Sometimes in grammar, a comma before the word `and` is appropriate - but in moderation, in moderation...
(stressed twice)
There`s no need for them most of the time; the word acts as its own comma, *and I should know, after fifteen years of earning my crust as a professional proofreader...
The above* gives an example of when a comma -might- be appropriate, but there are no hard and fast rules.
Apostrophes - now they`re quite a different matter. See my correct omission of the apostrophe in `its` (para 2).
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English grammer,(errrrm, not)
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Quote by North Star
Sometimes in grammar, a comma before the word `and` is appropriate - but in moderation, in moderation...
(stressed twice)
There`s no need for them most of the time; the word acts as its own comma, *and I should know, after fifteen years of earning my crust as a professional proofreader...
The above* gives an example of when a comma -might- be appropriate, but there are no hard and fast rules.
Apostrophes - now they`re quite a different matter. See my correct omission of the apostrophe in `its` (para 2).
:sleeping:
Quote by North Star
Sometimes in grammar, a comma before the word `and` is appropriate - but in moderation, in moderation...
(stressed twice)
There`s no need for them most of the time; the word acts as its own comma, *and I should know, after fifteen years of earning my crust as a professional proofreader...
The above* gives an example of when a comma -might- be appropriate, but there are no hard and fast rules.
Apostrophes - now they`re quite a different matter. See my correct omission of the apostrophe in `its` (para 2).
:rotflmao: :giggle: Could have sworn you said poofreader!
Sorry
Orgasminator
Quote by North Star
Sometimes in grammar, a comma before the word `and` is appropriate - but in moderation, in moderation...
(stressed twice)
There`s no need for them most of the time; the word acts as its own comma, *and I should know, after fifteen years of earning my crust as a professional proofreader...
The above* gives an example of when a comma -might- be appropriate, but there are no hard and fast rules.
Apostrophes - now they`re quite a different matter. See my correct omission of the apostrophe in `its` (para 2).
Didn't understand a word of that, lol, but I do tend to abuse using three dots... to denote i'm, um... thinking or ... changing tack on summat!
Me mum always told me that if I create a list using comma's then I shouldn't use a comma prior to an "or" or an "and."
One thing that does annoy me is when people put a period or comma outside of "quotes."
Mind you, when younger I used to be able to write a full page without once creating a paragraph or full sentance as the whole thing used to last till I'd finished my line of thought... now I put as many commas and thingimiflips and watsemnames in as possible!
My current toilet reading is Isac Asimov, and it is quite amazing how short his sentaces are. He uses commas within nearly every sentance, which shrinks them even further!
Quote by piercedJon
Sometimes in grammar, a comma before the word `and` is appropriate - but in moderation, in moderation...
(stressed twice)
There`s no need for them most of the time; the word acts as its own comma, *and I should know, after fifteen years of earning my crust as a professional proofreader...
The above* gives an example of when a comma -might- be appropriate, but there are no hard and fast rules.
Apostrophes - now they`re quite a different matter. See my correct omission of the apostrophe in `its` (para 2).
Didn't understand a word of that, lol, but I do tend to abuse using three dots... to denote i'm, um... thinking or ... changing tack on summat!
Me mum always told me that if I create a list using comma's then I shouldn't use a comma prior to an "or" or an "and."
One thing that does annoy me is when people put a period or comma outside of "quotes."
Mind you, when younger I used to be able to write a full page without once creating a paragraph or full sentance as the whole thing used to last till I'd finished my line of thought... now I put as many commas and thingimiflips and watsemnames in as possible!
My current toilet reading is Isac Asimov, and it is quite amazing how short his sentaces are. He uses commas within nearly every sentance, which shrinks them even further!
I can remember a lesson at school where we had to read to the class from a book without stopping for a breath ignoring comma's and full stops, etc. They are also inserted,( it was explained) to give us a chance read aloud without passing out!
:eeek: :eeek:
I've created a Monster
:giggle
Quote by North Star
Sometimes in grammar, a comma before the word `and` is appropriate - but in moderation, in moderation...
