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About Jerry Leone
Expertise
I`ve taught writing or some aspect of the English language for nearly 35 years. I can answer nearly any question on grammar, usage or meanings of words above dictionary usage. An avid crossword fan and writer, I can also answer questions about business presentations and resumes.

Experience
I have worked with words all my life as a teacher of the language and as an amateur and professional writer. Communication is a vital force in my life and everyone else's.

You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Writing > General Writing and Grammar Help > My apologies!

General Writing and Grammar Help - My apologies!

Expert: Jerry Leone - 11/3/2009

Question
I'm SO sorry...my entire question didn't print the first time! Here it is again:

Hi, I work for a team of school psychologists, and the following sentence (or something similar) occurs frequently. We cannot re-word it, but can't figure out how to punctuate it correctly. Since it's a series, it needs commas, but since they are questions inside quotes, it would be incorrect to have double punctuation marks. However, without comma to separate the items in the series, it is very difficult to read! Help!

During the xyz test, John answered, "Can you help me with this?" "Can you repeat the question?" "May I go back to class soon?" and "Can I take a break?"

Answer
Tricia,

Try this:

During the xyz test, John answered, "'Can you help me with this?', 'Can you repeat the question?', 'May I go back to class soon?',and 'Can I take a break?'."

I hope that helps,

Jerry Leone

P.S.: I got to admit that is one strange sentence!

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