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Article: Punctuation tips
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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Jun 26, 2005

This topic is for discussion of the ProZ.com translation article "Punctuation tips".
 
Adam Warren
Adam Warren  Identity Verified
France
Local time: 10:40
Member (2005)
French to English
Well done - two comments, though. Mar 25, 2006

1) "for old times' sake" belongs in the "plural possessives" section.

2) "London, Paris, Naples and Rome": this is not an invariable rule, but usually, the comma ought to be omitted after "and" in a list or enumeration of items. However:

2a) a comma may be inserted after an "and" as a break in a long sentence. Alternatively, it may usually be judicious to begin a new sentence at such a point.
A good tip from one of my OECD revisers was to one's work aloud. Readin... See more
1) "for old times' sake" belongs in the "plural possessives" section.

2) "London, Paris, Naples and Rome": this is not an invariable rule, but usually, the comma ought to be omitted after "and" in a list or enumeration of items. However:

2a) a comma may be inserted after an "and" as a break in a long sentence. Alternatively, it may usually be judicious to begin a new sentence at such a point.
A good tip from one of my OECD revisers was to one's work aloud. Reading a long sentence out will help make sure that:
i) it makes sense;
ii) it hangs together stylistically, and it meaning is clear at first reading - time is money to most of our clients, and we mustn't stand in the way of the meaning.

3) "break" punctuation marks and quotes: it is, doubtless usual to put commas and stops (periods) inside the quotes within a sentence. However, at the end of a paragraph, section or document, the stop must go outside the quote to finish both the sentence and the section or document. In this I believe I am comforted by Partridge and Onions, and by Fowler, although I shall have to refresh my acquaintance with these worthy mentors!

Regards,
Adam.

[Edited at 2006-03-25 07:44] ▲ Collapse
 


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Article: Punctuation tips






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