The word "Like"

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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Sam Bierstock
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The word "Like"

Post by Sam Bierstock »

When writing my book, "Full Circle" I struggled with the proper punctuation for narrative attributed to a teenage character who endlessly inserts the word "like" into her conversation - as so many teenagers and young people do today. I was uncertain as to whether or not to place a comma before the word, after it, or at all.
An internet search was of no use since there are essentially no rules that I could find.
I eventually decided not to punctuate around the word at all since its use in conversation is incorrect anyway, and most young people just barrel through the sentence with no significance to the improperly inserted word. For example, "I had like the greatest time today! Everyone was so like excited."
I would be interested in how other authors approach this matter.
Blueberry Dragon
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Post by Blueberry Dragon »

I'm no author, but as a reader, I'd probably prefer to see commas in there. For instance, I'd probably like to see: "I had, like, the greatest time today! Everyone was so, like, excited." But, I understand that it can be somewhat irritating to add the commas in - so much extra work. You should probably leave it to your editor's discretion! Hope this helps @Sam Bierstock.
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Sam Bierstock
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Post by Sam Bierstock »

Actually very helpful. I can understand how it might feel a little better that way from a cadence standpoint. Thanks so much for your input
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