more bright’ and ‘most bright’. In strict terms this is not a word-usage issue. Accordingly, the topic of Adjective Degrees is discussed separately – See Division-21.

Division-18

General Rules for the Use of Images within Formal Printed Text

Rule-18.1:

The use of images is encouraged by The Croydon Convention™. It is often said: ‘A picture paints a thousand words’. Images should be relevant to the content and used in a way that supports the main message, ensuring they do not distract from or contradict the accompanying text. Presenting information in the form of a picture or a diagram will often enhance communication. Thus, the use of images would be compliant with Rule-2.1 (communication is paramount).

Division-19

General Rules for the Use of Lists within Formal Printed Text

Rule-19.1:

Presenting information in the form of a list, is simply an alternative way of presenting several items in order. For example, if the items concerned are: the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe, then that same information can be presented as:

• the lion,

• the witch,

  and

• the wardrobe.

Rule-19.1(a)

The use of vertical lists is encouraged, but not prescribed, as each set of circumstances can be different. However, in view of the overall desire to improve communication, it should be noted that vertical lists are often easier to understand.

Rule-19.1(b)

The primary goal is clear communication. Accordingly, a writer might wish to consider the use of tabulation. The use of tables is not required by The Croydon Convention™, however, table-form is a possible option.

Rule-19.2

Making lists informally, for example, a shopping list, is not governed by the rules of the convention. The rules only apply to formal presentations.

Rule 19.3

Rule-19.3(a) specifically addresses the use of punctuation within tables, whereas Rules-19.4 to -19.9 cover punctuation rules for non-tabular presentation.

Rule 19.3(a)

Exclusively for cases where information is presented in tabulated form the borders of the respective cells within the table are considered to be a replacement for punctuation-marks indicating pauses. Thus, the use of punctuation-marks such as ‘,’ or ‘.’, may be appropriate within a cell, but are considered unnecessary to separate out the elements of a list. For example: The four days for national saints within The United Kingdom could be presented as:

a)     St David Day – Wales – 1st March, (comma)

b)    St Patrick Day – Ireland – 17th March, (comma)

c)     St George Day – England – 23rd April, (comma)

and

d)    St Andrew Day – Scotland – 30th November. (full-stop)

The same information could be presented as:

a) St David Day (no dashes) Wales (no dashes) 1st March (no comma)

b) St Patrick Day (no dashes) Ireland (no dashes) 17th March (no comma)

c) St George Day (no dashes) England (no dashes) 23rd April (no comma)

d) St Andrew Day (no dashes) Scotland (no dashes) 30th November (no full-stop)

Rule-19.4

Vertical presentation is an alternative to prose – also known as: ‘horizontal presentation’. Therefore, the same punctuation rules should apply, for both vertical and horizontal presentation, whenever possible. Accordingly, it would be normal to use commas, full stops, and other punctuation-marks within a vertical list, unless the list is tabulated in accordance with Rule-19.3(a).

Rule 19.5

There is no ruling for or against bullet-markers such as: ‘●’, or ‘*’, or ‘°’. Similarly, there is no ruling either for or against the use of references for example: ‘(i), (ii), (iii)’, or ‘1), 2), 3)’, or ‘a.1, a.2, a.3’. These styles are left for the individual writer to decide upon, based upon what seems appropriate in the context of the information being conveyed.

Rule-19.6

However, there is a requirement to replicate punctuation-marks that would have been used, had the list been presented in a horizontal manner. For example: Item-1(comma), Item-2 (comma), Item-3 (full-stop), is presented as:

            Item-1,

            Item-2,

            Item-3.

Rule-19.6(a)

Similarly, long-sentence ending in a full-stop (comma), another-long-sentence ending in a full-stop (comma), a third-long-sentence ending in a full-stop (and then another full-stop), is presented as:

            Long-sentence-1.,

            Long-sentence-2.,

            Long-sentence-3..

In other words:

‘When listing sentences vertically, treat the entire list as one long sentence. Each item that is a complete sentence ends with a full-stop, but separate these items with commas. The final item ends with two full-stops: one for the sentence and one to close the overall list.

Rule-19.7

When creating a list, conjunctions such as 'or' or 'and' should be included as part of the list items themselves, but they should not be preceded by a bullet or any other marker. For example, see the list provided in Rule-19.1, which lists three items and then includes the word: ‘and’ between the second and third items. The list in Rule-19.1 is reproduced below for illustrative purposes only.

• the lion,

• the witch,

  and

• the wardrobe.

Rule-19.8

If a list is written horizontally, then a comma might, (or might not), appear before any conjunction. This is known as: ‘The Oxford-Comma Rule’. Whether or not to include a comma depends upon the circumstances. If when reading aloud there is a natural pause after a word in the list, then the comma is included before the conjunction. However, when the natural rhythm is to read without pausing then including a comma would be inappropriate. 

Rule-19.8(a)

Consider the following examples:

• ‘The first three months of the year are: January, February, and March.’,

(Oxford comma after ‘February)

• ‘Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.’.

(No comma after the word: ‘Four’, because there is no pause after the word: ‘Four’)

Rule-19.8(b)

In other words: ‘The presence or absence of a comma, is not dictated by the presence of a conjunction. Instead, the presence or absence of a comma is dependent upon the sound of the sentence.’. Accordingly, the first three months of the year can be listed as:

• January, (comma)

• February, (comma)

  and

• March. (full-stop)

For more details about the use of punctuation-marks, see Divison-7.

Rule-19.9

There is nothing to stop the presentation of a list with just one item. The use of a single item list can be very effective when seeking to emphasize a point. For example:

‘When looking after our employees our number-1 priority is:

• Safety.’.

Division-20

General Rules for the Grammatical Treatment of Religious Topics

Rule-20.1

In many ways it should not be necessary to have a separate section about religious writings. Rule-1.4 expressly states that The Croydon Convention™ is neutral on all issues, except for linguistic matters. Nevertheless, religion is often an issue that can create intense fervor and so, for additional clarity, special rules about religion are stated.

Rule-20.2

No religion is favored or disfavored by The Croydon Convention™. Similarly, The Croydon Convention™ is appropriate for Atheism, Agnosticism and even Satanism. The basic principle is that whatever rules apply to other subject matters apply equally to writings about religion.

Rule-20.3

The linguistic issues that might arise when discussing religious matters are likely to concern:

• The proper names of religions,

• The names used for followers,

• The names of deities,

• The names used for revered figures,

• The names of revered texts,

  and

• The use of pronouns.

Rule-20.4

In view of the neutrality of The Croydon Convention™, the names of religions, or branches of those religions, follow the same rules as for proper names generally. The rules of the convention when dealing with proper names are set out in Division-4. There is a one-and-only religion known as: ‘Judaism’. There is a one-and-only religion known as: ‘Jediism’. There is a one-and-only denomination known as: ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’. The said denomination is also properly-named (itgs) as: ‘The Mormon Church’. Other religions which have been given proper names include, (but are not limited to), Buddhism, Shinto, and Rastafarianism. In all cases the same naming conventions apply.

Rule-20.4(a)

The use of capital letters for major words implies neither respect nor disrespect. There is simply a recognition that a set of beliefs must be given a proper name (itgs). There is a proper name for Hedonism. There is a proper name for Herbalism. There is a proper name for McCarthyism. Giving names to any system of beliefs follows exactly the same principle.

