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Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
The Word "Then"
When “then” means “at that time,” it does not take a comma as it is an adverb.
...He was then on his way to becoming successful.
...I saw them and then began to wonder what would happen.
If "then...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
"My Question Is..."
This construction always causes consternation and no end of disagreement. This is my understanding of the way English grammar works.
It is never correct to use a single separating comma between th...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
Punctuate What Is Really There...
I have been on "hiatus" for a while. Actually I have been swamped for a while!! So I am back -- still swamped but back.
There is a question on FB about the word "but" and whether it should have a ...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
A Comma After a Prepositional Phrase at the Beginning of a Sentence
In the "olden" days, the rule was to put a comma after ANY element that came at the beginning of the sentence. Ah, the good old days!
The rule today that many people get confused about is the rule...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
"I Believe" -- Subject and Verb or Parenthetical?
When words like "I believe" and "I think" begin a sentence, they are functioning as the subject and verb in the sentence and take no punctuation.
...I believe he called in a little before 3:00.
.....
Category_MWW Blog>General
Punctuation Creates a Run-On
To say that the "attorney talks in run-on's" is really not a correct statement. A run-on is created by bad punctuation. No one can "say" a run-on.
Using no punctuation or a comma between two sente...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
A Period or a Question Mark?
When the witness repeats the question or part of the question and then answers it, use a question mark after the question and let the rest of the answer stand on its own.
...Q Was it after 10:00...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
That Sneaky Dependent Clause, Part 2
I have been asked for a little more explanation on the last post.
A dependent clause is dependent because it has a word out in the front of it that "introduces" it.
...He left. (a sentence, an in...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
Be Wary of That Dependent Clause
You all know this rule: Cardinal Rule No. 1: Put a comma before a coordinate conjunction when it is followed by an independent subject and verb.
But be careful of the dependent clause that LOOKS L...