Cursive Writing: Complete Guide to Alphabets, Capital Letters and Styles

Cursive writing is a style of handwriting in which letters are joined together in a flowing, connected manner so that each word, and often each line, is written in a single continuous motion. The word ‘cursive’ comes from the Latin ‘currere’, meaning to run, which perfectly describes how the letters seem to run into each other across the page. It is also called joined-up writing, script writing or longhand.

This page provides the most comprehensive guide to cursive writing available. It covers the complete cursive writing alphabets A to Z in both lower case and capital forms, the major styles of English cursive writing and comprehensive practice exercises.

 

Table of Contents

• What is Cursive Writing?
• Styles of English Cursive Writing
• Before You Begin: Tools and Posture
• Cursive Writing Alphabets: Lower Case A to Z
• Capital Letter Cursive Writing: A to Z
• How to Improve Your Cursive Writing
• Practice Exercises

 

What is Cursive Writing?

Cursive writing is a form of penmanship in which letters are written in a flowing, connected style, with each letter typically joined to the next within a word, allowing the pen to move across the page in a continuous motion.

Key Features of Cursive Writing

• Letters are connected within words through joins and ligatures.
• The pen lifts only between words, not between letters.
• Letters have a consistent slant, typically forward.
• Each letter has specific entry and exit strokes that allow it to connect to the letters before and after it.
• The writing has a rhythmic, flowing quality.

Cursive Writing vs Print Writing

 

Feature	Cursive Writing	Print Writing
Letter connection	Letters joined within words	Each letter separate
Pen lifts	Only between words	After each letter
Speed	Faster once mastered	Slower
Appearance	Flowing, personal	Clear, uniform
Learning curve	Higher initially	Lower initially
Brain engagement	Higher (motor memory)	Lower

 

Styles of English Cursive Writing

There are several distinct styles of English cursive writing, each with its own history, aesthetic and teaching application.

1. Spencerian Script

Developed by Platt Rogers Spencer in the 1850s, Spencerian script is characterised by its oval-based letterforms, consistent forward slant and graceful, flowing aesthetic. It was the dominant American business handwriting style from the 1850s through the early 1900s. Original Coca-Cola and Ford logos were written in Spencerian.

• Characteristics: Light strokes, oval letter shapes, 52-degree slant, highly elegant.

• Best for: Formal correspondence, artistic work, historical reenactment.

• Difficulty: High.

2. Copperplate / Engrosser’s Script

Copperplate is the elaborate, formal cursive writing style associated with engraved invitations, formal certificates and calligraphy. It uses a pointed nib with pressure variation to create thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes.

• Characteristics: Strong thick-thin contrast, 55-degree slant, highly decorative letterforms.

• Best for: Formal invitations, certificates, artistic calligraphy.

• Difficulty: Very high.

3. Palmer Method

Developed by Austin Norman Palmer in the 1880s as a practical, fast cursive writing system for commercial use. Palmer Method emphasises movement from the forearm rather than the fingers, producing a rapid, consistent hand.

• Characteristics: Uniform oval letterforms, moderate slant, designed for speed.

• Best for: General practical writing.

• Difficulty: Moderate.

4. D’Nealian

Developed in the 1970s by Donal Neal Thurber as a simplified cursive writing system for children. D’Nealian letters are simplified forms that transition naturally from print to cursive, with the same basic letterforms used in both.

• Characteristics: Simple, rounded forms, slight forward slant, easy transition from print.

• Best for: Children learning to write for the first time.

• Difficulty: Low.

5. Zaner-Bloser

One of the most widely taught cursive writing systems in American schools, Zaner-Bloser is characterised by its upright or slightly slanted, rounded letterforms and clear, readable style.

• Characteristics: Clear, rounded letterforms, readable, straightforward joins.

• Best for: School instruction, everyday practical writing.

• Difficulty: Low to moderate.

6. Getty-Dubay Italic

A modern italic-based cursive writing system that connects italic print letters rather than using traditional cursive forms. It is increasingly popular in UK and international schools.

