Page:The practice of typography; correct composition; a treatise on spelling, abbreviations, the compounding and division of words, the proper use of figures and nummerals by De Vinne, Theodore Low, 1828-1914.djvu/29

 O is also used as an ejaculation expressive of a wish or desire, when it is joined to the following clause by the word for or that.

O for rest and peace ! that I had wings like a dove !

As an interjection expressing surprise, indignation, or regret, O is frequently followed by an implied ellipsis and the word that. O [it is sad] that I should live to see this day!

O is common as an exclamation in trivial speech : as, O my ! O dear ! In many Southern States O is the customary beginning of familiar and abrupt address, as O John! O James!

Oh, an ejaculation evoked by pain or woe, or by sudden emotion, as surprise, consternation, or delight, properly takes a lower-case letter (except when beginning a sentence), and is followed by an exclamation-point either directly after the oh or at the end of the exclamatory phrase.

But she is in her grave, and oh ! The difference to me ! Oh, how I suffer ! Oh ! my offence is rank, it smells to heaven.

Oh is often used, even in the Northern States, as a colloquial introduction to a sentence, as in Oh, James, I am glad to see you. Oh, yes, it is quite satisfactory.