Thanks Christi.  That really helps - especially the substitution trick. 

Christi, I think you're right.  If we do some word substitution, it wouldn't be within 100 miles of the Walmart's office. 

You're right, Christi.  If we do some word substitution, it wouldn't be "within 100 miles of the Walmart's office."  Good catch. 

Right!  And I'm so sorry for yelling in caps earlier.  I wanted to make sure I emphasized my stance, and I think it came across as a little too know-it-all.  I have that problem.  LOL!!!!!

No worries!  It caught MY attention!  LOL

What is the correct way to punctuate this?  Should there be commas surrounding the "so"?

Thanks,

Janiece

A. It does not have the McDonalds, so no.

I would leave it like you have it, Janiece, as far as the commas go, but is McDonalds supposed to be plural and/or possessive? 

Hi, Cindy,

"McDonalds" is something I threw in there to change the name from what it actually is in the transcript, so you can ignore that.

Thanks,

Janiece

:)

Which is correct, A or B?

Thanks

Janiece

A.)  And at that point I had 20 years' seniority.

B.)  And at that point I had 20 years seniority.

B, no apostrophe.  I think it's just an adjective.  From the Grammar Girl site:

The key question to ask yourself when deciding whether you need an apostrophe is if you are talking about possession or ownership. If you are, you need an apostrophe. If you aren't, you don't need an apostrophe.

Would you go with "who's" or "whos"?

He is saying "who" plural, more than one who.

So we, in converting, didn't have any decision-making power or anything on the who's.

Definitely whos, no apostrophe.  :)

Do I need a comma after the year in this sentence:

Q   Did you get a chance to read the November 15, 2012, letter?

A comma after the year looks funny to me.  I was in a seminar where the lady teaching it says you do need a comma.  I don't like it there in this instance. 

Yes, Kelli.  Whenever the date is in that format (month day year), the year is wrapped with commas on both sides.

I think it looks weird.  Okay.  Thanks.  That's what I thought.

I learned it that way, but I see a growing trend toward removing that comma when it is a direct adjective, as it is in your example.  Even the teacher that taught me to use that comma now considers it optional when the date is used as a direct adjective.

I have an opinion (and I am sure others have a different opinion).  Language arts is a talent, an art.  It doesn't come from having a degree or somehow getting to the level of teaching it to someone else.  Most people who give grammar advice do it because it gives them a sense of glory.

If you are questioning grammer, and another person is telling you his/her version of what is correct, and you are not convinced, keep questioning.  There are a lot of Internet hits to teach children language arts.  Feel free to use them.

How embarrassing.  I didn't spell grammar correctly.  Just proves my point.  LOL. 

When people say "alls I remember," do you use an apostrophe in "alls"?  It doesn't seem quite right, but I guess it could be a contraction leaving out "it is"?

Hi, Alice, that is what I would do, all's.

What is the correct way to state this?  Should it be "25-roughly-minute video?

Thanks,

Janiece

Q. Steve and Sandie Smith 25 roughly minute video?

Hi Janiece.  I know this would break the hyphen rules, but it is so ugly and hard to read as shown, I would be tempted to just do:  Steve and Sandie Smith, 25 -- roughly -- minute video.

OWCATS strikes again.  I doubt there is a right way to handle something like this.

I was taught that if you hear the s's, put the s's.  If you don't, put s'.  From what I understand, both are correct.  I prefer just s', so it's got to be a pretty distinct double S that I hear before I'll write s's. 

The possessive 's, Morson has something to say about it.  Check her out.

On something like Kinston Medical Specialists records, it's unlikely you'll hear Specialists's, but I suppose it's possible.

Specialists is similar to Moses and Joneses...last syllable ends in S.  The usual way to show possessive on such words is Moses'  Joneses'  Specialists'

As in: Moses' leadership was critical.

The Joneses' house is beautiful.

etc.

You're right, Joyce.  I didn't read Angela's question closely enough.  Definitely Specialist's or Specialists', never Specialists's. 

How would you punctuate this???

A.  And these are done in August. So I'm presuming that Mr. Butler told Ms. Duran -- did she do this? Yeah.
-- told Ms. Duran that she -- he had a driving violation --
Q. And --
A. -- but I did not ask her that specifically. I'm making a presumption (indicating).

Yuck, Janiece!  What you have looks fine. It's not going to be pretty no matter what you do.

Hi, Janet, and it's a video!!!

I'm working on my first court transcript.  Would you capitalize "The Court" here?

Which is correct, choice A or B?

Thanks!

A)  THE COURT: You wanted to address the Court?

B)  THE COURT: You wanted to address The Court?

A.  No need to cap "the."  :)

Thanks, Christi.  :)

I had a witness say:  "How do."  It was like he was saying, How are you doing but in a shortcut way.  Is that how you spell it when they are saying "How do" with that meaning?

I've never had to write it, but that's how I'd do it. 

Thanks, LeAnne.

What is the correct way to format this, choice A or B?

Thank you!!!

A)  R&R

B) R and R

Hi, Kim, yes, rest and relaxation.  Thank you.  That's what I thought.

Searchmaster has it R and R.

How would you punctuate this???
Q. Okay. So is it your testimony, just to be more specific, that as general manager, assistant vice president of transportation, and as vice president of transportation, you are not made aware when former employees or employees file charges of discrimination against the company?

I'd do it just as you have it.  :)

yea!  Thanks, Christi.

How are you doing?  Are you feeling okay?

I'm doing all right!  Yeah, I'm feeling better than I was over the weekend.  Was a rough couple of days.  :(  Physically, I'm not sure if I'll ever feel better, but that's a whole other can of worms.  LOL  Hope you're well!!!

Yes, I'm doing well.  I'm planning on getting outside this weekend and working in my yard.  The weather is so pretty.  I have editing to do too but not a ton.

I think it's fine as you have it.  It's so convoluted it's going to be confusing no matter what you do.  Another option, just to section off the serial commas, might be:

Q. Okay. So is it your testimony, just to be more specific, that -- as general manager, assistant vice president of transportation, and as vice president of transportation -- you are not made aware when former employees or employees file charges of discrimination against the company?

Hi, Tami,

Yes, that was my issue, all those commas.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I'm going to ponder that.  I didn't even have an idea for an option.

Normally FF&E is for furniture, fixtures and equipment.  But regardless, I would write it as FF&E for furniture, fixtures and electrical too.

Disregard that thought of the ampersand not being proper.  It's perfectly fine in business names, acronyms, and other such constructions that call for it.  :)

Would you just use just one question mark on this question:

When you saw the vehicle coming onto the freeway and veering across the lanes, did you say anything to your husband like, "Look out," or "What's he doing?"?

I personally would only use one question mark.