Punctuation Issue

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John Hall
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Punctuation Issue

Post by John Hall » Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:22 am

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.

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Lorikeet
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Post by Lorikeet » Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:08 am

How about, Did you mean to say, "Could I do that?"

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John Hall
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Post by John Hall » Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:32 pm

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?

jotham
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Post by jotham » Sat Jul 28, 2007 3:04 am

The question mark would be fine inside the quotes, where it applies to the quote and the sentence.

Lotus
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Post by Lotus » Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:20 am

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.

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John Hall
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Post by John Hall » Sat Jul 28, 2007 3:04 pm

Is that really okay to have two question marks (not counting the one in "Could I do that?") in one question?

jotham
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Post by jotham » Sun Jul 29, 2007 6:29 am

Is this better?
"Is that what you meant to say — "Could I do that?" — with the word that referring to speaking English with me?
Last edited by jotham on Thu Aug 09, 2007 11:16 am, edited 1 time in total.

Stephen Jones
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Post by Stephen Jones » Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:53 am

Wouldn't Garner be apoplectic over your (mis)use of the dash? :)

jotham
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Post by jotham » Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:32 am

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?

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