Some cursive capitals end on the baseline with an exit stroke, so they join the next letter. Others end high or curl back to the left, so the next letter starts on its own, close by. You learned the capitals in the capitals unit.
| Usually join | Usually stand alone |
|---|---|
| A C E H K M N U | B D O P S V W |
| and in this style also G J L R Y Z | and in this style also F I Q T X |
Key idea
A capital that ends on the baseline joins; one that ends high or curls back stands alone.
Why it works
A forced join after a capital that ends up high makes an extra loop the reader has to puzzle out. Starting fresh keeps the word clear.
Worked example: Write Omar
Does cursive O join the m in Omar?
- O ends with a small loop at the top.
- That is far from where m begins.
- So lift, and start m right next to the O.
Answer: No: O stands alone; m starts close by.
Common mistake
Forcing a join after a capital that ends high or on the left. Books and writers differ about a few capitals; either way is fine as long as the name is clear.
For the grown-up. Palmer has a lesson on joining capitals. Names make the best practice: your child’s own name, family names, pets.