Do you make correct use of punctuation, especially commas? - Page 2 - Writers Forum

terrib · 07-19-2008, 09:53 PM

thanks Virginia, that was very helpful and SAM I will definitely be contacting you for help when in doubt. I always want to put a comma after yet, don't know why. Ex: Yet, she never knew what the hell to do with comma's. Why isn't a comma placed after yet because I sure hesitated?

The Backward OX · 07-19-2008, 10:27 PM

I know it seems as if you're asking Sam, but can I butt in? Use the comma or don't use it depending on whether you wish to create a pause or not. If your character is given to introspection a comma might be appropriate. If your character is an impetuous type, maybe not.

lin · 07-19-2008, 11:08 PM

Are you askin' or tellin', Ox?

The Backward OX · 07-19-2008, 11:13 PM

pushmi-pullyu

The Backward OX · 07-20-2008, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryG

I have a friend who is a professional editor and charges a penny per word. His tax returns show that he admits to editing two normal sized (100,000 words) manuscripts per month. He also likes a decent red wine, and gets talkative after around a bottle-and-a-half. After two bottles one lunchtime, he admitted that he uses the MS spelling and grammar check for the first run, before using his own, considerable skills. He works from his home on the Atlantic coast of Europe and is on a two-day week.

He must be a very close friend if he lets you see his tax returns.

Ilasir Maroa · 07-20-2008, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

It's not petty. It's skill.

Sam has explained.

07-20-2008, 07:30 AM

07-20-2008, 08:21 AM

Colons are the thing a lot of people have trouble with -

I dislike it when the pedantic writer insist on the archaic usage traditionally favoured in formal or academic writing, where a capital is used for the first letter of a clause introduced by a colon (if this clause constitutes a complete sentence).

It's like a secret handshake, inviting attention to be paid to the writer's knowledge of punctuation, rather than the content of what he has written.

The purpose of punctuation is to aid the reading of the written word. As language evolves, then so must punctuation.

The Backward OX · 07-20-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOURBON

Colons are the thing a lot of people have trouble with -

Not eating our All Bran again, aren't we?

I dislike it when the pedantic writer insist on the archaic usage traditionally favoured in formal or academic writing, where a capital is used for the first letter of a clause introduced by a colon (if this clause constitutes a complete sentence).

It's like a secret handshake, inviting attention to be paid to the writer's knowledge of punctuation, rather than the content of what he has written.

The purpose of punctuation is to aid the reading of the written word. As language evolves, then so must punctuation.

With respect, that is twaddle. Complete and utter twaddle. Methinks you were merely indulging in a little typing practice here: There’s no rhyme nor reason to your words.

You might as well say that use of a full stop or a comma is archaic and masonicish.

People aren’t inviting attention to their knowledge of punctuation by using it correctly. Used correctly it isn’t even noticed. The people who do draw attention – in every field of endeavour, might I add – are the ones who make a pig’s breakfast of the task at hand.

Your final sentence, about language and punctuation evolving side-by-side, is the icing on the cake of ridiculousness. Perhaps you might care to demonstrate some new punctuation symbols for us?

07-20-2008, 10:04 AM

Damn...right bait wrong fish.

Sorry - I was bored.

Bad Bourbon.

terrib · 07-20-2008, 11:23 AM

at least give her credit for the comic, ox....that was cute

OtherWorlds · 07-20-2008, 09:37 PM

Can't contribute here, as commas are my bane. I have a friend look over my work and point out my incorrect comma usage before sending it out to be viewed by anyone else. I generally know how punctuation should be used, but my brain and my fingers aren't always as connected as I'd like them to be.