(stressed twice)
There`s no need for them most of the time; the word acts as its own comma, *and I should know, after fifteen years of earning my crust as a professional proofreader...
The above* gives an example of when a comma -might- be appropriate, but there are no hard and fast rules.
Apostrophes - now they`re quite a different matter. See my correct omission of the apostrophe in `its` (para 2).
I love you :inlove:
Quote by piercedJon
Didn't understand a word of that, lol, but I do tend to abuse using three dots... to denote i'm, um... thinking or ... changing tack on summat!
Me mum always told me that if I create a list using comma's then I shouldn't use a comma prior to an "or" or an "and."
Naughty!
using an apostrophe in the wrong place when contributing to a thread about punctuation!
(Shall I shut up now?)
You thought you could be open and free to say anything on a site like this didn't you?
You thought the site was going to be full of open-minded tolerant people?
You were absolutely right - except when it comes to punctuation!
Sorry - I'm not really aggressive, I'm sweet and angelic really :angel:
Good morning to you
You thought the site was going to be full of open-minded tolerant people?
You were absolutely right - except when it comes to punctuation!
Sorry - I'm not really aggressive, I'm sweet and angelic really :angel:
Good morning to you
:therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere: :therethere:
I like i do.
cc_7up
ps. txt me soon,eh.
I like i do.
cc_7up
ps. txt me soon,eh.
The correct term for the three dots `...` at the end of a sentence is, the `elipsis`.
They`re used as a form of cliff-hanger - nb, three dots only. not two, not four - three!
Where is all this leading us? wait and see...
The dots `... `.....` in mid-sentence are called `bullets` but you knew that already. didn`t you?
Punctuation; examples:
Charles the Ist walked and talked half an hour after his head was cut off.
Charles the Ist walked and talked; half an hour after, his head was cut off.
(I should be charging for this!)
PS. There is at least, one typographical error in the above; can anyone see it?
They`re used as a form of cliff-hanger - nb, three dots only. not two, not four - three!
Where is all this leading us? wait and see...
The dots `... `.....` in mid-sentence are called `bullets` but you knew that already. didn`t you?
Punctuation; examples:
Charles the Ist walked and talked half an hour after his head was cut off.
Charles the Ist walked and talked; half an hour after, his head was cut off.
(I should be charging for this!)
PS. There is at least, one typographical error in the above; can anyone see it?
Quote by North Star
The correct term for the three dots `...` at the end of a sentence is, the `elipsis`.
They`re used as a form of cliff-hanger - nb, three dots only. not two, not four - three!
Where is all this leading us? wait and see...
The dots `... `.....` in mid-sentence are called `bullets` but you knew that already. didn`t you?
Punctuation; examples:
Charles the Ist walked and talked half an hour after his head was cut off.
Charles the Ist walked and talked; half an hour after, his head was cut off.
(I should be charging for this!)
PS. There is at least, one typographical error in the above; can anyone see it?
I think I love you :inlove:
Sex God
Quote by Red(RHG)
Cooooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*:wave: :wave:
Dont worry about her, she teaches in Sheffield, she asked one of her kids "what comes after a sentence" and he replied " the appeal!"
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: Says he who lives in HULL!
Too right FB!
Shoulder to shoulder with my Sheffield bud
or chest to chest.......
Cathy x
Yummy :P
Quote by North Star
The correct term for the three dots `...` at the end of a sentence is, the `elipsis`.
They`re used as a form of cliff-hanger - nb, three dots only. not two, not four - three!
Where is all this leading us? wait and see...
The dots `... `.....` in mid-sentence are called `bullets` but you knew that already. didn`t you?
Punctuation; examples:
Charles the Ist walked and talked half an hour after his head was cut off.
Charles the Ist walked and talked; half an hour after, his head was cut off.
(I should be charging for this!)
PS. There is at least, one typographical error in the above; can anyone see it?
Is this a challenge?
I can see a few things which may be construed as grammatically incorrect but do not necessarily detract from an interesting post.
