[redwitch]

Modern-day usage drops the comma before "and," "or," etc. Blame newspapers and attorneys. Newspaper columns need to keep things as brief as possible (the less words, the more ads). Courts today require word counts on briefs. The count is every five characters. So, commas are dropped when possible. BTW -- the newest issue is where to put the quotation marks: "and," or "and", since the comma is not part of the quote. So, it really helps to know the teacher's preference. Mom's choice doesn't count on this one. Sorry.

A good reference book to have around is "Elements of Style." It's used by attorneys, professors, writers.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Modern-day usage drops the comma before "and," "or," etc. Blame newspapers and attorneys. Newspaper columns need to keep things as brief as possible (the less words, the more ads). Courts today require word counts on briefs. The count is every five characters. So, commas are dropped when possible. BTW -- the newest issue is where to put the quotation marks: "and," or "and", since the comma is not part of the quote. So, it really helps to know the teacher's preference. Mom's choice doesn't count on this one. Sorry.

A good reference book to have around is "Elements of Style." It's used by attorneys, professors, writers.

Spoken, and written, like a person who has spent a goodly amount of time writing for and with lawyers. (Which I know you have.)

[Prizmz]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Spoken, and written, like a person who has spent a goodly amount of time writing for and with lawyers. (Which I know you have.)

When did "goodly" become an acceptable adjective?

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Prizmz

When did "goodly" become an acceptable adjective?

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/goodly

Hey, GG, I got your back!

Boomer

[Best Mom]

How silly....I said language has to fit the purpose.
I was agreeing with Njgranny and I agree with Red. Those are two DIFFERENT places to put or not put a comma. You have a right to your opinion but not to tell some one else they are wrong. The poster who said there is NO ONE way is on the right track. Language is flexable. I still agree with Njgranny.

I taught for over 32 years and corrected many NY State English Regents. I remember many debates over commas.

[Karen83]

Boomer,

You make this "Back Door Cincinnati Gal", ( I'm from Northern Ky), very proud!

(I am quite sure I didn't place my comma's or anything else in that sentence correctly)

Karen

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Prizmz

When did "goodly" become an acceptable adjective?

I don't know. It flowed from my brain. Maybe goodly is as good as kindly which you weren't very to me.

Not articulate Gracie.

[redwitch]

Prizmz, it seems the answer is at least since the 12th century. Per Miriam-Webster online dictionary:

"good·ly
Pronunciation: \ˈgu̇d-lē\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): good·li·er; good·li·est
Date: before 12th century
1 : pleasantly attractive
2 : significantly large : considerable <a goodly number"

And thank you, Gracie, I think. I'm not sure that writing for and with attorneys is a good thing or not but it does mean that you can at least be articulate, albeit wordy.

[Cassie325]

Alright...now I am confused...I honestly did not think this was a topic that would start a fight!

Seriously...this was a debate the family had...apparently we are ALL right as it can go one way or the other depending on the circumstances.

I will go with the advice of Red....Mom's choice doesn't matter...depends on whatever the teacher of the moment wants....

As adults I guess we choose whatever we want....

Thank you all for your advice and wisdom....that is all I was looking for!! No arguing!! PLEASE!! Just friendly opinions!

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I don't know. It flowed from my brain. Maybe goodly is as good as kindly which you weren't very to me.

Not articulate Gracie.

GG....thank you for being goodly and your wisdom....

P...thank you for your wisdom and goodliness as well!

I appreciate it all!!!

[samhass]

Gracie, you are quite articulate. You are also kind, generous, loving, spontaneous and intelligent. I am thrilled to have you as a friend. Note that I did not place a comma after spontaneous.

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by samhass

Gracie, you are quite articulate. You are also kind, generous, loving, spontaneous and intelligent. I am thrilled to have you as a friend. Note that I did not place a comma after spontaneous.

With THIS quote I WIN the debate!! Beautifully said and written!!





However for the child's sake....I will do as the teacher asks!! LOL

[chelsea24]

While Mary was traveling through the East Coast she stayed overnight in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

or . . .

Exploring the East Coast, Mary stayed overnight in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

Stronger sentence I think.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by njgranny

While Mary was traveling through the East Coast she stayed overnight in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine.

There should be a comma between Coast and she.

While Mary was travelling through the East Coast, she stayed ........

AGREE - but then I bombed the business letter writing quiz last week.


.

[chuckinca]

Can you get from PA or NY to Maine in one day?

No stop in Boston?

.