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Punctuation Choices in Sentences: Full Stop vs. Comma in They can’t decide who will paint that picture
Which Punctuation Mark Should We Use: Full Stop or Comma?
When dealing with sentences like 'They can’t decide who will paint that picture', the choice between a full stop and a comma can seem daunting. However, understanding the context and intent of the sentence can help clarify the correct punctuation to use.
Understanding the Sentence
'They can’t decide who will paint that picture' is a statement of fact rather than a question. Therefore, it does not require a question mark. Here are the key points to consider:
No question mark: Since the sentence is not asking for information, a question mark is not needed. No comma: Given that the sentence does not contain any independent clauses requiring a comma, there is no need for a comma either. Full stop: A full stop (period) is the appropriate punctuation to use at the end of this sentence to indicate its completion.If you want to emphasize the unexpected nature of their lack of decision, you could use a question mark:
"They can’t decide who will paint that picture!"
Direct and Indirect Questions
It's helpful to differentiate between direct and indirect questions in English:
Direct question: nWho will paint that picture? Indirect questions: They don't know who will paint the picture. They thought hard about who would paint the picture. It wasn't clear who would paint the picture. They can't find anyone who will paint the picture.Indirect questions, which are more common in day-to-day conversation, do not require a question mark and are usually followed by a period.
Punctuation Context and Examples
If you add certain words in the sentence, you might need additional punctuation. For example:
They can’t decide the answer to the question, ‘Who will paint that picture’.
While this sentence is more convoluted, it showcases how punctuation can be used effectively. However, as a novelist, readability is often prioritized over wordiness.
Additional Considerations
The phrase 'that picture' for a picture that hasn’t been painted yet might seem redundant. In most contexts, it’s more natural to use a simpler phrase. Here are some alternatives:
They can't decide who will paint it. They can’t figure out who should paint.Each of these alternatives is more concise and natural in English.
Conclusion
When using the phrase 'They can’t decide who will paint that picture', stick to a full stop at the end. This sentence is a straightforward statement, which means it doesn't require any other punctuation. Understanding the role of different punctuation marks and their appropriate usage in context can significantly improve the clarity and correctness of your writing.