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Punctuation Issue
Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:22 am
by John Hall
Which is best?
a) Did you mean to say this:
"Could I do that?"
with the word "that" referring to "speaking English with me?"
b) Did you mean to say this?
"Could I do that?"
with the word "that" referring to "speaking English with me."
c) Some other variation of the punctuation.
Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:08 am
by Lorikeet
How about, Did you mean to say, "Could I do that?"
Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:32 pm
by John Hall
Yes, but how can you include 'with the word "that" referring to "speaking English with me?"' Also, is it correct to put that last question mark inside or outside the quotations marks?
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 3:04 am
by jotham
The question mark would be fine inside the quotes, where it applies to the quote and the sentence.
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:20 am
by Lotus
If you are allowed to change the wording, then I would opt for the following.
Is this what you meant to say?
"Could I do that?"
with the word "that" referring to "speaking English with me?"
This word choice eliminates the ambiguity that arises from both of the original options.
If your original words must stand, then option A is the better choice.
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 3:04 pm
by John Hall
Is that really okay to have two question marks (not counting the one in "Could I do that?") in one question?
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 6:29 am
by jotham
Is this better?
"Is that what you meant to say — "Could I do that?" — with the word that referring to speaking English with me?
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:53 am
by Stephen Jones
Wouldn't Garner be apoplectic over your (mis)use of the dash?
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:32 am
by jotham
Did I err? Maybe because the quote and the latter part go together instead of just separating the quote out?
I'm not sure any of these alternatives are better.
a. Is that what you meant to say — "Could you do that?"...with the that referring to speaking English with me?
b. Is that what you meant to say: "Could you do that?" — with the that referring to speaking English with me?
c. Is that what you meant to say — "Could you do that?" with the that referring to speaking English with me?
Is that what you meant to say ("Could you do that?") with the that referring to speaking English with me?
Anyone else?