Rule-20.5

The whole purpose of a religion is to attract followers. Accordingly, it is recognized that those followers will be numerous. Thus, from a grammatical perspective, there are many hindus (lowercase ‘h’) and many roman catholics (lowercase ‘r’, lowercase ‘c’). The use of lowercase letters for the followers of religions is far from disrespectful. In fact the use of lowercase letters emphasizes the point that the followers will be numerous. This is consistent with the idea that there are many football fans, many republicans, and many fitness-fanatics. Similarly, followers of Rastafarianism are known as: ‘rastafarians’, whilst fans of Star Trek are known as: ‘trekies’.

Rule-20.6

The deity(s) of any religion will need to be given proper names (itgs). The rules for naming deities follow the same principles as naming characters from history or characters from fiction. All proper names, (whether for deities or for human characters), are presented as set-out under Division-4.

Rule-20.6(a)

There is no need to have belief in the deity to use a proper name for that deity. A person might not believe that Zeus or Freya actually exist. However, whether there is belief in the existence of those figures or not, there is still a need to assign a proper name, and to present that name according to the rules of the convention. This is no different to adopting the view that Bugs Bunny does not really exist, but that cartoon character is still given a proper name.

Rule-20.7

The guidance given in Rules-20.6, and -20.6(a), apply equally to revered religious figures. Sir Isaac Newton is a revered figure in Science. He is given a proper name. Simon Bolivar is a revered figure in South America. He is given a proper name. Similarly, Guru Nanak is given a proper name, and Martin Luther is given a proper name. That is to say: ‘There is equal treatment for naming revered figures in a religion as there would be for revered figures in any other field.’.

Rule 20.7(a)

The same principle applies to the titles of revered figures. Examples include: The Dalai Lama, The Pope and The Prophet.

Rule-20.8

It is not the role of The Croydon Convention™ to make any judgement about the quality of any revered text. The followers of a religion might hold that a particular collection of words is the truth. The Croydon Convention™ neither confirms nor denies that truth. As set-out under Rule-4.10(a) the convention looks towards the conceivable viewpoint of a reasonable person. For example, muslims believe that The Quran was dictated by the-one-and-the-only deity of that faith. A muslim is absolutely entitled to hold that belief. The convention recognizes that reasonable individuals may hold differing views regarding the truth of The Quran. Accordingly, a person might believe that The Quran is the truth dictated by an omnipotent deity. However, under the rules of the convention, that book is still treated as a composition. The same principle applies for writings such as: Bhagavad Gita, which is regarded as sacred by hindus.

Rule-20.9

If the proper name of a deity is replaced by a pronoun, then once again the rules of The Croydon Convention™ are applied without fear or favor. Thus, a word such as: ‘he’ is treated as a common word because the convention states that all pronouns are common words (Rule-4.4[c]). It is, of course, permitted by the convention to name a deity as: ‘He’, (or whatever), but the capital ‘H’ is used because the name is a proper name. (Atroc) the capital ‘H’ should never be used because the pronoun replaces the name of a deity.

Rule-20.9a

The word: ‘god’ (with a lowercase ‘g’) is a used to represent a theoretical idea of a being with supernatural powers. Accordingly, a muslim might say that in theory there could be numerous such beings in existence, but a muslim rejects this theory by saying: ‘There is no god but Allah.’. Grammatically, this phrase suggests that whilst the word: ‘god’ could conceivably refer to one of many possible beings, the belief asserts there is only one such being, who is then given a proper name.

Rule-20.9(b)

The fact that any word can be used as a proper name, means that the word: ‘god’ can be used as such a name. That is to say: ‘In monotheistic religions the-one-and-the-only theoretical super-natural being is considered to be a god (common noun), has been properly-named as: ‘‘God’’.’. For example, Christian tradition holds: ‘In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God.’ (The Gospel According to St John Chapter-1 Verse-1). That verse can be analyzed in greater detail. The phrase: ‘The Word’ is the proper name of a message. The omnipotent being that created The Word is then properly named as: ‘God’. St John’s Gospel then conveys the message, (that according to St John), God (proper name) is a god (common noun).

Rule-20.9(c)

In the same way that The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, can also be called: ‘The Old Bailey’. The omnipotent being known by muslims as: ‘Allah’ can also be given the name: ‘God’. The name ‘God’ is then used by other monotheistic religions such as Christianity.

Division-21

General Rules for the Grammatical Treatment of Adjectival Degrees

Rule-21.1

Adjectives have rules which vary according to the degree concerned. For example: an entity might have the positive quality of being old, the comparative quality of being older, and the superlative quality of being the oldest. This is a relatively simple grammatical rule, but complications can easily arise.

Rule-21.2

One of the various complications is that not all comparatives and superlatives follow this pattern. For example, if the positive quality is to be reverential then the comparative form is ‘more reverential’, whilst the superlative form is ‘most reverential’. The explanation provided for this different presentation is to draw attention to the number of syllables within the adjective. The word: ‘old’ has one syllable. The word: ‘reverential’ has more than one syllable – specifically four. However, the significance is that whatever the number of syllables may be, it is more than one.

Rule-21.2(a)

The problem with making a distinction based upon the number of syllables is that adjectives do not always follow that rule. For example, if something is fun, (one syllable), then an even better activity is said to be: ‘more fun’. By contrast if the positive quality is to be far, (one syllable), then the comparative is neither ‘farrer’ nor ‘more far’. Instead, the comparative form is ‘farther’. At the same time if a food is tasty (two syllables), then another food might be ‘tastier’ – although ‘more tasty’ is also considered acceptable under traditional rules. Yet another complication is the one-syllable adjective ‘good’ which generates the comparative form ‘better’. However, whilst the word: ‘good’ (one syllable) has an irregular comparative form, the word: ‘fine’ (one syllable) follows the usual pattern – ‘fine’, ‘finer’, ‘finest’. The various examples discussed, would surely lead the conclusion that there is no logical to the traditional rules.

Rule-21.2(b)

Alongside the observation that traditional rules lack logic, it is also appropriate to ask: ‘Even if there is logic, does it matter?’. That is to ask: ‘Does it make any practical difference to communication if a foodstuff is described as: ‘‘more tasty’’, by comparison to being reported as ‘‘tastier’’?’.

Rule-21.2(c)

An example from literature illustrates the point. In the story, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, Alice speaks the line: ‘Curiouser and curiouser’. It may be the case that Lewis Carroll wrote these words tongue-in-cheek, bearing in mind that the story is a fantasy adventure. Even so, the word ‘curiouser’ clearly indicates that one thing is more curious than another. Thus, it could be argued that no matter how, many syllables an adjective may have, it is still possible to present the adjective in comparative and superlative forms, using the simple rule, first introduced. That is to say: ‘curious’ (two syllables), curiouser, and ‘curiousest’. The respective meanings of these three words, are just as easily understood as the traditional: ‘curious’, ‘more curious’, and ‘most curious’.

Rule-21.2(d)

Based upon this discussion, there is a logic to the idea of saying: ‘Printing is efficienter than copying-out by hand.’. or more generally it could be said that all adjectives, regardless of the number of syllables could follow the regular pattern. For example: ‘rich’, ‘richer’ and ‘richest’, ‘fun’, ‘funner’ and ‘funnest’, ‘funny’, ‘funnier’ and ‘funniest’, ‘far’, ‘farrer’ and ‘farrest’, ‘delicious’, ‘deliciouser’ and ‘deliciousest’.

Rule-21.2(e)

The viewpoint of The Croydon Convention™ is that the various adjective patterns can exist alongside each other, until such time as the logical option has become established. Thus, if it is permitted to describe: ‘a handsome prince’ as: ‘a gorgeous prince’, then it should also be permitted to allow the co-existence of: ‘a more handsome prince’ and: ‘a handsomer prince’. Similarly, ‘a good read’ could be surpassed by ‘a better read’ or it could be surpassed by: ‘a gooder read’.

