0
Snarf Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

A Dialogue "Why" Comma

Is it OK if a comma isn't used after "why" in this sentence for a character who is angry and shouting, and not pausing after that word?:

"Why your ideas, of course!"

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, You need a pause to make clear to the listener that 'Why' is just an exclamation. You could even use an exclamation mark! With no pause, it sounds a bit confusing.

— Clive

  • Hi, You need a pause to make clear to the listener that 'Why' is just an exclamation.
  • You could even use an exclamation mark!
  • With no pause, it sounds a bit confusing.
  • It might seem to the listener that you are eg asking about tthe reason for his ideas.
  • Clive
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
Hi,

You need a pause to make clear to the listener that 'Why' is just an exclamation. You could even use an exclamation mark!

With no pause, it sounds a bit confusing. It might seem to the listener that you are eg asking about tthe reason for his ideas.

0
0
Well, it's not actually "ideas." I just changed it for this example, because it might have looked weird out of context, but I understand what you're saying. What's happening is, a female character is asking him, "What's the big deal?" And he replies, “The big deal?! Why your ***, of course! That’s the big deal!”

You see?
0
0
Hi,
My comment is the same.

Clive
0
0
An introductory interjection takes a comma whether it is in dialogue or not. It is not optional. Written language is different from spoken language.
0
0
Confusion or not, any interjection that is part of a sentence should be set off with a comma. As an alternative, you could use more descriptive narration.

"Why, your ***, of course!" he snapped/spluttered/barked, etc.
0

Related Questions