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.