By Commas, Punctuation

Re: On the use of "by" and on the use of commas

.1-- No, I don't see that by is necessary.2-- Style guides can vary somewhat, but according to mine, namely, that is, for example, i.e. and e.g. are all followed by a comma and preceded by some kind of punctuation (comma, semicolon, parenthesis, etc.) depending on the sentence structure.

Re: If you describe something as banal, you do not like it because...

Hi, banalIf you describe something as banal, you do not like it because you think that it is so ordinary that it is not at all effective or interesting.Example: Bland, banal music tinkled discreetly from hidden loudspeakers.Doesn't a comma or semicolon need to be used after ordinary? This...

Re: Correct use of "which" and "that"

 The incorrect use of and punctuation surrounding the words "that" and ", which" drives me to distraction. I am currently reading a book, which was recommended to me, that is loaded with the incorrect use of these and it is irritating! This website is useful and gives...

Re: rephrase

Hi, I want to direct my remarks here to three angles that we need to address in a triangle of challenges and that I think present themselves to us as we take a step into the future, away from the five years that have passed since September 11. Can and be inserted or please suggest some...

Re: need help from experts

Hi, I had a few questions, or rather need clarification on a few things. “You can't do that”, they shouted from the balcony, “you can't, you can't.” ( Why is the comma outside the quote and not inside it?) It's a matter of the style you choose to follow. If you search the Forum,...

Re: Commas...

Hi,commas are used on many occasions. For example, I would have used two in your sentence:I know we use it before names when we talk to someone, for instance, but that can't be the only use can it? I'm afraid I am not able to help you much, because I never had problems with commas, since...

Re: dash

.Justified? Well, all I can say is that they work OK in your examples. M-dashes are a relatively informal but increasingly popular-- and rather vague-- connective punctuation. They are used "to denote a sudden break in thought that causes an abrupt change in sentence structure." . ...

Re: FOR EXAMPLE

Hi, For Example is noted as an adverb. Are these correct uses of it? Are punctuation correct? For example, you can say "like this", instead of "this". I've just added correct punctuation. I don't know if this sentence and the next one are true statements. You can...

Re: creative punctuation?

In this example I would not use a semi-colon, but a comma: Make us pure, Lord, and clean, outside and in However, there may be a following sentence that changes the context. Perhaps if you gave us the full verse, we could see.

creative punctuation?

Hi, I think like an art, we can indulge in using punctuation with some variations as long as we stick to the basic structures. I was looking at a hymnal and came upon this semicolon usage. I think you can use a semicolon instead of a comma in certain situation. Is this one of those OK...