Comma in "what do you mean"

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SJ88

#401512 Tue, 07 Aug 07 01:58 PM

Sorry, i know i've asked this before, but i would like to clarify again, phrasing it differently this time.

Which is more correct:

What do you mean, you dont know?

What do you mean you dont know?

Is the comma necessary, optional, or just plain wrong?

Thanks=)

SJ88

Joined on Sat, Jul 21 2007

New Member (34)

Commas

Kooyeen

#401541 Tue, 07 Aug 07 02:54 PM

Hi,
I think the first maybe is better this way: "What do you mean? You don't know?"
I think "What do you mean you don't know?" is ok, but I'm not completely sure. I think it means "What do you mean by saying that you don't know?"

- I don't know?
- What? What do you mean you don't know? You mean you never did anything like that?

I'm not sure though, maybe it should be "What does it mean you don't know?" Smile [:)]

Kooyeen

Joined on Thu, Dec 22 2005

Italy

Senior Member (4,167)

If you don't have a sense of humor already, it's about time you buy one.

Commas

nona the brit

#401622 Tue, 07 Aug 07 05:56 PM

What do you mean, you dont know? - this means 'am I understanding you correctly? Are you telling me that you don't know?'

What do you mean you dont know? - this is criticising you for not knowing. I think you should know. How dare you not know!

nona the brit

Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004

England

Veteran Member (11,502)

The name says it all.

Commas

SJ88

#402701 Fri, 10 Aug 07 06:28 AM

I see. Thanks, both of you! =)

SJ88

Commas