"A" vs "An" ....grammar trivia

[jennielynn1970]

I am horrible about commas (too many or not enough). Anyone have rules about using them?

[Moesha]

Here's one comma rule. If a conjunction is connecting two complete sentences, use a comma. If the phrases before or after the conjunction are not complete sentences, then you don't use a comma.

I wish that you could have gone to the movies with me, but I understand that you were sick.

The students couldn't believe how fast the summer passed and that they would be returning to school shortly.

[jennielynn1970]

What comes before and after the comma has to be a complete thought, is that what you're saying? (Did I do that right?! )

[Moesha]

Actually, if it is two complete sentences, then I think they are connected by a semi-colon. A comma is used if they are connected with a conjunction. (and, but, so) I'm only going on memory with that though. It has been a very long time since I had English classes.

[Catty1]

Yeah, I'M sorry you asked too! (JK)

http://www.libraryonline.com/default.asp?pID=33
Comma Punctuation in Writing

COMMA:
Commas are used to separate thoughts within a sentence allowing the reader to mentally pause and assimilate the full meaning of the sentence. The misuse of commas can alter the entire meaning of sentences.

The comma is used

a) To set apart words in apposition. Appositives are words that identify or define other words.
Example:

Mr. Smith, our manager, will be there.

* Do not separate compound personal pronouns from the words they emphasize.
Example:

Jane herself will take on that project.

b) To set apart titles written after a person’s name.
Example:

John Smith, Ph.D. is the professor taking over that area.

* A comma may or may not be used before and after Jr. and Sr. following a name
Examples:

- John Smith, Jr., will be the successor to his father’s corporation.
- John Smith Jr. will be the successor to his father’s corporation.

* Omit periods and commas before and after II, III, and IV with names

c) When setting apart the year from the month and the day in a sentence.
Example:

We’ve had to reschedule the fundraising event, which will now be held on June 15, 2006

d) To separate successive nouns and adjectives in a sentence.
Examples:

- Please don’t forget to bring pens, pencils, paper, and envelopes.
- We’re going to need balls, helmets, markers, etc., for the tournament.

* A comma is used before the final ‘and’ in a list of three or more items

e) To introduce spoken words.
Example:

Mr. Smith said, “Do not charge service fees on the Dawson account.”



f) After the salutation and complimentary close of a personal or informal business letter.
Example:

Dear John, Best regards,

g) To coordinate adjectives as qualifying words preceding a noun.
Example:

We want it to be a clear, simplified, informative presentation.


* Don’t use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun if the adjectives are too closely related to be separated:
Examples:

- It’s an attractive quaint little motel along the shore.
- The reasonable additional cost for this perk is acceptable.

h) To separate the name of a person that is addressed from the rest of the sentence.
Example:

We welcome you, Jane, as the newest addition to our team.

i) To set off a contrasted word, phrase or clause.
Example:

A better way to get cooperation from your team members is by asking, not telling.

j) To set off a transitional word or expression when a pause is needed for clearness or emphasis.
Examples:

- Therefore, this matter must be dealt with as quickly as possible.
- Indeed, it was a success.
- As was intended, the focus turned to costs.

* Do not use a comma when such words, phrases and clauses do not interrupt the thought or required punctuation for clearness.
Examples:

- The board therefore voted unanimously in favor of the acquisition.
- It is indeed surprising that that they lost the contract.
- That decision in this case was expected.

k) To follow words such as yes, no, well when one of these words is at the beginning of a sentence.
Examples:

- Yes, we expect him to arrive this week.
- Well, this is the case so we must implement plans to offset the losses.

[Catty1]

This link provides sections on all kinds of punctuation uses. Check it out!

http://www.libraryonline.com/default.asp?pID=29

ALSO, a hilarious book on this topic is "Eats Shoots and Leaves" by Lynn Truss. She is a professional writer, and her views on commas AND apostrophes are classic. There are neat bits of trivia also. For example: Do you know where the question mark came from?

Your local library or bookstore should have it.

[Randi]

I was going through some stuff of John's and came across an old article from Mac World that explains about the various signs on the keyboard and how to use them right. It seems that most of us are using " for quotation marks, but that is wrong. This is used for inch! A quotation mark is: ” “
Graphic Designers often use the French one » « for aestaetic? reasons.

However, on a Forum like this, I don't really care which is used, but it's nice to know, in case you need it professionally.

[sasvermont]

Many jobs ago, a gentleman I worked for, said his rule for using commas was that you should put a comma in the place or location where you would take a breath if you were reading the phrase aloud. I rather like commas. It gives me pause, which is the whole point, yes?

I suspect English as we knew/know it, will be going right down the hopper within the next generation. I can tell by the quality of English on TV. Some of the news folks have a horrible command of the English language, their first language. Scary. Oh well.

[Taz_Zoee]

I was going through some stuff of John's and came across an old article from Mac World that explains about the various signs on the keyboard and how to use them right. It seems that most of us are using " for quotation marks, but that is wrong. This is used for inch! A quotation mark is: ” “
Graphic Designers often use the French one » « for aestaetic? reasons.

However, on a Forum like this, I don't really care which is used, but it's nice to know, in case you need it professionally.

I understand about the directions of the quotation marks when writing, and that's how I do it. But on my keyboard there is only one " straight up and down.

I have another question about quotation marks. I always use ". When (or would you ever) use ' as quotation marks??

[Gracefulsarah]

and don't even get me started on the apostrophes!

Ugh, tell me about it. I saw a truck pulling a trailer a few weeks ago with the business name painted all over it. The painting was professionally done and looked beautiful. The business name? Patio's Galore. Um... Hello? sheesh.

[Gracefulsarah]

I understand about the directions of the quotation marks when writing, and that's how I do it. But on my keyboard there is only one " straight up and down.

I have another question about quotation marks. I always use ". When (or would you ever) use ' as quotation marks??

You would use ' when quoting someone who was quoting someone else. For example:

Billy said "That guy was really angry and he yelled 'Get out!' then he ran down the street."

[Randi]

I take it you're using a Windows machine? There are lots of different options for using signs etc., depending on what keyboard you have. On mine Alt+Shift+K = this one ˝.
Try various combinations to see what you have!

[Taz_Zoee]

You would use ' when quoting someone who was quoting someone else. For example:

Billy said "That guy was really angry and he yelled 'Get out!' then he ran down the street."

Oh yeah, now I remember that rule. I have been out of school for too long.

I take it you're using a Windows machine? There are lots of different options for using signs etc., depending on what keyboard you have. On mine Alt+Shift+K = this one ˝.
Try various combinations to see what you have!

Testing: Alt+Shift+K does nothing for me. So I guess I just have a lame computer/keyboard. Oh well. Everyone gets the idea even if I use the straight " ones. LOL

[Randi]

You can also use the Font drop-down to see what symbols are available in all those special "weird" fonts that come with Windows, like Wingdings etc.

[smokey the elder]

The expression "an historic" bugs the heck out of me. You pronounce the "h", so the consonent rule applies.