Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[www0935]

Is there anything wrong with the punctuation of the following question:

A little progress can have a big effect, why don't we improve it?

Can I write it this way?
A little progress can have a big effect. Why don't we improve it?
or
A little progress can have a big effect, and why don't we improve it?

Thank you for your help.

[Mary W. Ng]

Question:

Is there anything wrong with the punctuation of the following question:

"A little progress can have a big effect, why don't we improve it?"

Answer:

This sentence has a comma splice problem: a comma is used to separate two sentences.

Question:

Can I write it this way?
A little progress can have a big effect. Why don't we improve it?
or
A little progress can have a big effect, and why don't we improve it?

Answer:

Since there is no real connection between the two sentences, it is best to separate them with a period.

"A little progress can have a big effect. Why don't we improve it?"

I hope this helps.
_________________
Mary W. Ng
Helping students learn grammar
http:www.aimpublishing.com

[Lorikeet]

I think you could also say, "A little progress can have a big effect, so why don't we improve it?"

[Mary W. Ng]

Lorikeet,

Great suggestion! Definitely an improvement over mine.
_________________
Mary W. Ng
Helping students learn grammar
http:www.aimpublishing.com