Punctuation Workshop
Tallen said:
Panda?
I just spewed tea all over my computer! That is EXACTLY what I thought of when reading it!
nomoth said:thanks...actually not that complicated and makes sense.....though i was ignorant of it...
that my parents could be mistaken; that both of them could be mistaken for being Ayn Rand and God made me realize that it is actually a thing to be aware of ...
{n}oth
edit: that Skydancer likes my nose, caving and looking for rare stones
may imply that she likes looking for these things up my nose. that this could be implied more appropriately, as i understand is reason for the existenceof the Oxford comma.
I guess my question to anyone doubting the use of the Oxford comma is this: it can never be wrong to use it, so why risk not using it? That lawsuit in the link I provided is the perfect example of what can happen when you don't use it1
Panda?
I just spewed tea all over my computer! That is EXACTLY what I thought of when reading it!
nomoth said:thanks...actually not that complicated and makes sense.....though i was ignorant of it...
that my parents could be mistaken; that both of them could be mistaken for being Ayn Rand and God made me realize that it is actually a thing to be aware of ...
{n}oth
edit: that Skydancer likes my nose, caving and looking for rare stones
may imply that she likes looking for these things up my nose. that this could be implied more appropriately, as i understand is reason for the existenceof the Oxford comma.
I guess my question to anyone doubting the use of the Oxford comma is this: it can never be wrong to use it, so why risk not using it? That lawsuit in the link I provided is the perfect example of what can happen when you don't use it1
Anonymous
<< post removed >>
Ahavati said:
I guess my question to anyone doubting the use of the Oxford comma is this: it can never be wrong to use it, so why risk not using it? That lawsuit in the link I provided is the perfect example of what can happen when you don't use it1
yep the nuances of this are something that are important
I guess my question to anyone doubting the use of the Oxford comma is this: it can never be wrong to use it, so why risk not using it? That lawsuit in the link I provided is the perfect example of what can happen when you don't use it1
yep the nuances of this are something that are important
Ahavati said:Brief Origin of the Modern Comma
According to author Keith Houston, an authority on the history of punctuation, the “punctuational big bang” ( from his book, Shady Characters ) refers to Aldus Manutius and his grandson’s revolution of punctuation during the establishment of printing in the 15th century. As mentioned in previous section regarding the history of punctuation, many famous scholars and writers adopted this new method, thus encouraging the systematic use of English punctuation throughout the 16th & 17th centuries.
Use of the Comma
Commas are a very versatile punctuation mark, and are used to separate the elements of a sentence, connect independent clauses, and avoid confusion, just to name a few.
• Separating Sentence Elements with Commas
In sentences that contain varying elements, commas provide clarity. Use commas to separate elements of a series of three or more things, particularly the last two.
“[N]omoth finished his yard-work, hopped on the computer, and began to write.”
Notation: The Oxford comma, also known as the serial, or Harvard comma, is a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’ (e.g. finished his yard-work, hopped on the computer, ‘and ‘ began to write ). Its name originated at Oxford University Press, and was traditionally used by printers, readers, and editors. While many have been taught the Oxford comma isn’t necessary, there are examples where placing it before “and” will help prevent confusion, particularly when a series of words includes terms that glom together.
...]
Well after reading all this perhaps i do not need to go to comma over-users anonymous
Thank you for researching all this info
Ahavati said:
I'll give it a day or so then introduce your coveted semicolon.
The dreaded semicolon ugh
According to author Keith Houston, an authority on the history of punctuation, the “punctuational big bang” ( from his book, Shady Characters ) refers to Aldus Manutius and his grandson’s revolution of punctuation during the establishment of printing in the 15th century. As mentioned in previous section regarding the history of punctuation, many famous scholars and writers adopted this new method, thus encouraging the systematic use of English punctuation throughout the 16th & 17th centuries.
Use of the Comma
Commas are a very versatile punctuation mark, and are used to separate the elements of a sentence, connect independent clauses, and avoid confusion, just to name a few.
• Separating Sentence Elements with Commas
In sentences that contain varying elements, commas provide clarity. Use commas to separate elements of a series of three or more things, particularly the last two.
“[N]omoth finished his yard-work, hopped on the computer, and began to write.”
Notation: The Oxford comma, also known as the serial, or Harvard comma, is a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’ (e.g. finished his yard-work, hopped on the computer, ‘and ‘ began to write ). Its name originated at Oxford University Press, and was traditionally used by printers, readers, and editors. While many have been taught the Oxford comma isn’t necessary, there are examples where placing it before “and” will help prevent confusion, particularly when a series of words includes terms that glom together.
...]
Well after reading all this perhaps i do not need to go to comma over-users anonymous
Thank you for researching all this info
Ahavati said:
I'll give it a day or so then introduce your coveted semicolon.
The dreaded semicolon ugh
Tallen said:Oooo pictures!! (& Food!!)
https://www.grammarcheck.net/common-comma-problems/
That is GREAT visual!
Wh1skeySwagger said:
Well after reading all this perhaps i do not need to go to comma over-users anonymous
Thank you for researching all this info
The dreaded semicolon ugh
You're welcome! I am happy so many are interested. It certainly can't hurt to learn. I know I am!
https://www.grammarcheck.net/common-comma-problems/
That is GREAT visual!
Wh1skeySwagger said:
Well after reading all this perhaps i do not need to go to comma over-users anonymous
Thank you for researching all this info
The dreaded semicolon ugh
You're welcome! I am happy so many are interested. It certainly can't hurt to learn. I know I am!
I think it was Layla who said the Armenian language was the oldest or purest?** I need to scroll back and look for that, but I did find this chart ( source: https://www.languageconnections.com/blog/the-origin-of-punctuation-and-its-use-across-different-languages/ ).