• Characteristics: Italic letterforms, slightly simplified joins, very readable.

• Best for: Children and adults who want a clean, legible cursive.

• Difficulty: Low to moderate.

 

Before You Begin: Tools and Posture

The quality of cursive writing is significantly affected by the tools used and the physical posture of the writer.

1. Paper

Use unlined paper for practising letterforms and lightly lined paper for practising words and sentences. Paper with guidelines (base line, top line, midline) is ideal for beginners learning cursive writing alphabets.

2. Pen and Pencil

• For beginners: A well-sharpened HB pencil or a medium ballpoint pen.

• For intermediate: A rollerball or gel pen that flows smoothly without pressure.

• For advanced and artistic cursive: A fountain pen or pointed nib with appropriate ink.

The pen should move smoothly across the paper without catching or dragging.

3. Grip

Hold the pen between the thumb and index finger, resting on the middle finger. The grip should be light, not tense. Tense gripping produces cramped, uneven cursive writing. The pen should be held at approximately 45 degrees to the paper.

4. Posture

Sit upright with both feet flat on the floor. The paper should be angled slightly (approximately 30 to 45 degrees to the left for right-handed writers, to the right for left-handed writers). This angling allows the forearm and wrist to move naturally across the page. The non-writing hand holds the paper steady.

5. Slant

Most cursive writing has a consistent forward (rightward) slant of approximately 45 to 65 degrees from the vertical. Consistency of slant is more important than the specific angle: whatever slant you choose, maintain it throughout.

 

Cursive Writing Alphabets: Lower Case A to Z

The lower case cursive writing alphabets are the foundation of all connected writing. Each letter has an entry stroke (how the pen arrives at the letter) and an exit stroke (how the pen leaves the letter to connect to the next).

Principles for Lower Case Cursive Letters

• Every lower case letter in cursive writing A to Z begins from the baseline unless it is a letter that begins with an upswing (like b, o, v, w).
• Every lower case letter ends with an exit stroke that connects to the next letter.
• Letters are grouped by their formation families, which helps with learning.

Lower Case Cursive Writing Letters: Formation Families

 

Family	Lower Case Cursive Writing Letters
Family 1: The ‘c’ family (letters that begin with a ‘c’ curve)	c, a, d, g, q, o (These letters all begin with the same initial curve to the left before completing the letterform.)
Family 2: The ‘n’ hump family (letters with arched humps)	n, m, h, p, r  (These letters share the arching ‘hump’ stroke.)
Family 3: The downstroke family (letters with downward strokes)	i, j, l, t, u, w, e, k, s, x, y, z
Family 4: The loop family (letters with loops above or below the baseline)	b, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, p, q, y

 

Cursive Writing A to Z: Lower Case Letter Descriptions

 

Lower Case Letter	Descriptions
a	Begin slightly above the baseline with a small upswing, curve left and around to form a closed oval, come down the right side to the baseline and exit with a small curve to the right.
b	Begin at the top, stroke down to the baseline, loop back up and curve right to form the bowl, exit to the right.
c	Begin slightly above the baseline, curve left and upward in an open curve, exit to the right.
d	Begin with the ‘c’ curve at the midline, complete the oval, come back up to the top line, stroke down to the baseline, exit to the right.
e	Begin at the midline with a small horizontal stroke to the right, loop up and curve left into a closed loop, exit to the right.
f	Begin at the top line, curve left and stroke down through the baseline into a descending loop, curve back right to the baseline.
g	Begin with the ‘c’ curve, close the oval, come down through the baseline into a descending loop, curve back right to the baseline.
h	Begin at the top, stroke down to the baseline, retrace up to the midline, arch over and down to the baseline, exit right.
i	Begin at the midline, stroke down to the baseline, exit right, add the dot above.
j	Begin at the midline, stroke down through the baseline into a left-curving hook, exit right, add the dot above.
k	Begin at the top, stroke down to the baseline, retrace up to the midline, stroke forward and right into an angled kick, exit right.
l	Begin at the top, stroke down to the baseline in a long straight-curving stroke, exit right.
m	Begin at the midline with an upswing, arch over, come down to the baseline, retrace and arch twice more, exit right.
n	Begin at the midline with an upswing, arch over, come down to the baseline, retrace and arch once more, exit right.
o	Begin with an oval curve, close it, exit right.
p	Begin slightly above the midline, stroke down through the baseline, retrace up, arch right to form the bowl, exit right.
q	Begin with the ‘c’ oval, close it, stroke down through the baseline to the right, exit.
r	Begin at the midline, stroke down to the baseline, retrace up, make a small curved stroke to the right, exit.
s	Begin at the midline, curve left and down, curve right and down to the baseline in an ‘s’ shape, exit right.
t	Begin at the top, stroke down to the baseline, exit right, cross at the midline.
u	Begin at the midline, stroke down-right to the baseline, stroke back up-right to the midline, exit right.
v	Begin at the midline, two ‘v’ strokes, exit right.
w	Begin at the midline, two ‘v’ strokes, exit right.
x	Begin at the midline, stroke down-right to the baseline, retrace and cross with a second stroke.
y	Begin at the midline, stroke down to the baseline, curve up, stroke down through the baseline into a descending loop, curve back right.
z	Begin at the midline, stroke right, stroke diagonally down-left, stroke right to the baseline, exit with a small curve below the baseline.

