right/wrong

AOII Angel · #1 09-13-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovelyivy84

I make an effort to use proper grammar because I write for a living, and for a series of clients at that. Everything has to be perfect, every comma, colon and bullet point has to be formatted exactly the same way. Drives me nuts.

I just don't put much stock in it personally. It's an unfortunate necessity as far as I'm concerned.

So happy to see you don't put commas before "and"! That is my personal pet peeve! Of course, I have many pets...my husband suggests that all people call my 1-800 number to get my opinion before doing anything!!

Drolefille · #2 09-13-2007, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

So happy to see you don't put commas before "and"! That is my personal pet peeve! Of course, I have many pets...my husband suggests that all people call my 1-800 number to get my opinion before doing anything!!

The serial comma is an accepted part of english grammar!

Don't take it away!

AOII Angel · #3 09-13-2007, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

The serial comma is an accepted part of english grammar!

Don't take it away!

It is...but most accepted style manuals discourage its use. Each comma is like an "and" so putting a comma in front of "and" is a little redundant. It's my pet peeve because transcriptionist frequently add a comma where I purposely leave one out when I dictate reports. I used to spend hours removing commas from my final reports because I'm crazy!

Drolefille · #4 09-13-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

It is...but most accepted style manuals discourage its use. Each comma is like an "and" so putting a comma in front of "and" is a little redundant. It's my pet peeve because transcriptionist frequently add a comma where I purposely leave one out when I dictate reports. I used to spend hours removing commas from my final reports because I'm crazy!

But it can be confusing if you leave it out. I refuse to drop the serial comma!

(And most of the grammar sites I just googled recommend its use.)

AOII Angel · #5 09-13-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

But it can be confusing if you leave it out. I refuse to drop the serial comma!

(And most of the grammar sites I just googled recommend its use.)

I don't see how it's confusing in the least, but that's my opinion.

Drolefille · #6 09-13-2007, 08:46 PM

The streets were filled with spectators, shouting protesters and police.

When there's a modifier, it can be unclear whether the modifier applies to both protesters and police or only protesters.

AOII Angel · #7 09-13-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

The streets were filled with spectators, shouting protesters and police.

When there's a modifier, it can be unclear whether the modifier applies to both protesters and police or only protesters.

That's a poorly written sentence whether or not you include a comma. It should be reworded so that modifiers are used for all or none of the series.