As an aside, the Japanese comma is slanted the opposite way from our English, and in French, the comma is used as a decimal point: 2.5 (English) = 2,5 (French). The only difference in Spanish is in the case of numerical use.
Edit: Nope; she was referring to Egyptian arabic.
Layla said:Ahavati, Egyptian arabic is considered the most sophisticated and the most eloquent, that's why most of the movies, books are spoken/written in the egyptian format, its the equivelant of the British english, where T or the R is pronounced and empashized. Saudi or jordanian is more traditional while Lebanese is more relaxed and easier on the ear because of its French influence (it was owned and governed by france till the '60s) and also because its the only christian arab country so the dialect is not as restricted as islam counterparts.
[. . .]
Beware the Semicolon: Part One
Dedicated to _shadoe_ , Sky_dancer, and slipalong
;
If you come across this fiend, do not attempt to apprehend!
Please contact your local English teacher for assistance.
Brief Origin of the Modern Semicolon
The semicolon isn’t the scoundrel many think it is, despite prompting a duel between two professors at the University of Paris in 1837! They were debating correct grammar of Ancient Roman texts before tempers escalated, swords were drawn, and ( ← note Oxford comma :p ) the semicolon proponent almost lost his arm! It also caused liquor service to be suspended in Boston for six years, by drifting into the retranscription of an early-20th-century statute. But that wasn’t the whole of its adventures! O! No! In 1945, a semicolon inserted into the definition of war crimes in the Charter of the International Military Tribunal, and threatened to halt the prosecution of captured Nazis until the ambiguous sentence was clarified, according to Cecelia Watson, in her book Semicolon, a biography of the unusually controversial punctuation mark.
The rogue semicolon’s actual beginnings were in Ancient Greece, as a sort of question mark whose history becomes rather vague until 1494, when Aldus Manutius ( our Italian printer and scholar mentioned in previous workshops ) resurrected it into a modern function used today. It continues to be the most controversial punctuation mark of modern grammar. Some consider it a balance between independent clauses, connecting their similarities while keeping them separate, giving them their own room space, but with a curtain divider versus a wall, so-to-speak. While others look down on it, viewing it a symbol of arrogant writers who don’t know how to use commas or periods.
Just what IS a Semicolon
Despite its notorious history, I think we can all agree that the semicolon is one of the most misunderstood punctuation signs. Both new and seasoned writers are intimidated by them; however, all it takes is basic knowledge about how to understand and use them with confidence!
But WHY are semicolons so misunderstood and misused, especially when compared to other types of punctuation? Its because the semicolon operates in somewhat of a grey area between commas and periods.
A period has a note of finality to it that doesn’t guarantee your desired outcome; whereas, the comma separates items in a list, or introduces a clause with the help of a coordinating conjunction (if, but, because, etc.). A semicolon is stronger than a comma, but it does not signal finality in the same manner as a period. Lewis Thomas says it best:
“I have grown fond of semicolons in recent years…It is almost always a greater pleasure to come across a semicolon than a period. The period tells you that [i]that is that; if you didn’t get all the meaning you wanted or expected, you have to move along. But with a semicolon there is expectancy; there is more to come; read on; it will get clearer.”[/i] Get it?! Each use of the semi colon is a bridge between complete thoughts.
Let’s consider some examples to differentiate:
1. Tallen is going to eat a taco, because he craves Mexican FUD.
2. Tallen is going to eat a taco. Because he craves Mexican FUD.
3. Tallen is going to eat a taco; he craves Mexican FUD.
1. We must use the conjunction after the comma to introduce the clause.
2. The period suggests two unrelated points. However, we know differently, so splitting the sentences with a period a poor use of punctuation.
3. The semicolon is acting as a bridge between the two related points, and is saying to the reader: “But wait. . .there’s more!”
So, are you saying a semicolon is just a fancy way of replacing the comma and a coordinating conjunction?
Was the author Kurt Vonnegut correct when he said semicolons represented “absolutely nothing” and “it is only used to show you have been to college.”? Or do we take the side of President Abraham Lincoln, who said: “…I have great respect for the semicolon; he’s a useful little chap.”?
You got it! It all comes down to personal preference. I happen to have a personal love affair with the semicolon ( as is evidenced in the majority of my work ). some writers are torn over their use, while many avoid them for lack of understanding; however, many scholars are convinced of their necessity, even pointing out the integral role the semicolon plays in important texts like the US Constitution. Moreover, there are some more technical instances, such as the separating of confusing information in lists, where the semicolon becomes a necessary tool.
*** Gonna break here for questions, comments, suggestions, or corrections before moving onto Part Two: Use of the Semicolon ***
Daaaaaaaaaaaamnit!!
You know there's NO Mexican eateries Open at this hr of the morning!!!!!
(the power of suggestion, eh?)
Now i'll be craving Tacos all day!!
--------------------------
btw, i have never feared semicolon usage; i use the critters all the time in my spills.
Tallen said:Daaaaaaaaaaaamnit!!
You know there's NO Mexican eateries Open at this hr of the morning!!!!!
(the power of suggestion, eh?)
Now i'll be craving Tacos all day!!
--------------------------
btw, i have never feared semicolon usage; i use the critters all the time in my spills.
Breakfast burrito, anyone?!
You know there's NO Mexican eateries Open at this hr of the morning!!!!!
(the power of suggestion, eh?)
Now i'll be craving Tacos all day!!
--------------------------
btw, i have never feared semicolon usage; i use the critters all the time in my spills.
Breakfast burrito, anyone?!
Anonymous
Superbly entertaining and satisfying.
Ahavati's semicolon research ... not the ginormous burrito ......
Ahavati's semicolon research ... not the ginormous burrito ......