For example:
The comma after 'is' in the first sentence is superfluous;
'The 1st' should really be 'The First' ;
The full-stop (period) after 'already' should be a comma or an elipsis or , in fact, require no punctuation at all;
The comma after 'at least ' is not required unless a comma is inserted after 'There is';
A colon , not a semicolon, would be appropriate after 'error in the above' as it amplifies and is directly dependant upon the preceding clause;
NB (Nota Bene) is usually written with capital letters.
There are other minor infringements which might upset the grammar snobs- indeed much of what I have written is open to ridicule and correction-but the point I wish to make is that a degree of unconformity is a blessing, not a curse. It is obviously important for basic grammar to be adopted if meaning is to be conveyed and confusion avoided (read Lynn Truss's 'Eats Shoots and Leaves' if you remain unconvinced). A good proof-reader will iron out most errors-and there are some very good 'proofies' who may well be looking in (hello my lovely, how are you?)-but I would argue that I would rather see a person write what they feel, even if a little grammatically challenged, than be put off writing by the grammar snobs. Some of the best American writers e.g Cormac McCarthy, use virtually no grammar or punctuation at all!! (try 'All The Pretty Horses';a book which inspired a film starring Penelope Cruz cannot be villified).
So, don't despair, write what you feel: the grammar can be fixed. What can't be fixed as easily is the feeling that reading and writing are somehow beyond one's ability and therefore for others.
Writing is about communication, not polarisation.
Orgasminator
Quote by North Star
The correct term for the three dots `...` at the end of a sentence is, the `elipsis`.
They`re used as a form of cliff-hanger - nb, three dots only. not two, not four - three!
Where is all this leading us? wait and see...
The dots `... `.....` in mid-sentence are called `bullets` but you knew that already. didn`t you?
Are they not still elipsis when 3 are used within a sentance or paragraph that is quoted to denote that the quote has been shortened and information that is reguarded superflious, or by its removal not changing the basic premis of the original, has been removed?
Also to add another contentious point for all the gramatisists, pendants and spellists; as the English language has been bastardised since time began, should we not change the dictionary and the rules to take into account the most common mistakes and continue with the development of the english language instead of freezing it at a given point?
That said even I blk at the dvlpmnt ov the nglsh lnguge 2 inclde txt spk.
Quote by blithe spirit
The correct term for the three dots `...` at the end of a sentence is, the `elipsis`.
They`re used as a form of cliff-hanger - nb, three dots only. not two, not four - three!
Where is all this leading us? wait and see...
The dots `... `.....` in mid-sentence are called `bullets` but you knew that already. didn`t you?
Punctuation; examples:
Charles the Ist walked and talked half an hour after his head was cut off.
Charles the Ist walked and talked; half an hour after, his head was cut off.
(I should be charging for this!)
PS. There is at least, one typographical error in the above; can anyone see it?
Is this a challenge?
I can see a few things which may be construed as grammatically incorrect but do not necessarily detract from an interesting post.
For example:
The comma after 'is' in the first sentence is superfluous;
'The 1st' should really be 'The First' ;
The full-stop (period) after 'already' should be a comma or an elipsis or , in fact, require no punctuation at all;
The comma after 'at least ' is not required unless a comma is inserted after 'There is';
A colon , not a semicolon, would be appropriate after 'error in the above' as it amplifies and is directly dependant upon the preceding clause;
NB (Nota Bene) is usually written with capital letters.
There are other minor infringements which might upset the grammar snobs- indeed much of what I have written is open to ridicule and correction-but the point I wish to make is that a degree of unconformity is a blessing, not a curse. It is obviously important for basic grammar to be adopted if meaning is to be conveyed and confusion avoided (read Lynn Truss's 'Eats Shoots and Leaves' if you remain unconvinced). A good proof-reader will iron out most errors-and there are some very good 'proofies' who may well be looking in (hello my lovely, how are you?)-but I would argue that I would rather see a person write what they feel, even if a little grammatically challenged, than be put off writing by the grammar snobs. Some of the best American writers e.g Cormac McCarthy, use virtually no grammar or punctuation at all!! (try 'All The Pretty Horses';a book which inspired a film starring Penelope Cruz cannot be villified).
