Grammar X-post

[_TKO_]

"I’m curious<u>:</u> is there a better way to categorize my baseball cards?"

Should this be a colon, semi-colon, period, or dash?

[BluffTHIS!]

or . . .comma! Plus you could also break them into two sentences or use a conjunction in between.

[_TKO_]

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or . . .comma! Plus you could also break them into two sentences or use a conjunction in between.

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1. This is never a comma, as there is no dependent clause (EDIT: this is called a "comma splice").
2. A period is never incorrect, but it could be the only correct answer.
3. Can you provide an example with a conjunction?

[RJT]

I think a dash and a colon are basically used the same. The words that follow each are supposed to refer to the original thought (the words preceding the colon/dash). I think of the colon/dash as an equals sign.

Because the first part (I’m curious) is so short, I think a period is the way to go. The other punctations appear awkward.

I think a semi-colon is incorrect. Isn’t that only used when joining a dependant clause with an independent one?

Grammar isn’t my forte;: - I could be wrong.

I think when using the colon the next word is supposed to be capitalized:

I’m curious: Is there a better way to categorize my baseball cards?

One final thought – since the first part is so short, I would at least write: I am curious. (Rather than “I’m”).

Interesting question, btw.

[BluffTHIS!]

Actually you are probably correct about the comma, as when it is used correctly in such cases, it is when there is an introductory clause followed by a quote, and this may not be a case of a parenthetical expression. And regarding the period, again not technically correct, but it reflects the style of actual speech where there is a pause between the two, as is found in novels.

Regarding conjunctions, you would actually have to use an expression of which it was a part, and change some of the wording in the last part as well. The most minor change you could make would be to, "if there exists/were".

[_TKO_]

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I think a semi-colon is incorrect. Isn’t that only used when joining a dependant clause with an independent one?


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A comma is the choice for joining dependent and independent clauses. A semicolon must join two independent clauses. There are more details involved, but the clauses do have to be independent.

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I think when using the colon the next word is supposed to be capitalized:

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This is up for debate; I think the general consensus is usually not, but sometimes yes. Nice use of a colon, though.

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[...] since the first part is so short, I would at least write: I am curious.

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This would be more dependent on the formality of the context than the length of the sentence. As for the length of the sentence, writing it either way is essentially the same length.

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Interesting question

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I think so; I still can't figure it out. Normally I'm very good with semicolons, but the short length of the first clause is throwing me off.

[Nut4Dawgs]

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"I’m curious: is there a better way to categorize my baseball cards?"

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You've asked a question regarding the correct punctuation of a poorly constructed sentence. Is there an underlying purpose to your question?

[_TKO_]

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"I’m curious: is there a better way to categorize my baseball cards?"

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You've asked a question regarding the correct punctuation of a poorly constructed sentence. Is there an underlying purpose to your question?

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Creating grammatically correct, varied sentences is an art.

[maurile]

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"I’m curious<u>:</u> is there a better way to categorize my baseball cards?"

Should this be a colon, semi-colon, period, or dash?

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In a word, yes.

A colon, semi-colon, period, or dash is fine. (I like the semi-colon least here.)

[Nut4Dawgs]

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Creating grammatically correct, varied sentences is an art.

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As is the omission of an answer when replying to a question.

[_TKO_]

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Creating grammatically correct, varied sentences is an art.

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As is the omission of an answer when replying to a question.

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nh. The purpose of the OP was clarification. I wrote the sentence and wondered about the grammar.

[RJT]

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I think when using the colon the next word is supposed to be capitalized.

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This is up for debate; I think the general consensus is usually not, but sometimes yes.

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I am going to have to look this one up when I get home. Things might have changed with today’s usage; but, I am fairly confident we should capitalize. Perhaps, it is optional; if so, I prefer to capitalize when using the colon. (The semi-colon is lower case, of course.) Also, Canada might have slightly different norms.

I should disclose that I am one who prefers the comma before the word “and” in a series. For example - when using punctuation such as the comma, period, semi-colon, and colon one should…

As opposed to: When using punctuation such as the comma, period, semi-colon and colon one should…


Most folk nowadays seem to prefer the latter, i.e. no comma. (When did this start?)


