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An M-dash be better instead of the comma



 
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An M-dash be better instead of the comma Thu Dec 14, 2006 8:08 am  An M-dash be better instead of the comma
 

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", question 8

I wouldn't call this a bad mistake, it is simply a ......... of the pen.

(a) error
(b) blunder
(c) gaffe
(d) slip

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", answer 8

I wouldn't call this a bad mistake, it is simply a slip of the pen.

Correct answer: (d) slip
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Hi

Wouldn't an m dash be better instead of the comma? Just thinking aloud!

Tom
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An M-dash be better instead of the comma Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:30 am  An M-dash be better instead of the comma
 

Hi Tom,

I'm happy with the comma or you could start another sentence.

A
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An M-dash be better instead of the comma Thu Dec 14, 2006 16:18 pm  An M-dash be better instead of the comma
 

Alan wrote:
Hi Tom,

I'm happy with the comma or you could start another sentence.

A

Thank you Alan for all the help and support! Very Happy

...but if memory serves me corectly Mr. Micawber once said that a comma cannot come between two independent sentences. That is probably called comma splice ?? I found the sentences under discussion independent...so I put forward my humble opinion. Embarassed

Alan, could you please shed some light on it? I would be grateful!

Tom
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Joined: 30 May 2006
Posts: 1985

An M-dash be better instead of the comma Sun Dec 17, 2006 14:49 pm  An M-dash be better instead of the comma
 

.
Yes, comma splices are bad for TOEFL and school essays. In literary works and creative writing, they are often used to e.g. express ongoing monologues.
.
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