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Non-Errors in the English Language (Part 2)

Beginning Sentences with Conjunctions

By on March 15, 2011. 2 Comments
la_conjunctions

If your high school English teach was anything like my teacher, she/he probably always emphasized the “rule” about NOT using conjunctions to begin your sentence.  “You must never begin a sentence with a conjunction” is the mantra of many an English teacher.  Just because “everyone” says it is a rule does not necessarily mean it is true, though.  In fact, many a grammar “expert” will tell you that this arbitrary rule does not hold much sway. I can go on and on and repeat that I believe that using conjunctions such as “but” and “and” to begin a sentence is [Read more…]

Categories: Grammar Guide, Grammar Rules, Musings & Style, Punctuation Tags: , , ,

A Quick Look at the Serial Comma

Should There Be a Comma Before the Last Item on a List?

By on January 3, 2011. 9 Comments
comma

The comma has always been a bone of contention for many people.  We all use it everyday that we may very well be taking it for granted.  Over the holidays, I found myself in the middle of a very interesting discussion about the use of the serial comma. The serial comma is also called the Oxford comma or the Harvard comma. Sometimes, it is even referred to as the series comma. Whatever name you call it, the serial comma is used in lists – right before the coordinating conjunction. Let’s take a look at an example for the sake of [Read more…]

Categories: Grammar Guide, Musings & Style, Punctuation Tags: ,

What Is a Comma Splice?

By on July 16, 2010. 5 Comments

There are certain words in the English language that I love to hear and say. “Splice” is one of those words. I don’t know why, but it just sounds so good to my ears. This post, however, is not going to be about words that you like to hear. It is going to be about this thing called comma splice. What is it anyway, and why are some people so gung ho on avoiding it? Consider this: I woke up at 3 in the afternoon, I was not able to go to church. The two clauses – one before the [Read more…]

Categories: Grammar Rules, Punctuation Tags: , , , ,

More than a Wink: How to Use a Semicolon

By on October 15, 2009. 5 Comments

As a copyeditor, I often correct semicolon usage. If you don’t quite understand how to use a semicolon, you’re not alone; you wouldn’t believe how many professional writers use this little mark incorrectly. And I’m not talking about when you want to indicate a joke or teasing in a chat room. A semicolon should be used instead of a comma or a period to: Delineate items in a list when using commas would make the sentence confusing because there are commas within the items listed Separate two complete, but related, sentences Using semicolons in a list Commas typically separate items [Read more…]

Categories: Punctuation Tags: , , , , , ,
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