Invasion
Posted by R. Berg on May 11, 2001
In Reply to: A mnemonic posted by ESC on May 11, 2001
: : : Since I don't see any major contradiction between R. Berg's rules' exposition and yours (thanks to both), I would tend to consider the basic reasoning (on the restrictive/non-restrictive aspect) as a "rule" proper, and your [ESC] comma/non-comma hint more as a second-guessing, tremendously useful "red-flagging" device.
: : : Just a secondary, personal curiosity here. Are you guys (the "aficionados" I mean -- R. Berg, ESC, Bruce Kahl, etc.) mostly from the Uk, or the US? (None of you obviously needs to answer this one).
: : : Thanks to all again - this site has been one of my best "discoveries" on the web ever!
: : : Massimo Mazzucco
: :
: : I'm in the United States.
: : I've now generated something that might help by showing the direction in which a change is usually needed:
: : If you would see your work in print,
: : At every "which" you then must squint.
: : On royalties you will grow fat
: : By changing many a "which" to "that."
: : Indeed, it is no pretty picture
: : To read the writing of a whicher,
: : And still it is no easy matter
: : To change the whicher to a thatter.
: : Rules there are, and in abundance,
: : Till they reek of their redundance,
: : And yet we need a simple guide,
: : One that we can keep inside.
: : Some experts urge, "Look for the comma,"
: : But that may complicate the drama.
: : It's not much help, if you don't know
: : Just where the comma ought to go.
: : Now, when you sit down to compose,
: : Whether it be verse or prose,
: : Essay, sonnet, sales pitch,
: : Remember: "That" instead of "which."
: : You write the news? the weather? sports?
: : The press release? the crime reports?
: : A humble cookbook for the kitchen?
: : Just get to work, and stop your whichin'.
: Great! How about an entire grammar reference in rhyme? In answer to the location question, I am from the U.S. We have invaded this site.
Resistance is futile.
"Once upon a midnight dreary," . . . uh, I'll get back to you on that.