Calling All Grammar Nazis! - Democratic Underground

Hosnon

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:21 PM
Original message

Calling All Grammar Nazis!

Edited on Sat Jun-23-07 04:21 PM by MJDuncan1982

I love that invocation:)

Here's my question: How do I punctuate after the use of the colon. That is, if the sentence leading up to the use of a colon is a question, where does the question mark go?

Example:

Is this how you want me to say it: I like waffles.

Where do I put the question mark?!

Thanks in advance.

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krispos42

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:25 PM
Response to Original message

1. Hmmm...

"Is this how you want me to say it? 'I like waffles'." Looks close to being right.

I don't thing the colon is usually used in the contect of a question

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Hosnon

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:30 PM
Response to Reply #1

3. Ah, I see. Is there every an instance where it is proper to use the colon in such a way?

If so, where does the punctuation go?

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krispos42

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Sun Jun-24-07 11:23 AM
Response to Reply #3

9. I don't ever recalling seeing it that way.

A colon is usually used when making a list or statement. The Wilipedia articles doesn't include anything about questions. Sorry... :-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_%28punctuation%29

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Rabrrrrrr

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:28 PM
Response to Original message

2. I wouldn't use the colon at all, and would write it differently, too.

Edited on Sat Jun-23-07 04:29 PM by Rabrrrrrr

You can keep the same word order, but skip the colon and use quotes:

Is this how you want me to say it, "I like waffles"?

Or even better, rearrange the sentence:

Is "I like waffles" how you want me to say it?

The latter is really the best way - fewer words (no use of 'this'), more readable, and elegant.

My opinion is that writers should not use colons except in extreme circumstances. A more elegant way can be found to colonlessly rephrase almost every instance of colon use.

I also think, though I can't prove it, that your attempt to use a colon is incorrect, anyway. That doesn't seem like a viable colon-using opportunity.

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Hosnon

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:31 PM
Response to Reply #2

5. Ok...cut the Gordian Knot?

Works for me:)

However, could a situation arise where my problem exists?

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Dervill Crow

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:30 PM
Response to Original message

4. I would recast the sentence.

Do you want me to say I like waffles?

How do you want me to say it? I like waffles.

I wouldn't use a colon.

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Hosnon

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:32 PM
Response to Reply #4

6. 3 out of 3 say lose the colon.

Works for me:)

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Turbineguy

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Sat Jun-23-07 04:44 PM
Response to Original message

7. Colon:oscopy

My friend had one yesterday. They told him they were using fentanyl but he thought it was actually ruphinol.

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(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Sat Jun-23-07 04:57 PM
Response to Original message

8. Sux Syntax

My favorite grammar joke.

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