 

Capital Letter Cursive Writing: A to Z

Capital letter cursive writing is distinct from lower case cursive writing alphabets in several important ways. Capital letters are typically larger, more elaborate and do not always connect to the following lower case letter in the same way that lower case letters connect to each other.

Principles for Capital Cursive Writing

• Capital letters in cursive writing are typically written at the top line and extend to the baseline.
• They are more decorative than lower case letters and often feature additional loops and flourishes.
• Capital cursive writing letters typically connect to the following lower case letters, but this connection is optional in some styles.
• Capital letters are used only at the beginning of sentences and proper nouns: they never appear mid-word.

Capital Letter Cursive Writing A to Z: Descriptions

 

Capital Letter	Descriptions
A	Begin with an upswing from the baseline, loop up and to the right at the top, stroke diagonally down-left to the baseline, retrace up and stroke diagonally down-right, exit right.
B	Begin at the top with a downstroke to the baseline, retrace up and make two rounded bumps to the right, the lower one larger than the upper, exit right.
C	Begin at the top with a downward curve to the left, continue around and up in an open curve, exit right at the midline.
D	Begin at the top with a downstroke, retrace and curve out broadly to the right and back to the baseline, creating a large rounded shape, exit right.
E	Begin with a curved downstroke from the top, retrace up and stroke right at the top, back left and down, right at the middle, exit.
F	Begin with a curved downstroke from the top, retrace up and stroke right at the top, stroke down the vertical, cross at the midline.
G	Begin with a broad ‘C’ curve, close partially at the midline with a horizontal stroke inward.
H	Begin at the top with a downstroke, retrace and loop up and over, come down again, cross at the midline.
I	Begin with a small loop at the top, stroke down to the baseline, add a small swinging exit stroke.
J	Begin with a small loop at the top, stroke down through the baseline into a left-curving hook.
K	Begin at the top with a downstroke, retrace up to the midline, stroke forward into an angular kick, exit right.
L	Begin at the top with a looping curve, stroke down to the baseline, exit right with a swinging stroke.
M	Begin with an upswing, form three arches descending from the top line, exit right.
N	Begin with an upswing, form two arches from the top line, exit right.
O	Begin at the top, curve left and around in a large oval, close at the top, exit right.
P	Begin at the top with a downstroke to the baseline, retrace up and form a rounded bump to the right, exit right at the midline.
Q	Begin with a large oval, add a short angled stroke at the bottom right.
R	Begin at the top with a downstroke, retrace up and form a rounded bump, stroke forward with a kick to the right, exit right.
S	Begin at the top with a curved stroke, form an ‘S’ shape to the baseline, exit right.
T	Begin with a loop at the top, stroke down to the baseline, cross at the top with a long horizontal stroke.
U	Begin at the top, stroke down and curve up to the right, stroke down again, exit right.
V	Begin at the top, stroke down diagonally to the baseline, stroke up diagonally to the right, exit right.
W	Two ‘V’ strokes from the top line, exit right.
X	Begin at the top, stroke diagonally to the baseline, cross with a second stroke.
Y	Begin at the top, stroke diagonally to the midline, stroke diagonally down through the baseline into a loop, exit right.
Z	Begin at the top with a horizontal stroke, stroke diagonally down-left, stroke right at the baseline, add a small loop below.

