Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
jent1150, there is an amusing saying that you may enjoy, and it goes something like this: “For every necessary comma ommitted, there is one superfluous comma added.” Ditto for apostrophes.
I would like to add one more comment. It is absolutely incorrect to say “Me and Moshe.” The proper usage is “Moshe and I,” whether spoken or written.
In one succinct sentenct, I would like to say something about the main issue at hand. I find it quite appalling and downright embarrassing that young men and women cannot formulate sentences properly.
As a frum female English teacher, I have quite an opinion on this discussion. Firstly, however, I would like to settle this comma debate. In general, punctuation acts as the proverbial traffic sign in our writing. It tells us when to slow down, take heed, and stop. It clarifies the writer’s intentions and enables the reader to follow the flow of words as they build sentences and ideas.
The comma serves many purposes, one of which is to distinguish objects in a list. The second comma in a serial or list (otherwise known as the Oxford comma) is a matter of taste and style. When it clarifies a point, it enhances the sentence. Take, for example, the fourth sentence in the paragraph above: “It tells us when to slow down, take heed, and stop.” The second comma is quite appropriate here as we find ourselves slowly coming to a final stop. Without that second comma, the sentence once again picks up speed after first slowing down, muddling the final two instructions into one.
Here, the second comma certainly clarifies my intentions.
Commas before “and” are certainly necessary when the conjunction is joining two independent clauses. (An independent clause contains both a subject and a verb.) When the conjunction joins an independent clause and a dependent clause (and clause without a subject), the comma is incorrect. This is a hard rule and not just a matter of style. (Notice there no comma in that sentence as “not just a matter…” is a dependent clause.)
About the comma before “that,” (Please note: ALL commas and periods are placed INSIDE the quotation marks.) it is not necessary because “that” is a subordinating conjunction.
If you have any other English questions, I would be happy to assist.