So, don't despair, write what you feel: the grammar can be fixed. What can't be fixed as easily is the feeling that reading and writing are somehow beyond one's ability and therefore for others.
Writing is about communication, not polarisation.
Fair enough.
I'll scribble it & the swots can spell check and grammatise it. With a bit of luck what i write wont end up too steralized and will have retained something of myself.
All authors read the proofs before publishing because what and how they have written may have been altered by someone else's interpretation. and anyone who creates something is their own fiercest creative writers are grammatically challenged and require the services of people more proficient to point out their mistakes.
I for one salute and thank you for it.
Now i feel that this thread has run it's course so i'm signing up for evening classes to brush up my grammer skills and eradicate the many mistakes i have been making for donkeys ! and feel free to remind me if i fall from grace in my future posts,
(i'm sure you will Fallen Angel). I might as well take up English literature as well. Think i'll start with 'To kill a mocking bird'.
cc_7up
Quote by markz
yeah but are you any good in bed :shock:
No Markz, absaloutely rubbish. It's not that I haven't tried, but , it's no use. I've tried Viagra: I developed a stiff foot which lasted for a week and caused me to trip over everything and led to my spending a night in casualty. I've tried porn but misread the catalogue, well, it was nice to watch snow White and the Seven Dwarves, even if their group hugs weren't what I was expecting. I've tried dogging. That was going quite well until my eager flashing of the interior light short -circuited something and set the car on fire. I've tried visiting prostitutes. They really were nice and gave me my money back saying that they hadn't laughed so much in years. I tried speed-dating but got a slow puncture im my cycle tyre and missed the whole ruddy event. I tried a penis enlarger: just as I got the thing up to vacuum I sneezed , broke the seal and the damned thing shot across the room and killed the cat. I tried a sex therapist: she was very kind and suggested I practice on something 'accomodating' and non human: well, the good thing was that I now know that my new Dyson is quite powerful. The bad thing was that I broke every blood vessel in my nether regions and had the only scarlet (very) dangly bits in the country.
So, I'll just have to live with it mate, but thanks for asking all the same.
Quote by blithe spirit
yeah but are you any good in bed :shock:
No Markz, absaloutely rubbish. It's not that I haven't tried, but , it's no use. I've tried Viagra: I developed a stiff foot which lasted for a week and caused me to trip over everything and led to my spending a night in casualty. I've tried porn but misread the catalogue, well, it was nice to watch snow White and the Seven Dwarves, even if their group hugs weren't what I was expecting. I've tried dogging. That was going quite well until my eager flashing of the interior light short -circuited something and set the car on fire. I've tried visiting prostitutes. They really were nice and gave me my money back saying that they hadn't laughed so much in years. I tried speed-dating but got a slow puncture im my cycle tyre and missed the whole ruddy event. I tried a penis enlarger: just as I got the thing up to vacuum I sneezed , broke the seal and the damned thing shot across the room and killed the cat. I tried a sex therapist: she was very kind and suggested I practice on something 'accomodating' and non human: well, the good thing was that I now know that my new Dyson is quite powerful. The bad thing was that I broke every blood vessel in my nether regions and had the only scarlet (very) dangly bits in the country.
So, I'll just have to live with it mate, but thanks for asking all the same.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: Oh my darling - I have missed you soooo much!!!
And so has my neighbour - she constantly asks after you!
Washes her vest and bloomers every month on the off chance that you will serendae her again!
Sex God
Quote by North Star
The correct term for the three dots `...` at the end of a sentence is, the `elipsis`.
No, it's an 'ellipsis'
Quote by makingcocoa
I LOVE this thread!
No less than five separate people bought me 'Eats Shoots and Leaves' when it came out. Fine, I take the hint - I can be a bit overenthusiastic about punctuation issues.
But I am good in bed... does that make it OK? :lol2:
Cocoa xxx
Ditto! I am the same - even joined the "apostrophe protection society" - but I can do other things too!
Have you read "eats shits and leaves"? that's very funny :D
