I have a question about punctuation.
The comma is intended to be used to connect to full sentences, but also used for placing emphasis.
But how about the transition from narrative to literal speech, for instance:
After a long pause Mary suddenly said, “I am not sure about this Paul.”
After the word “said” is the use of the comma correct or not?
A colon is not appropriate, a dot too abrupt end,while just a single empty space feels not right.
After a long pause Mary suddenly said, “I am not sure about this Paul.”
The comma is correct after 'said', and there should be one after 'this' too: otherwise she's saying that she has doubts about this chap Paul.
I've blogged about punctuation, especially the comma. https://wordsunderoneroof.wordpress.com/
The meaning of a sentence can change if a comma is not inserted correctly.
In some sentences of dialogue I omit commas, because It makes the flow of dialogue sound more natural.when I read it aloud. Obviously, I use them where they are essential in dialoge.
The old rule is to insert a comma where you have to pause for breath.
My tip is to read your work aloud.
The sentence below doesn't work.
After a long pause Mary suddenly said, “I am not sure about this Paul.”
How can you have 'mary suddenly said' after a long pause. I would lose the word suddenly.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.
Hi Hans,
I agree with Sylvia about turning the sentence around. When writing dialogue I tend to start with the actual dialogue, then follow it with 'he said' etc. Then you would add a comma after the last word of dialogue as follows:
'I am not sure about this, Paul,' she said suddenly.
I would also add a comma after the word 'this' :-)
A good editor will pick up on where commas should and shouldn't be, though don't make that an excuse for sloppy writing.
Hope that helps a little.