Rule-21.2(f)

Thus, the rule developed for The Croydon Convention™ is that all adjectives will be acceptable if they conform to the regular pattern: positive feature, comparative feature created by an appended ‘er’, superlative feature created by an appended ‘est’. However, (for pragmatic reasons), this is not a rule-tane.

Rule-21.2(g)

Permission is granted to use alternative comparatives and superlatives, where there is a strong tradition of irregular word-adjustment. Rule 21.2(g) is a rule-eseap.

Rule-21.3

The traditional approach to adjectival degrees raises another issue. The question is: ‘How are the rules affected if only two entities exist for comparison. For example: ‘Is The South Pole the colder of The Earth(p)’s two poles, or is it the coldest of the Earth(p)s two poles?

Rule-21.3(a)

Those who favor tradition can often find this to be a very tricky grammatical issue. This is because, (so the argument goes), the existence of a superlative necessarily requires a minimum of three entities to compare.

Rule-21.3(b)

The viewpoint of The Croydon Convention™ is that this is a nuance point, which makes no practical difference in terms of communication. The approach of the convention is to say that whether a list has two items or ten thousand items, there will be one of those items which is considered to be supreme. Thus, the reasoning is rewritten to state: ‘It is the existence of a comparative that necessarily requires a minimum of three entities to compare.’.

Rule-21.3(c)

Before The Croydon Convention™ was drafted, many authoritative presentational style guides would permit the use of the superlative-form in cases of just two comparable entities. The Croydon Convention™ takes this idea one stage further, and stipulates that in such circumstances, a writer must use the superlative-form. For example, ‘There are two dominant political parties in The United States. The Democrats are the liberalest (or most liberal) party. Neither party can be the liberaller (or more liberal) political party, when there are just two such parties.

Division-22

General Rules for the Grammatical Treatment of Homoheteros

Rule-22.1:

Within this division various standard linguistic terms will be used, for example ‘homophones’. However, alongside these standard terms, there will be inventive terms designed to improve clarification. For example: ‘homoheteros’, is an invented word. In some cases, the invented terms merely replace existing terms, ‘For example: ‘homovar’, is simply another word for the already established phrase: ‘variant spellings’. The invention of these alternative words has been adopted to emphasize the use of the prefix: ‘homo’.

Rule-22.1(a):

The word: ‘homoheteros’, is used to represent an overall groupping. Within that overall groupping a number of subgrouppings have been created. The followwing terms are also used within this division:

• Homograph -   words with differrent meannings that are spelled the same,

• Homophone – words which sound the same, but impart differrent meannings,

• Homonym – Differrent entities with the common spellings and sounds,

• Homovars – An invented word for variant spellings of precisely the same word,

• Homonats – An invented word for variants based upon national traditions.

Rule-22.1(b):

All of these terms refer to subgrouppings within the overall groupping. In Linguistics a pattern is sometimes used where the prefix: ‘homo’, is followed by a base known as: ‘a root’. The word ‘homoheteros’ is not a standard linguistic term, but it is a useful word, invented for the purposes of groupping together words with these characteristics.

Rule-22.1(c):

The word: ‘homohetero’, is a contradiction in terms. ‘Homo’ means: ‘same’ whilst: ‘hetero’ means differrent. For example, homogenized milk has been specially processed so that it has the same consistency throughout. Meanwhile, a heteropolymer, is a polymer which is comprised of more than one constituent. That is to say: ‘The word: ‘‘Homoheteros’’, refers to words which have some characteristics which are the same, but which also have some characteristics that are differrent. Some examples are supplied in the next few paragraphs.

Rule-22.1(d):

The root: ‘graph’ means writing, as in autograph. Thus, a homograph is a word which is written in the same way, but used in alternative contexts, sometimes with differrent pronunciations. The letter sequence: ‘b-o-w’ is an example of a homograph. A sentence might read: ‘I bow to your superior knowledge.’. In this case the word: ‘bow’ rhymes with: ‘cow’. However, another sentence might read: ‘I tied the ribbon into a bow.’. In this case the word: ‘bow’ rhymes with: ‘throw’.

Rule-22.1(e):

The root: ‘phone’ means ‘sound’ as in ‘telephone’. Accordingly, a homophone is a word that sounds the same as another word but has a completely differrent meanning. The words with differrent meannings can have the same spelling or differrent spellings, for example ‘The cricket bail became stuck inside a bale of hay.’. Contrast with: ‘The accused, who was remanded on bail, had a cricket bail in her pocket.’.

Rule-22.1(f):

Some words can be both homographs, and homophones at the same time. These words are known as: ‘homonyms’. The root: ‘nym’ means: ‘name’ as in ‘Acronym’. Here is an example of a homonym: ‘The striker was holding a bat, as the pitcher was about to release the ball. Suddenly a hoary bat flew towards the pitcher, who did not bat an eyelid.

Rule-22.1(g):

It is sometimes said that two people can be homonymous. For example, Jane Seymour was one of the wives of Henry VIII. However, a completely differrent Jane Seymour, portrayed the character Solitaire, in the movie: Live and Let Die. This usage is not always considered to be grammatically correct, but it is still a useful idea, because it demonstrates how confusion can arise. Consider a word such as: ‘Jordon’. This word can be both a given name and a surname. ‘Jordan’, is also the name of a river, and the name of a country. It may well be that in all of these cases the original source of the word: ‘Jordan’, is the same. Nevertheless, the words have come to have differrent meannings, even though they still sound exactly the same, and still spelled exactly the same. Another example is the word: ‘Jackson’. There is a painter called: ‘Jackson Pollock’, an actor called: ‘Samuel L. Jackson’ and a city in Florida, which also uses that name. The painter, the actor, and the city, could all be said to be homonymous. Grammatical purists prefer to use the word: ‘namesake’, in this context.

Rule-22.1(h):

Sometimes there are two or more spellings of the same word, each of which is considered to be acceptable. In London a tributary of The River Thames is sometimes known as: ‘The River Lee’, but is also known as: ‘The River Lea’. Similarly, a person who is lucky might be described as: ‘being blessed’ or alternatively as: ‘being blest’. Words which follow this pattern have been assigned the name; ‘homovars’. But note: the technically correct phrase is: ‘variant spellings’.

Rule-22.1(i):

Sometimes precisely the same word, with precisely the same meaning, will be spelled in differrent ways due to national traditions. For example: ‘color’ (North America) versus ‘colour’ (UK). Words which follow this pattern have been assigned the name: ‘homonats’. The word: ‘homonats’ can also be used for minor variations when it is still clear that the two differrent words refer to the same phenomenon. For example: ‘Aluminum’ (North America) versus ‘Aluminium’ (UK). Note that ‘Homonats’ is an informal and invented word. The technically correct phrase is: ‘national differences’.

Rule-22.2:

A minor benefit of homoheteros, is that they can be the source of some amusement. For example: ‘The hotel concierge said: ‘‘You can lie here.’’. Chinde replied: ‘‘Certainly! I am six meters tall, and I speak fluent Mongolian.’’.’.

Rule-22.2(a):

In terms of facing-up to the problem, the recommended approach is to refer back to Rule-2.1, which states that Communication is paramount. A writer should therefore consider what action to take when encountering a homohetero. The following guidance is provided as advice, rather than compulsion.

Rule-22.2(b):

Consider rephrasing. For example, if: ‘pound for pound’ means that a payment is made for every hit delivered, then use a phrase such as: ‘money for strikes’.

