Commas can be quite controversial.
Some copy editors like lots of them. Others, like myself, try to keep them to a minimum. So I was delighted to receive the following note today from one of my favorite authors:
"I love the way you don't sprinkle commas over everything like pepper."
That warms my punctuated heart.
(T-shirt pictured available at Zazzle.com)
I love it!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, do you find it odd how often people use exclamation points when online? I hate that tendency in myself! When I'm just writing (not online) my rule of thumb is that there is only one sentence worthy of an exclamation point: The world ends!
Thanks! I agree with your comment about exclamation points and love your example of when one is worthy! Online I tend to use them way too much; also in emails. Note to self: STOP!!!
ReplyDeleteIn my work I cut them immediately, and my colleagues know of my disdain for them. This morning an editor asked for special dispensation to use one. Feeling charitable, I let him have it. Just this once, though!
Hello. I am enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteIs the punctuation in what you wrote below correct? Why I would too terrified to begin a blog such as yours. How are you no afraid?
Online I tend to use them way too much; also in emails.
Hi Wimpy, good catch. Make that a comma, not a semicolon:
ReplyDeleteOnline I tend to use them way too much, also in emails.
Fear not. They're only words, and no one generally gets hurt.