 

How to Improve Your Cursive Writing

 

Step 1: Learn and Practise Individual Letters Correctly

Before joining letters, each individual letter in the cursive writing alphabets must be formed correctly and consistently. Spend focused time on the cursive writing A to Z letters in groups by formation family.

Step 2: Practise Common Two-Letter Combinations

Once individual letters are consistent, practise common two-letter joins: th, he, in, er, an, re, en, at, or, it, ou, ar.

Step 3: Progress to Short Words

Short three and four-letter high-frequency words: the, and, for, not, but, his, her, can, was, are.

Step 4: Practise Sentences with All Letters

Use pangrams and practice sentences that include a wide range of letters and joins. The quick brown fox sentence is ideal.

Step 5: Write by Hand Daily

The single most effective way to improve cursive writing is consistent daily practice. Even fifteen minutes of focused writing per day produces significant improvement within weeks.

Step 6: Review and Self-Evaluate

After each practice session, review the work and identify the two or three most inconsistent elements. Focus the next session on those specific areas.

Step 7: Copy Good Models

Find examples of beautiful English cursive writing that represent the style you want to develop and copy them carefully, paying attention to every detail of letter formation, slant and spacing.

 

Practice Exercises

A. Practise the cursive writing alphabets by following these steps for each letter:

For lower case letters (cursive writing A to Z):

Write each letter five times focusing on correct formation:

a a a a a | b b b b b | c c c c c | d d d d d | e e e e e | f f f f f | g g g g g | h h h h h | i i i i i | j j j j j | k k k k k | l l l l l | m m m m m | n n n n n | o o o o o | p p p p p | q q q q q | r r r r r | s s s s s | t t t t t | u u u u u | v v v v v | w w w w w | x x x x x | y y y y y | z z z z z

For capital letter cursive writing (capital cursive writing A to Z):

Write each capital letter five times:

A A A A A | B B B B B | C C C C C | D D D D D | E E E E E | F F F F F | G G G G G | H H H H H | I I I I I | J J J J J | K K K K K | L L L L L | M M M M M | N N N N N | O O O O O | P P P P P | Q Q Q Q Q | R R R R R | S S S S S | T T T T T | U U U U U | V V V V V | W W W W W | X X X X X | Y Y Y Y Y | Z Z Z Z Z

B. Write each letter family group five times across the line, focusing on consistent formation and smooth joins within each family:

• The c-family: c, a, d, g, q, o
• The arch family: n, m, h, p, r
• The loop family: l, b, f, k, h

C. Practise each of the following common joins ten times, maintaining consistent slant and smooth connection:

th | he | in | er | an | re | en | at | or | it | ou | ar | ing | tion | all | ent | ion

D. Write each of the following words five times in cursive writing, focusing on correct joins:

the | and | for | are | but | not | you | all | can | her | was | one | our | had | him | his | how | man | new | now | old | see | two | way | who | did | its | let | may | put | say | she | too | use

E. Write each of the following proper nouns and sentence starters in cursive writing, practising capital letter cursive writing in context:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
• India, London, Paris, Tokyo, New York, Sydney
• The, She, He, We, I, Once, There, When, If, Although

F. Write each of the following sentences three times in cursive writing:

1. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
2. She sells seashells by the seashore.
3. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
4. To be or not to be, that is the question.
5. In the beginning, all things are possible.
6. Practice makes perfect.
7. Every day is a new beginning.
8. The pen is mightier than the sword.
9. Knowledge is the most powerful tool we possess.
10. A good book is a friend for life.