Rule-22.2(c):

Draw attention to spelling differrences, with duplicate phonetics. For example: ‘The song recorded by The Moody Blues entitled: ‘‘Nights in White Satin’’ (without a ‘k’), is a song about after The Sun has gone down, and has nothing to do with men-in-shining-armor riding around in soft fabric.’.

Rule-22.2(d):

Add a phrase such as: ‘in this context’, and then provide greater detail. For example: ‘In this context, ‘‘football'’ refers to: ‘‘Association Football (or Soccer)’’, which is mainly playyed with the feet, as in Bayern Munich. By contrast, for the Miami Dolphins, ‘‘football’’ means ‘‘American Football’’, where playyers are allowed to use their hands.’.

Rule-22.2(e):

Use parentheses, (also known as: ‘brackets’). For example: ‘Sympathise’, (UK spelling), is an alternative way to spell the word: ‘sympathize’, (which is used in North America).

Rule-22.3:

Consider the followwing paragraph, which has deliberately been written in a contrived fashion:

‘The villager led us to the area where lead was  mined. It was a long walk, but we did not mind. When we finally got there, we stood in awe, at the amount of ore that was produced at that location.’.

Rule-22.3(a)

The  displayyed paragraph has three pairs of homophones. A person with normal vision should be able to notice that whilst the words sound alike, they have differrent spellings to indicate the differrent meannings. However, for a visually-impairred person the differrences might not be so obvious. Such a person might be relying upon a machine to read the words. The machine would deliver no appreciable differrence between the sound-alike words. Writers are asked to be especially mindful that, for the visually-impairred, the differrence between these words might not be so obvious.

Rule-22.3(b)

Another example of completely differrent words with similar phonetic sounds, but differrent spellings and differrent meannings is: ‘foreword’, and, ‘forward’. A ‘foreword’, is a short introduction to a book. However, ‘forward’, can have various different meanings depending upon whether that word is used as a noun, (a sporting position), as a verb (often issued as a command), as an adjective (to describe a direction), or an adverb, (for example: ‘to march forward’).

Rule-22.3(c)

A temptation in this type of situation is to change the presentation of a word so that itps meaning becomes clearer. Thus, the suggestion would be to provide the genstat: ‘Fore-word’ – with a hyphen, because that way it is clear that: ‘fore’, is a prefix attached to the word: ‘word’. For various reasons The Croydon Convention™ rules against this type of presentation. This ruling is based upon a balance of pros and cons. The desire to increase clarity is laudable, and it could be argued that such presentation is consistent with the most primary of all rules, namely: Rule-2.1, which places Communication above all other requirements. However, there are also a number of reasons to advise against this type of presentation.

Rule-22.3(d)

One of the questions that would need to be asked is: ‘When does hyphennation stop?’. Here are some examples:

·        Would an environment with many differrent living things be an example of: ‘bio-diversity’?,

·        Would something that is beyond achievement be considerred ‘im-possible’?,

·       ‘Would something that has undergone significant change be: ‘transform-ed’?,

·       ‘Would an idea that only comes to mind, following the completion of a discussion be: ‘an after-thought’?

It could be argued that both Simplicity and Consistency would demand that all such words should be presented with-out (without) hyphens.

Rule-22.3(e)

Another question to ask would be: ‘How much extra clarity is provided?’. For a person readding, they would be able to see the hyphennation. However, they would also be able to see the differrent spellings, which produce the same phonetic sound. By contrast, for a person listenning, the hyphennated word would sound exactly the same, so how would the use of a hyphen be of any benefit to them?

Rule-22.3(f):

The viewpoint of The Croydon Convention™ is that, in most circumstances, genstats should be either completely separated, or totally concatenated. For example: ‘may be’ and ‘maybe’. Only in highly unusual circumstances would the presentation be: ‘may-be’. Accordingly, the word: ‘freeze’ with the prefix: ‘anti’, should be presented as: ‘antifreeze’, and not: ‘anti-freeze’. Similarly, it would be highly unusual to use the presentation: ‘an-other’, even though the words: ‘an’, and ‘other’, are able to stand alone. The normal presentation is: ‘another’.

Rule-22.3(g):

Hyphennation is therefore reserved for cases where words usually stand alone, and are rarely concatenated. For example, the words: ‘newly’, and: ‘arranged’, would normally be completely separate words which are also rarely completely concatenated into ‘newlyarranged’. However, in specific circumstances, it would be appropriate, to use the presentation: ‘newly-arranged’.

Rule-22.3(h):

Accorddingly, the convention requires the single word: ‘cooperate’, rather than the hyphennated: ‘co-operate’. This logic, would mean that if: ‘reproduce’ is a single nonhyphennated word, then: ‘reenter’, should be used, rather than: ‘re-enter’. Similarly, a chilled dessert would be: ‘an ice cream’. However, when the phrase: ‘ice cream’ is used as an adjective, then people might listen to the chimes of: ‘an ice-cream van’.

Rule-22.4:

The above discussion reveals three principles:

(1)  Homoheteros can create confusion, but such confusion is unavoiddable.

(2)  Writers need to be aware of the potential for confusion, and should apply the various strategies suggested to tackle that confusion.

(3)  Hyphennation, when used in an artificial way, contributes to confusion, and should therefore be avoidded. That is to say: ‘Hyphennation is appropriate when there are two, (or more), standalone words which justify being conjoined by a hyphen(s), due to context. Otherwise, the genstats should be either, completely separated, or totally concatenated.’.

Rule-22.4 is a rule-stopo. This rule is consistent with Rule-10.4(c), which stipulates that when a nonstandalone prefix is attached to the front of a base-word, then a completely new single word is formed. For example, ‘mal’, combined with ‘function’, becomes: ‘malfunction’, and not ‘mal-function’.

Rule-22.4(a):

For example: ‘A pre-historic event’, might emphasize that the event occurred before recorded history. However, if a writer wishes to emphasize this point, then there are other ways to provide that emphasis. For example, the writer might say: ‘A prehistoric event – that is an event where there is no historical record.’.

Rule-22.4(b)

Here is a further example: Rule-11.8(h) is a rule-mytbe, which means The Croydon Convention™ favors the application of such a rule, but allows people to depart from the rule, if they feel more comfortable with a traditional approach. If a writer wishes to comply with the convention then, Rule-11.8(h), stipulates that when a verb ending in the form: vowel-consonant, is changed by adding a suffix, then, The Double-Consonant Rule should be consistently applied. Thus, the verb: ‘to read’ in itps continuous form should be presented as: ‘readding’, (with a double-‘d’). The genstat: ‘readding’ then constitutes a homograph. Should such a word be pronounced: ‘read-ding’ or ‘re-adding’. Rule-22.4 states that the only acceptable presentation is: ‘readding’, which therefore provides no clue as to the required pronunciation. This means the convention requires the question of pronunciation to be determined by context, aidded by thoughtful wording on the part of the writer.

Division-23

General Rules for Verb Tenses

Rule-23.1:

The Croydon Convention™ does not exist to teach standard grammar. Those who look to the convention for guidance are expected to already be aware of what a verb does, and the concepts of tenses, (e-g: past, continuous, perfect, and imperfect), and perspectives (i-e: first-person singular, second person and so on). The technical name given to these various forms of the same base word is: ‘the conjugation of the verb’.

Rule-23.1(a):

The role of the convention when discussing verbs is the same as the role of the convention in all other respects. That is to identify any logical inconsistencies within the existing rules, and to recommend strategies to make English a language that can be easily operated and understood.

