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.
In my 'Creative Writing - A Workbook with Readings' there is an excerpt from 'English Grammar' by B A Phythian.
This says firstly that the comma should not be used to separate sentences.
It can be used (a) 'to mark off a phrase or clause, or occasionally a word, when the sense demands a slight pause';
(b) 'to separate words (occasionally phrases or clauses) in a list;'
(c) 'when an inversion of the usual order is used for emphasis;'
(d) 'before a direct quotation'
and (e)'on any occasion where its presence helps the reader'.
In the example you give, I don't think the comma adds anything. Turn your sentence round though :' "I am not sure about this Paul," Mary suddenly said.'
Here you put a comma before the closing quotation marks.
I hope I haven't confused you totally
Hi. I have a lot of problems with punctuation myself. My wife, who is much brighter than I, now does my editing. Might I say here she never checks these posts, or she would hit the roof over my punctuation! Anyway to what you are asking. I think that the grammaticians will say no. Whereas the writers will say yep it is ok to do that.
I think we will find out.
May I ask, how you know about myself and Mary? We thought we had been so careful!!!
Regards Paul.