As for the length (I'm versus I am)– it is indeed about the same (one space different). I think that one space does make a difference though in the balancing of the sentence (s) on the written page. But, I am a Libra so I like things as symmetrical as possible. There are those who prefer asymmetry.


p.s. I might be nearby this Friday and/or Saturday. I am going to Seneca Niagara and might try to pop over the border to Fallsview. Let me know if you are going to be around. We can debate/discuss it over a Blue (or Molson’s).

[_TKO_]

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I am one who prefers the comma before the word “and” in a series.

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I prefer this as well. I'm a software engineer, so I know how costly ambiguity can become. I tend to prefer explicitness wherever possible, and I think this is one example of when it can be avoided fairly easily. My perfectionist nature drives my obsession with grammar.

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I think that one space does make a difference though in the balancing of the sentence (s) on the written page.

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I agree that it does make a difference, but I don't think this is a good spot to break up the contraction. The sentence itself is presented quite casually (as another poster mentioned, it is poorly constructed), whereas a broken contraction would formalize it slightly. I think it would sound awkward, unless specific emphasis was placed on "am", which is difficult to show in this case.

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p.s. I might be nearby this Friday and/or Saturday. I am going to Seneca Niagara and might try to pop over the border to Fallsview. Let me know if you are going to be around. We can debate/discuss it over a Blue (or Molson’s).

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I haven't been out there yet. I hope you enjoy it. Besides the fact that I'm pretty busy this weekend, Niagra is definately the farther casino from me. There are three others (Brantford, Sarnia, Windsor) that are each about two hours away; Niagra is three. And FWIW, my favourite domestics are Keith's, Moosehead, and Rickard's Red. Best of luck.

[Nut4Dawgs]

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The purpose of the OP was clarification. I wrote the sentence and wondered about the grammar.

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That was my first thought. However, given the tendency toward tangential thinking one occasionally finds in this particular forum, my second thought was, "Aha, a trap." Do you see why?

As to your question - When in doubt, as to correct punctuation, I usually revise the structure of my sentence in a manner which is comfortable to my ability to remember the rules of punctuation. Not always successfully, I hasten to add. In which case I assume the attitude of - meh, how many folks really give a rat's butt? Given the preponderance of bad spelling in all things written today, proper punctuation can hardly be expected.

I hope you're smiling. That was the intent of my pomposity and hijacking of your thread. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[RJT]

There is a series of tournaments at Seneca (main event is Saturday) this week. That is the reason for our trip (actually, mostly interested in the side cash games; as I am not a big tournament fan – i.e. not that good.) I can see (because of the difference in time why you would not go to Fallsview. I have heard the action is off the charts there; hence, I am curious.

Regarding beer: I only mentioned the two becomes those are two with which I am familiar (actually I know Moosehead, now that you mention it). I am not really a beer drinker – although, a Killian’s is good now and then, or Beck’s. Tanqueray and tonic is my preferred choice. That is getting old, though; it tastes like drinking a Christmas tree (perhaps, I should say Holiday tree here on SMP) sometimes.

[_TKO_]

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When in doubt of the correct punctuation, I usually revise the structure of my sentence in such a manner that I am comfortable with the applicable punctuation.

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FYP (couldn't resist). /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I would normally do the same, but there are a couple cases where one should not:
1. when quoting an individual in an interview (though paraphrasing is sometimes possible); or
2. when you are writing a story, and the development of the character is dependent on the specific wording used.

In short, you will improve your writing skills by learning to create varied sentences instead of avoiding difficult situations. Of course, this applies to almost any challenging task.

[_TKO_]

I emailed a university professor and this was her response:

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You can punctuate the sentence in a couple of ways:

1) "I’m curious. Is there a better way to categorize my baseball cards?"

Technically, this is not incorrect but many editors/writers would say that it is not the best choice. They would prefer the following:

"I’m curious: is there a better way to categorize my baseball cards?"

I would use the second, which, by the way, would also stir some discussion among picky grammar people as to whether the "i" in "is" should be capitalized.

I hope this helps.


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[RJT]

I still like the use of the capital letter after the colon. I understand it is optional. In your particular example, what follows the colon is a complete sentence. I think the lower case looks ridiculous.

I sure am glad my grammar is not that great. If it were I would be more neurotic than I am. Commas have me close to the edge. I never know where to put them. Perhaps, this OP should have been posted in the psychology forum.