Rule-23.1(b)

Accordingly, the role of the convention, with respect to verbs, is to try to bring about consistency in the following areas:

• Prefixes and suffixes added to base words which are verbs, should be consistent with prefixes and suffixes for other parts-of-speech.,

• The various spelling rules for verbs should be consistent.,

• When verbs are adjusted for third-person singular subjects, the spelling rules should align with those for plural nouns. For example, the plural of the noun: ‘loss’ is ‘losses’. Accordingly, the corresponding spelling of the verb ‘to cross’ should be (and indeed is): ‘crosses’.

• Word-usage rules for verbs should be consistent with word-usage rules for other parts-of-speech.

• Changes in adjectival degrees due to perspectives should be consistent with changes to verbs due to perspectives.

Rule-23.2

To make any sense of these requirements it would first be useful to look at the way verbs change according to the situation. Consider for example, the verb ‘to touch’. The conjugation of the verb: ‘to touch’ would be as follows:

            Future tense:                           ‘I will touch my face tomorrow.’,

            Present tense:                          ‘I touch my face now.’,

            Past tense:                               'I touched my face yesterday.’,

            Continuous:                            ‘I am touching my face.’ Or ‘I was touching my face.’

            Second person present:           ‘You touch your face.’

            Third person present:              ' He touches he(p)s face.

Rule-23.2(a)

This pattern is consistent with patterns for other verbs that end with two or more consonants, for example the verb: ‘To wash’, as in: ‘I wash my face’, ‘You wash your face’, He washes he(p)s face.’ In both cases the third person form of the verb becomes a plural. In both cases the plural is created by adding: ‘e-s’ to the base word. The appendage is: ‘e-s’ and not just ‘s’ because the base word ends with ‘c-h’ or ‘s-h’. These formations would obscure the plural sound if the appendage was just ‘s’.

Rule-23.2(b)

This method of pluralization is consistent with nouns that end with ‘c-h’ for example, the word: ‘lunch’ – one ‘lunch’. two ‘lunches’.

Rule-23.2(c)

We can see from these examples that the verb: ‘to touch’ is an example of a regular verb. The rules are applied consistently, and therefore few problems are created.

Rule-23.3

The fact that verb endings change according to both tense and perspective is not necessarily problematic. Indeed, it could be argued that these subtle changes to the form of the verb are useful, because it helps the beholder appreciate the context. For example: ‘I touch my face.’ tells the beholder the action is taking place in the present. Whereas: ‘I touched my face.’, tells the beholder that the action has been completed at some point in The Past.

Rule-23.3(a)

The only requirement of the convention is that consistency is maintained between the rules applied to verbs, and the rules applied to other parts-of-speech. Rule 23.3(a) is a rule-mytbe.

Rule-23.3(b)

The one area where problems are anticipated concerns The Double-Consonant Rule. That rule is discussed in Division-11, which relates to suffixes, and also in Divison-15, which relates to spellings. The Double-Consonant Rule stipulates that if a verb ends in the form vowel-consonant, then, in prescribed situations, the final consonant of the base word should be doubled before adding an appendage. One of the prescribed situations is when the tense of a verb is changed. For example, the verb: ‘to skid’ becomes: ‘skidded’ (past tense with a double-’d’), and ‘skidding’ (continuous tense with a double-’d’). As explained in Division-15, The Double-Consonant Rule should be applied consistently for each prescribed situation.

Division-24

General Rules for Verb Usage

Note:

The term ‘irregular pattern’ seems contradictory because the word: ‘pattern’ suggests regularity. However, in grammar, this phrase refers to repeated irregularities. For example, changing ‘bad’ into ‘worse’ can be regarded as illogical. Nevertheless, traditional grammatical rules consistently require that the word: ‘bad’ is always changed into the word: ‘worse’ for comparative usage. Accordingly, to that extent, changing: ‘bad’ into: ‘worse’ does constitute a pattern, albeit, a pattern of irregularity.

Rule-24.1:

The issue of Verb-Usage is merely a special case of the more general issue of Word-Usage. Word-Usage is discussed in Division-17. The conclusion established, is that the convention cannot say that one word is goodder than another. Thus, if something is an improvement that improvement could be described as ‘better’ but, alongside the word: ‘better’ is a synonym of equal status – specifically the word: ‘goodder’. The traditionalist might say: ‘The comparative form of the word: ‘‘good’’ is the word: ‘‘better’’. A logical radical would say: ‘The word: ‘‘goodder’’ is neither preferable nor inferior to the word: ‘‘better’’ as both these words impart precisely the same meaning.

Rule-24.1(a):

This logic can then be applied specifically to the instance of verbs. For example: the verb: ‘to shove’ is synonymous with the verb: ‘to push’. Thus, ‘A porter might shove a piece of furniture.’, but equally: ‘A porter might push a piece of furniture.’.

Rule-24.2:

The parallel between these two situations becomes significant when considering irregular verbs. For example, ‘good’ is an irregular adjective, which, by tradition, changes into the word: ‘better’ when it becomes a comparative. Similarly: ‘to be’ is an irregular verb which, by tradition, changes into the word: ‘am’ when related to a first-person-singular.

Rule-24.2(a):

For convenience, the longform perspectives will be abbreviated. The abbreviations will be the same as used in other parts of the convention. See Rule-1.9 for a list of abbreviations.

Rule-24.2(b):

Thus, the traditional pattern for the verb: ‘to be’, can be compared to a logical pattern as follows:

            Infinitive: ‘to be’

            1-p-s:     ‘I be’, (logical)                       ‘I am’, (traditional)

            2-p-s:     ‘You be’, (logical)                  ‘You are’, (traditional)

            3-p-s:     ‘He/she/it bes’, (logical)         ‘He/she/it is’ (traditional)

            1-p-p:     ‘We be’, (logical)                   ‘We are’, (traditional)

            2-p-p:     ‘You be’, (logical)                  ‘You are’, (traditional)

            3-p-p:     ‘They be’, (logical)                 ‘They are’ (traditional)

Rule-24.2(c):

The reason for the irregular pattern demonstrated by the verb: ‘to be’ is historical. As a result, the tradition of using an irregular pattern has become so strongly established, that it would appear to be a major challenge to expect people to depart from that tradition and to use the more logical pattern. One of the specific reasons why this might prove to be a problem is because the verb: ‘to be’, is used frequently. An observable feature of words that follow irregular patterns is that the irregular patterns tend to apply to frequently used words.

Rule-24.2(d):

There are many other examples of verbs that use irregular patterns. The examples all tend to be words that are used with high frequency. For example, the verb: ‘to have’, is regular in most perspectives, however the traditional third-person verb is: ‘he/she/it has’, rather than the logical: ‘he/she/it haves’.

Rule-24.2(e):

Irregular patterns are especially common among frequently used verbs, particularly in the past tense. For example, whilst ‘to run’ becomes: 'she runs' in the present tense (which is logical), the past tense form is: ‘she ran’ instead of the more logical: ‘she runned.’. This, (arguably), peculiar word change becomes even more baffling when considering a similar verb such as: ‘to ruin’ where the past usage becomes: ‘he ruinned’. Note: The Double-Consonant Rule has been applied to these two verbs. A word-processor would attempt to correct the spelling of the latter example to the less logical: ‘he ruined’ (with a single ‘n’).

Rule-24.2(f):

There are numerous examples of frequently-used verbs that follow irregular patterns when switching to the past tense. For example, the verb: ‘to go’ in the past tense is: ‘went’ or ‘gone’. Similarly the verb: ‘to do’ in the past tense is either ‘did’ or ‘done’. It is logical but non-traditional to say: ‘He goed to watch a cricket match.’. It is logical but not traditional to say: ‘She doed the gardening.’. Similarly, it would be logical to say: ‘I eatted my breakfast earlier this morning. However that logic clashes with tradition. The traditional sentence would be: ‘I ate my breakfast earlier this morning.’.

