Punctuation Issue
Moderators: Dimitris, maneki neko2, Lorikeet, Enrico Palazzo, superpeach, cecil2, Mr. Kalgukshi2
Punctuation Issue
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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?
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?