Proper way(s) to denote a pause in your writing.

Question

0 This, is how I currently prefer to write. Using commas, to denote where I would pause, normally, in speech. I personally feel that it helps me to convey my message better, if it's read much like a telegram, and commas are used like 01b00STOP02b00 in a telegram.02br02br00I would much appreciate some input on more gramatically acceptable ways to denote pause in text. Mostly for chat purposes, and email. But also, for more official things, like school papers. I've had some english teachers who loved my content and were willing to overlook a relatively minor thing like misuse of commas. And I've had a few who tore me a new one for it.02br02br00I've been told that an extended dash - can denote a pause. But considering this character is neither on the keyboard, nor do I often see it used in my reading online or in books, I find it hard to accept that this is the best or most appropriate use for my situation.02br02br00I pride myself on at least passingly good grammar, spelling, and puntuation. But my lexicon is my strong point, and my grammar/punctuation are, not so much.02br02br00Thanks in advance,02br02br00~TL0-

Clive · Accepted Answer

0Hi,02br
02br
00Here are a few quick comments. Other people may offer you other advice.05002br
02br
00If you write a lot of sentences like 01font00This, is how I currently prefer to write. 02font00I think many people will start to find your writing rather irritating. They may also find it somewhat difficult to understand sometimes, which is at odds with your desire to00 convey your message better.02br
02br
00In chat and non-business email, the rules of grammar and punctuation are loose and often almost non-existent. You have much more freedom. But for other writing, the '"rules" are there so that we can all understand each other.02br
02br
00I find writing that is full of dashes annoying and hard to read and to understand.02br
02br
00Best wishes, Clive010id1

Proper way(s) to denote a pause in your writing.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