Rule-24.3:

The discussion about Word-Usage in Division-17, concluded that a word such as: ‘pants’ is neither preferable nor inferior to the word: ‘trousers’. In may be the case that: ‘pants’ is the traditional word in North America, whilst ‘trousers’ is the preferred word in Britain. The convention makes no attempt to favor or disfavor one word against another because the two words are synonymous.

Rule-24.3(a):

The ideas of synonymous words and irregular patterns can be combined, by saying: ‘Traditional irregular words can be regarded as being synonymous with the same words presented with logical variants.’. For example: ‘He goed to watch a cricket match.’ is synonymous with: ‘He went to watch a cricket match.’ Similarly: ‘She doed the gardening.’ Is synonymous with: ‘She did the gardening.’. Also: ‘I eatted my breakfast.’, is synonymous with: 'I ate my breakfast.’.

Rule-24.3(b):

This idea can then be extended to other irregular past-formations. For example: ‘I seed three ships come sailling in.’, is synonymous with: ‘I saw three ships come sailing in.’ Meanwhile: ‘The first book I ever readded (pronounced: ‘’Reed – ed’) was: Cinderella.’, would be synonymous with: ‘The first book I ever read (pronounced: ‘red’) was Cinderella.’. Yet another example would be: ‘Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island.’ Would be synonymous with: ‘Robert Louis Stevenson writed Treasure Island.’. Just as it would be normal to say: ‘Michael Angelo painted The Cysteine Chapel.’.

Rule-24.3(c):

The idea can be further extended to the case of the verb: ‘to be’. Thus, ‘to am’, ‘to are’ and 'to is’ would all be synonymous with: ‘to be’. Thus, the following phrases would all be synonymous: ‘I be a radical.’, ‘I am a radical’, ‘I are a radical’ and ‘I is a radical’. Similarly, other sets of (virtually) synonymous sentences would include: ‘He bes modern.’, ‘She ams modern.’, ‘One ares modern.’ and ‘It ises modern.’.

 Rule-24.3(d):

This approach would, (usually), allow a traditionalist to stick to the variant forms, whilst at the same time allowing a progressive to be logical. This is because the sentence: ‘I am traditional.’, would have equal status to the sentence: ‘I be logical.’.

Rule-24.3(e):

A specific problem arises with the verb: ‘to is’. The conjugation of that verb for a third-person perspective is: ‘ises’. However, a traditionalist would be extremely unhappy about having to write: ‘He ises pedantic.’ The way around this problem is to devise a specially drafted rule-eseap. See Rule-24.3(f).

Rule-24.3(f):

In the special case of the verb: ‘to is’ permission is granted for a writer to use: ‘is’ rather than: ‘ises’ when expressing that verb for the perspective of a third-person singular. Rule-24.3(f) is a rule-eseap. The tradition of using the, (undoubtedly irrational), word: ‘is’ as opposed to the more rational: ‘ises’ is so strong that, (for the time being), The Croydon Convention™ itself will follow this particular rule-eseap.

Rule-24.3(g):

The existence of an exemption as set-out under Rule-24.3(f), also applies to other instances where logical conjugation comes into conflict with tradition. For example, the verb: ‘to begin’ would be considered synonymous with the verb: ‘to began’. The logical conjugation would be to say: ‘It beginned last spring’ or:‘It beganned last spring’, but the exemption would permit a traditionalist to say: ‘It began last spring’. Rule24-3(g) is a rule-eseap.

Rule-24.3(h):

The idea of traditional words having equal status to logical words, can also be applied when the verb: ‘to be’ is displayyed in the past tense. Accordingly, the logical expression: ‘I bed (pronounced ‘beed’) much younger in those days.’, could also be writed with equal status as: ‘I was much younger in those days.’.

Rule-24.3(i):

The overall conclusion form Division-24 is that writers are not only permitted to, but positively encouraged to apply logical verb patterns. This conclusion does not provide any excuse for a failure to apply those patterns properly. For example: ‘A-I is revolutionary.’, should not be writed as: ‘A-I be revolutionary.’. The reason has nothing to do with ‘be’ being regarded as an incorrect word, because (according to the rules of the convention) ‘be’ is a perfectly acceptable word. The problem is the conjugation. The wrong verb-ending has been used for an inanimate third-person (specifically A-I). The correct way to present such a sentence with appropriate conjugation should be: ‘A-I bes revolutionary.’.

Rule 24.4:

It appears that there is considerable scope to rewrite the whole of Divison-24, to make the rules far less confusing. It is envisaged that in the fullness of time there will be a complete revision. However, for the time-being, the approach is to allow logic and tradition to exist side-by-side, in the hope that logic will prevail and tradition will gradually fade into archaism.

Division-25

General Rules for Verb Agreements

Note:

For clarification: The term: ‘Verb Agreement’ is used in this division. The term: ‘Verbal Agreement’ means a contract which has not been evidenced in writing.

Rule-25.1:

Verb agreement is a traditional requirement that has become enshrined within the rules of the convention. Thus, verb agreement is a rule-trec. At the same time this is also a rule-tanse. There appears to be no circumstances, (other than deliberate error), where their should be a failure to achieve verb agreement.

Rule-25.1(a):

The term verb agreement can be defined as follows:

‘Within a sentence the form of the active verb should be consistent with the subject noun, (or pronoun, or noun-phrase). That is to say: ‘‘Both the tense of the active verb, and the conjugation of the active verb should be consistent with the noun, pronoun or noun-phrase.’’.’.

Rule-25.1(b):

That definition is somewhat technical, and so further explanation is provided.

Rule-25.1(c):

The subject noun is the person or thing performing the action. For example: ‘You be currently readding The Croydon Convention™’ is a sentence which describes what you be doing. The word: ‘you’ is a pronoun which acts as if it was a noun. The subject noun can be a person(p)s name (e-g: ‘Boon Hae’), an object (e-g: ‘The train’), a pronoun (e-g: I, you, she, they), or a noun phrase, that is a collection of words which together form a single entity, (e-g: The people of The World).

Rule-25.1(d):

The active verb is the word (or combination of words) within the sentence which is the action being performed by the subject. Thus, in the example under consideration the question is: ‘What action takes place?’. The answer is: ‘You be readding’. Thus, the phrase: ‘be currently readding’ is the active verb which needs to be consistent with the word: ‘You’.

 Rule-25.1(e):

The sentence refers to something that is continuing to take place at the current time. Thus, the form of the active verb should be in the present continuous tense. That is to say: ‘The active verb should end with the letters: ‘‘i-n-g’’.’

Rule-25.1(f):

The subject, (in this case), is a second-person-singular. Thus, the perspective of the active verb should also be appropriate for the second-person-singular. The form of the active verb is therefore, ‘be currently …’, because in the case of the verb: ‘to be’ the second-person-singular form is: ‘be’.

Rule-25.1(g):

Accordingly, the sentence: ‘You be currently readding The Croydon Convention™’ displays consistency between the subject, – You – and the compound verb: ‘be currently readding’. That is to say: ‘The sentence has verb agreement.’.

Rule-25.2:

Many popular songs demonstrate tense consistency. Here are some examples:

            Return to Sender, by Elvis Presley, – present tense,

            Driving Home for Christmas, by Chris Rea, – present continuous tense,

            I Will Always Love You, by Whitney Houston, – simple future tense,

            I Fought the Law , written by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets, - simple past tense for a completed action.

Rule-25.3:

The conjugation of the verb tends to cause more problems.

