More on the Word “So” — Even If We Don’t Even Want to Go There Again

Margie Wakeman WellsGeneral, The Period, The Semicolon, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Facebook had a couple of interesting questions/examples on “so.” SO I thought it would be good to take a look at them. This is my answer to the questions about the word “so” in the FB sentence below. …If, after a question has been posed to you, you have any question relating to what is being inquired about, please tell …

A Different Meaning for the Period or Semicolon Before “Is That Correct?”

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Period, The Semicolon 3 Comments

Deciding to use a period versus a semicolon before “Is that correct?” and expecting your reader to distinguish that they mean something different is an exercise in extreme subtlety. This distinction has been pushed around out there for a long time. …You testified that he arrived at 9:00; is that correct? — meaning is it correct that you testified to this?  …You testified that he …

“Yes” and “No”

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Comma, The Period Leave a Comment

I think we have done this recently, but here it is again. There are several rules floating around on what comes after yes and no. The easiest and simplest is this: When the words after yes and no echo or repeat the words in the question, use a comma. Otherwise, use a period.…Q Were you there on Friday?…A Yes, I …

The Fragment

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Period Leave a Comment

One of the rules that we need most in this field: Punctuate a fragment exactly the same way that you would punctuate the grammatically complete sentence that it stands for. …Q  What time did you leave? …A   I left at 10:00. I was a little late. …Q  What time did you leave? …A   At 10:00. I was a little late. …

Greetings from WA State

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Comma, The Period, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

This is one beautiful place. I am looking forward to seeing the WA reporters on Saturday for a second time this year! After “yes” and “no,” we need to use a comma when the words after the “yes” or “no” echo the words of the question. …Q     Did you see him later in the evening? …     A     Yes, I did. …