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Quote by Eric Partridge

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You Have a Point There: A Guide to Punctuation and Its Allies

This book offers in-depth explanations and exercises to help readers master the nuances of punctuation, emphasizing its role in clear and precise writing. more

Author

Eric Partridge
Eric Partridge

Eric Partridge was a renowned lexicographer known for his in-depth research into the English vocabulary. Born in 1894 and passing away on June 1, 1979, Partridge made significant contributions to the field of lexicography, with his works having a profound impact on English language studies and teaching. more

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“When we are very young, we tend to regard the ability to use a colon much as a budding pianist regards the ability to play with crossed hands: many of us, when we are older, regard it as a proof of literary skill, maturity, even of sophistication; and many; whether young, not so young, or old, employ it gauchely, haphazardly, or at best inconsistently.”

“The commas are the most useful and usable of all the stops. It is highly important to put them in place as you go along. If you try to come back after doing a paragraph and stick them in the various spots that tempt you you will discover that they tend to swarm like minnows into sorts of crevices whose existence you hadn't realized and before you know it the whole long sentence becomes immobilized and lashed up squirming in commas. Better to use them sparingly, and with affection, precisely when the need for each one arises, nicely, by itself.”