Rule-25.3(a):

It helps to start with simple examples as follows:

            I Want You Back, by The Jackson 5,

Subject: ‘I’, Perspective: 1-p-s, Verb: ‘Want’,

            You’ve Got a Friend, written by Carole King,

            Subject: ‘You’, Perspective 2-p-s, Verb: ‘Have’,

            My Baby Loves Lovin', by White Plains,

            Subject: ‘My Baby’, Perspective: 3-p-s, Verb: ‘Loves’,

            We Are the Champions, by Queen,

            Subject: ‘We’, Perspective: 1-p-p, Verb: ‘Are’,

            All You Need is Love, by The Beatles,

            Subject: ‘You’, Perspective: 2-p-p, Verb: ‘Need’,

            Do They Know It’s Christmas? , by Band Aid

            Subject: ‘They’, Perspective: 3-p-p, Verb: ‘Know’.

Rule-25.4:

The examples may become more complicated, but the principles remain the same. For example: ‘When the team scores a goal, all eleven playyers should cheer.’. In this example the subject is: ‘the team’. There may be eleven playyers, but there is only one team. Thus, the verb: ‘to score’, has to be in agreement with the singular entity known as: ‘the team’. Thus, in grammatical terms, this is an example of a third-person-singular perspective being applied to the verb. Thus, the correct form of the active verb ends with an appended ‘s’. That is to say: ‘The team scores.’. However, note that the verb: ‘to cheer’ is an action expected of eleven different individuals. Thus, the part of the sentence which refers to the eleven individual playyers requires a verb agreement from the perspective of third-person-plural. Thus, the appropriate active verb ending is: ‘cheer’ with no appended letter-s. One playyer ‘cheers’, two or more playyers ‘cheer’.

Rule-25.4(a):

The idea set-out under Rule-25.4 can be taken further. It would be wrong to state: ‘The team are winning.’ Because the team is a single entity. Verb agreement between the subject – team – and the verb: ‘to be’ would require a writer to state: ‘The team is winning.’ (traditional) or: ‘The team bes winning (logical).

Rule-25.4(b):

The same idea applies in an expression such as: ‘… a range of complications …’. The phrase: ‘a range of complications’, is known as a noun-phrase. There are many words within the phrase, but those many words act together to form one single phrase. In this example there is more than one complication, however those various different complications all fall within one single range. That is to say: ‘There is a range.’ (singular).

Rule-25.4(c):

Here is an example. Consider a sentence such as: ‘Appending suffixes to a base word creates a range of complications.’. In this sentence the active verb: - ‘to create’ appears before the subject. The subject is a noun-phrase – specifically: ‘… a range of complications’. In a case like this, the noun-phrase is a single range which contains a number of complications. Thus, the noun phrase is singular, and so the active-verb: ‘to create’ has to be in agreement with that singular noun-phrase. Hence the situation does not create, it creates – with an appended letter ‘s’. Accordingly, the sentence is grammatically wrong if it reads: ‘(whatever) create a range of complications, because the plural word: ‘complications’ is not the subject performing the action. It is the range (singular) that is performing the action. Accordingly, the grammatical requirement is to say: ‘(whatever) creates a range of complications (with an ‘s’ appended after the base word: ‘create’).

Rule-25.4(d):

A further example is when a plural noun is used to identify a singularity. Examples include: ‘Invertebrates’, which is a group of animals. There are many animals which are invertebrates, but all of those animals fit into one single group. Thus, a sentence about invertebrates, (as a class of animals), should refer to the third-person-singular, and not the third-person-plural. Thus, a correct sentence might read: ‘Invertebrates is a class of animals, (or bes a class of animals), which have no backbone.’. It would be a breach of The Croydon Convention™, to write: ‘Invertebrates are a class of animals, (or be a class of animals), which have no backbone.’. In a sentence like that there is no verb agreement between the singular category, (‘Invertebrates’), and the active verb, (‘are’/’be’). Note, however, that the distinguishing feature of these animals, (no backbone), applies to all such animals. Thus, the correct form of the active verb is: ‘have’, (3-p-p) and not ‘has’ (3-p-s).

Rule-25.5:

The idea that there has to be an agreement between the subject noun and the active verb applies no matter what the structure of the sentence. Consider the following sentence:

‘The battalion, which consisted of ten thousand soldiers, all of whom were equipped with weapons of the highest caliber stands ready for action.’

Long sentences can make it challenging to identify the subject and it(p)s corresponding verb. The above sentence contains several nouns such as: 'soldiers', 'weapons', and 'action'. However, the principal noun—and thus the subject—is: ‘battalion’. Once the subject is identified, the next step is to determine which verb must agree with it. The answer is: ‘The verb: ‘‘to stand’’, because that is what the battalion is doing – it is standing.’. Therefore, the verb: ‘to stand’ has to be in agreement with the subject noun: ‘battalion’. There is one battalion so the perspective of the active verb will be third-person-singular. Accordingly, that is why the form of the verb: ‘to stand’ is: ‘stands’ in the present tense with the letter ‘s’ appended at the end of that verb.

Rule-25.6:

A question that might arise following this discussion is to ask: ‘Does it matter?’ The answer seems to be: ‘ ‘‘Yes’’ – but not to any great extent.’. If the subject and the active verb are not in agreement the sentence can still be understood. Nevertheless, a sentence without verb agreement can sound very strange. Sentences can be easier to understand if those sentences have a natural flow. It sounds wrong to say: ‘I runs a business.’. The usual sentence would be: ‘I run a business.’. Accordingly, even if the sentence is long and complicated it will still sound odd if the subject and the active verb are not in agreement.

Rule 25.6(a):

As set-out in Rule-25.1, The Croydon Convention™ requires sentences to be written with verb agreement. Obtaining verb agreement is not always easy, especially in complex cases. Even word-processors programmed to check for traditional grammatical correctness, sometimes get verb agreements wrong. Nevertheless, verb agreement enhances communication, which is what, The Croydon Convention™ exists to do.

Division-26

General Rules for Phonetics

Rule-26.1:

The word: ‘phonetics’, refers to the sound a word makes when a word is read out-loud. As discussed in Division-22, there are many examples in English, (and in other languages), which are known as: ‘homographs’. A homograph is a pair of words that are spelled in precisely the same way, and yet pronounced differently. For example, when it is somebody’s birthday, that person might be given a present, (noun). Thus, the giver would present, (verb), the present, (noun). The giver can do this because they are present, (adverb), at the time of handing over the gift. There is a whole range of examples of homographs. It is possible to entrance (rhymes with: ‘dance’), a person to walk through an entrance (rhymes with ‘sentence’). Similarly, there might be an objective (adjective) decision about an objective (noun).

Rule-26.1(a):

This reality is unavoidable, which means that a person might read, (present tense), a word which should have been read, (past tense), differently.

Rule-26.2:

Identifying a problem is one thing, solving it is quite another. As discussed in Division-22, there are a number of techniques that can be used, for dealing with this type of situation. One of those techniques is to simply avoid the problem by choosing different words. For example, instead of establishing an objective, it might be less confusing to establish a target. Even so, a writer might prefer to use a word which creates a homograph, rather than using a synonym which might not convey precisely the same meanning.

Rule-26.2(a):

This problem is challenging for everyone, but it can be even more difficult for visually-impairred individuals who rely upon machines to read words aloud. It is amazing how word-reading machines can detect the different sounds made by words spelled in the same way. Even so, machines can still get the word wrong. To be fair to the machine, how could the machine possibly know which pronunciation to use?

Rule-26.3:

Bearing in mind that the ultimate objective of The Croydon Convention™ is to improve communication, the problem identified needs to be addressed.

