525. Ability. Disjoined b, which in word-writing expresses the termination bility, may be used in phrases to

represent ability. Illustrations: my ability

your ability

, best (of) my ability

526. Any and no, when standing alone or beginning a phrase, are sufficiently distinguished by position, without vocalization; but in the midst of a phrase a distinction by means of vocalization is necessary. In accordance with the rule already given, the reporter habitually vocalizes any, the less common of the two words, and habitually allows no, the more common, to go unvocalized. Illustrations: If there is any objection

, if there is no objection

527. Are. For this word standing alone, Benn Pitman writers use the upward stroke, and Graham writers the downward. But in phrases these two schools of writers agree in using either the upward or the downward stroke, according to convenience. Illustrations: There are enough

there are many

At the beginning of a phrase, the downward form, ar, generally joins more conveniently with the next word than ray; as in the phrases, are you

are many

The downward stroke, made double length, is more suggestive for are there than the lengthened ray, which some writers employ, and generally joins more conveniently with the following word, as, are there many

are there some

(See Graham's Second Reader, page 142, note.)

There are two other ways of expressing are in phrases: First, by the r hook (see Chapter XIV (The "R" Hook)), and, second, as part of a double-length stroke which includes they are.

528. At all and until, written with tl in the third position, as they are by many Pitmanic stenographers are liable to serious conflict. The best means of distinction known to the author is to write at all in the first position, and until in the third.

529. At the same time and at some time, written with the same outline

, must generally be distinguished. A convenient method of doing this is by vocalizing some in the phrase last named.

530. Avenue, following the name of a street, may often be represented, especially if the phrase is familiar, by a joined v, if the junction be convenient, thus: Jackson Avenue

531. Been, ordinarily written bn, is in some phrases represented by b only, and in others by the n-hook only.

Illustrations: Had been

have been

which have been there

532. Bill, in phrases, may be written bl, as, true bill

clue bill

533. Body, in phrases, is generally written bd, as anybody

nobody

resurrection (of the) body

Somebody, by way of exception, is written

because bd will not join conveniently to m.

534. Business, is in phrases frequently written bs, as.

no business

in his business

Many writers use the same outline in the first position for business, when standing alone; others prefer to write the full outline.

535. Can, though usually written with a final hook by both Graham and Benn Pitman writers, may safely drop the hook in all cases where thereby a more convenient junction with the next word will be obtained. It is the author's experience that in all cases, can, whether isolated or in a phrase, may safely be represented by the simple k stroke. It is so expressed in the Munson and Isaac Pitman systems.

535 1/2. First, as an isolated word, is habitually represented by its word-sign, the disconnected st loop. In phrases this sign has a very restricted use, the phrase at first

being perhaps the only instance of its advantageous employment. The phrase the first is by some writers represented thus:

but there seems to be no need for making this single exception to the otherwise unbroken rule that the tick shall not begin a phrase. In several common phrases, first takes, for the sake of the phrase, a form different from the ordinary one; thus:

in the first place, and

in the first instance.

536. Have has three forms, the alphabetic stroke v, the f-v hook, and that variation of form which it assumes when the stroke v is made double length to add thr.

537. I and he. Care must be taken that the personal pronouns 7 and he are not confounded. For the best methods of securing the needed distinction, see Paragraphs 220-222.