This blog shares some of our thoughts about plain language, and the latest discussions about plain English and clear design in New Zealand, and around the world.

To find out more about Write, go to http://www.write.co.nz/ or join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WriteLimited

10 June 2014

I like cooking my family and my pets


As the unpunctuated list in my headline shows, commas matter. But people are often vague about the rules for using them.

One persistent myth is that you should add a comma wherever you would pause for a breath when speaking. The trouble with this theory is that it depends on the reader knowing when pausing for a breath will benefit the meaning.

Pauses and punctuation (not just commas) are related. Both contribute to the meaning of whatever is being heard or read. But you can't depend on one to tell you how to do the other.

Save your family and pets. Learn the comma rules, and make your meaning clear.


3 comments:

  1. This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it
    kitten

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice Informative Blog having nice sharing.. Pet chameleons

    ReplyDelete
  3. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. Pet Shipper

    ReplyDelete