'A comma' for 'that'

If I were to use punctuation here, I'd use a colon.

The problem is: I am not gifted for language.

I don't think it's necessary, though.

With all due respect to our steamed colleague smothered in butter and served hot, a colon is too much.

The comma does not replace the "that". You can write "The problem is I am not gifted for language", but when you remove the "that", "the problem is" becomes a prefatory remark like "the thing is", and we say those with a great big pause after them that can't be ignored in punctuation.

Thank you. But I can see many sentences like "The problem is, S+V and the thing is, S+V" so what you mean is that although there is a pause in spoken English, a comma is not needed? Thank you again.

AnonymousThank you. But I can see many sentences like "The problem is, S+V and the thing is, S+V" so what you mean is that although there is a pause in spoken English, a comma is not needed? Thank you again.

No. Take "The problem is that I have no money." That is a simple copulative sentence, A is B, with a noun for a subject and a clause for a predicate nomin

but there is a problem. The reader sees "the problem is" and he wants it to be a prefatory adverbial remark meaning "regrettably", like "the thing is" or "the trouble is" (and it kind of is, now), and so he senses the absence of the comma. It's better to put it in to avoid distracting the reader.

Wow. Thank you. I have been thinking about your reply and I have really agree

I do this for fun. Yours is an interesting question.

The presence of "that" makes such a reading impossible. Removing "that" from this particular construction causes a unique alteration in the grammar, in my opinion.

"The problem is", without "that", is equivalent in meaning, although not in grammar, to "Here's the problem". It is not grammatically sound, there being exactly noth

Enoon,

I see your explanation are quite thorough, would you mind giving your two cents on this thread please?



I appreciate it