Rule-26.3(a)

Precisely how to address the problem, will have to be considered by those who devise the software used by word-reading machines. What would be envisaged would be some sort of symbol which a machine would acknowledge but not announce. For example, a pair of brackets in front of a word to warn the machine that an unusual pronunciation is required. Thus, a word such as: ‘lead’ (rhyming with ‘creed’) would be considered to be the normal pronunciation, however ‘(¹)lead’ would inform the machine that the word being used is a metal. Thus: ‘(¹)lead’ would be spoken out-loud as, ‘lead’ (rhyming with ‘ted’).

Rule-26.3(b)

Of course, such a development would be helpful to everybody, and not just the visually-impairred.

Rule-26.3(c)

Precisely how such a system would operate, would require considerable discussion between a number of interested parties. As it currently stands, this just the germ of an idea. Accordingly, (attow), Division-26 should be regarded as an aspiration, rather than being a set of rules.

Division-27

Subject to the provisions of Rules-1.8 through to -1.8(e) additional divisions can be added as required.

Division-98

Approaching Issues Related to Archaicism

Rule-98.1

An archaic genstat also known as: ‘an archaicism’, is a genstat which is hardly ever used in normal communication at a specific moment in Time. For example, the word: ‘vassal’ was in everyday use during the feudal era. That same word is rarely used in the days when The Croydon Convention™ was drafted. Similarly, some grammatical rules can also be regarded as archaic.

Rule-98.1(a)

A distinction is drawn between an archaic rule – a rule which is no longer in use – and an anachronistic rule – a rule which is still widely applied, but nevertheless considered to be out of touch with conventional thinking.

Rule-98.2

Any modern language, (for example, English), will inevitably evolve. Words such as: ‘thine’ are notable by the fact that people hardly ever use such a word in normal circumstances. By contrast, words like: ‘software’, (attow), are used with unbridled frequency. However, in The One-Hundred-and-Nineteenth Century that word simply did not exist. Similarly, the words such as: ‘application’, have developed new meanings which exist alongside the more established meanings. Meanwhile words such as: ‘dancing’ appear to transcend historical development.

Rule-98.3

The Croydon Convention™ unashamedly sets-out with the intention of consigning a number of traditional grammatical concepts to the annals of History. For example, the hope is that the concept of countable and uncountable nouns, will gradually come to be considered archaic. This might happen fifty years hence from the time of writing.

Rule-98.3(a)

There are various instances where a grammatical rule has become archaic. For example: ‘a romantic novel’ is a novel written in a certain genre which can be properly-named as: ‘The Romantic Genre’. Thus, (so the logic goes), if the name of genre is a proper name, then the adjective derived from that proper name should also begin with a capital letter. That is to say: ‘There is an argument for describing such novels as: ‘Romantic novels’ (with a capital ‘R’). However, the reality is that virtually nobody uses this archaic, and also anachronistic presentation. The accepted norm is to use the term: ‘romantic novel’ with a lowercase ‘r’.

Rule-98.4

The fact that both words and rules might be considered to be archaic, does not alter the fact that these phenomena continue to exist. A word might fall out of use, but it will exist forever. Even words from an ancient language such as: Sanskrit, can still be reproduced for all eternity. If a word such as: ‘karma’ can still be used centuries after it(p)s first introduction, then the same principle can apply to any word with ancient origins.

Rule-98.4(a)

Thus, a common noun such as: ‘vassal’, is treated in the same way as any other common noun. Capitalize common nouns at the beginning of a sentence or when they are part of a proper name. Use pluralization as appropriate. Otherwise present with a normal typeface.

Rule-98.5

If The Croydon Convention™ considers a rule to be anachronistic, then the desire will be to transition the rule to become archaic. For example, a traditional rule, such as capital letters for certain adjectives might be anachronistic, but (attow) the rule is not archaic. Indeed, many word-processors are specifically programmed to default to the capitalized presentation. Precisely because the rule is (arguably) anachronistic the convention seeks to phase-out that particular tradition.

Rule-98.5(a)

For example, a person might be proud to be british, but maybe a person is also proud to be charitable. Nobody suggests that an adjective such as ‘charitable’ should (ordinarily) begin with a capital ‘C’, so why does it seem justifiable (in some circles) to present the adjective british, with a capital ‘B’?

Rule-98.5(b)

However, the reality of the existence of a strong, (but arguably inappropriate), tradition requires the convention to be tolerant of the concerns of the traditionalists. Hence the idea of a rule-mytbe. As set-out under Rule-1.2 a rule-mytbe (‘mandation yet to be established’) is a rule that has been created but will not be rigorously enforced.

Rule-98.5(c)

An example of this approach is Rule-4.4(c) – which requires adjectives to be treated as common words – is a rule-mytbe. Alongside this rule is Rule-4.4(d) which allows writers to opt-out of the provisions of Rule-4.4(c). Rule-4.4(d) is designated as a rule-eseap – a rule that allows for expressly stated exceptions.

Rule-98.5(d)

The hope is that with the passage of Time, the (arguably inappropriate) tradition of applying capital letters to adjectives – based solely upon historical etymology – will fade away, and gradually become archaic.

Rule-98.5(e)

The strategy is that at some point in The Future, it will then become realistic to delete Rule-4.4(d) from the convention, because, by that time, hardly anybody will be applying that rule anyway. At the same time, it then becomes possible to transform Rule-4.4(c) from it(p)s current status as a rule-mytbe into the (arguably) more desirable status of a rule-tane.

Rule-98.6

The approach outlined in Rules-98.5 through to -98.5(e), is further demonstrated by considering rules-6.12(c) and -6.12(d). These two rules are concerned with possessive indicators, and the various possible perspectives such as first-person-singular, or third-person-personal-plural. Rule-6.12(c) outlines a radical new approach which is considered to be far more rational, and easier to understand. This rule is designated as a rule-mytbe. Alongside this radical new rule is a rule-eseap (Rule-6.12[d]), which allows writers to opt-out of the radical rule, in favor of the traditional rule.

Rule-98.6(a)

The expectation is that, in practice, few writers would be brave enough to depart from tradition, and so most writers will choose the opt-out, which they are entirely free to select. However, the mere fact that a radical alternative exists, might embolden a small minority to write using the more logical alternative. The idea is that the number of writers choosing to opt-out will dwindle, whilst the number of writers deciding (effectively) to opt-in will increase. This process might take fifty or even a hundred years, but at least the facility has been created to move towards a more logical approach. Eventually, (it is hoped), a point will be reached where the status of Rule-612(c) can be changed from a rule-mytbe to a rule-tane. At that point Rule-6.12(d) would be deleted as the tradition will have naturally dwindled away.

Division-99

Application of The Prudence Option

Rule-99.1:

The requirement to use The Prudence Option is set-out under Rule-2.6. The essential requirement of The Prudence Option is that if two or more alternatives are available then the alternative chosen must, by default be the most prudent. Rule 99.1 is a rule-tane.

Rule-99.1(a):

Examples of The Prudence Option are as follows:

• If there is any doubt about whether a word within a proper name is small or major, then, by default, treat as major. (Rule-4.3[a]),

• If there is any doubt about whether an ethereal creation constitutes a composition or a reference, then, by default, treat as a composition. (Rule-4.10).

Rule-99.2:

The existence of The Prudence Option is not an alternative to rigorous application of the rules of the convention. For example, if a word is clearly an adjective, then it is a common word. (Rule-4.4(c)). Common words are to be presented with lowercase initial letters (uara). The rules in Division-99 do not constitute another rule to be applied. There can be no doubt about what the convention requires when presenting adjectives. Accordingly, it would be wrong to argue that an adjective should be capitalized on the grounds of prudence.

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