Parenthetical expressions

A parenthetical expression is a word or a word group that links one sentence to another or adds information or emphasis to the sentence in which it appears, e.g. All of Joe’s spare time seems to center around reading. Kevin, on the other hand, enjoys a variety of activities. (phrase linking two sentences together)

 Parenthetical expressions include the following:

Clarifying phrases: Myra Hobbes, our representative in Seattle, is being transferred to Spokane next month.

Names and titles of people being addressed directly: I think, Jill, that you’d make a wonderful teacher. Tell me, Captain, when the cruise ship is scheduled to sail.

Abbreviations of degree titles: Harley Kendall, Ph.D., will be this year’s commencement speaker. (degree title following name)

Echo questions: Alvin realizes, doesn’t he, that he stands almost no chance of being accepted at West Point?

Adjectives that come after, rather than before, the words they modify: The road, muddy and rutted, proved impassable. (adjectives following word they modify)

SEMOCOLONS

The main use of the semicolon (;) is to separate independent clauses, which may or may not be connected with a conjunctive adverb: e.g. The fabric in this dress is terrible; its designer must have been asleep at the swatch. (no conjunctive adverb) Steve refused to write a term paper; therefore, he failed the course. (conjunctive adverb therefore joining independent clauses)

Conjunctive adverbs can occur within, rather than between, independent clauses. When they do, set them off with commas: e.g. Marsha felt very confident. Jane, on the other hand, was nervous and uncertain. (conjunctive adverb within independent clause)

 Other uses include separating:

Two or more series of items. With sentences that have two or more series of items, writers often separate the series with semicolons in order to lessen the chances of misreading: My duties as secretary include typing letters, memos, and purchase orders; sorting, opening, and delivering mail; and making plane and hotel reservations for travelling executives. (The semicolons provide greater clarity than commas would.)

Comma-containing items within a series. When commas accompany one or more of the items in a series, it’s often better to separate the items with semicolons instead of commas: The meal included veal, which was cooked to perfection; asparagus, my favourite vegetable; and brown rice, prepared with a touch of curry. (Once again, semicolons provide greater clarity than additional commas.)

Independent clauses with commas and a coordinating conjunction. Ordinarily, a comma is used to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. When one or more of the clauses have commas, however, a semicolon provided clearer separation: The long, black limousine pulled up to the curb; and Jerry, shaking with excitement, watched the President alight from it. (The semicolon makes it easier to see the two main clauses.)

PERIODS, QUESTION MARKS, AND EXCLAMATION POINTS

Since periods, question marks, and exclamation points signal the ends of sentences, they are sometimes called end marks. In addition, periods and question marks function in several other ways.

Periods

Periods end sentences that state facts or opinions, give instructions, make requests that are not in the form of questions, and ask indirect questions – those that have been rephrased in the form of statement.

Linda works as a hotel manager. (sentence states fact)

Dean Harris is a competent administrator. (sentence states opinion)

Clean off your lab bench before you leave. (sentence gives instruction)

Please move away from the door. (sentence makes request)

I wonder whether Ruthie will be at the theatre tonight. (sentence asks indirect question)

Periods also follow common abbreviations as well as a person\s initials: Mr., Sr., A.D., Dr., Corp..

Mark Valentini Jr. has consented to head the new commission on traffic safety.

Writers today often omit periods after abbreviations for the names of organizations or government agencies, as the following examples show: ABC, GM, NAM, IRS.

An up-to-date college dictionary will indicate whether a certain abbreviation should be written without periods.

Question marks

A question mark ends a whole or a partial sentence that asks a direct question.

Do you know how to operate this movie projector? (whole sentence asking a direct question)

Has Cinderella scrubbed the floor? Swept the hearth? Washed the dishes? (sentence and sentence parts asking direct questions)

Dr. Baker- wasn’t she your boss once? – has just received a promotion to sales manager. (interrupting element asking a direct question)

The minister inquired, “Don’t you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?” (quotation asking a direct question)

A question mark in parentheses may be used to indicate uncertainty about some piece of information: Winfield reached America in 1721 (?) and spent the rest of his life in Philadelphia.

Exclamation points

Exclamation points are used to express strong emotion or especially forceful commands.

Darcy! I never expected to see you again!

Sam! Turn that music down immediately!

Use exclamation points sparingly; otherwise, they will quickly lose their force.

⇐ Предыдущая1234Следующая ⇒

Поделиться: