Question

What is the best way to determine a sentence should be stopped, when trying to convey a complex thought?

Answer 1

When you have a subject, an action and something that describes the action. IF you need to emphasize something, put it in a sub-sentence separated by a comma
.

Answer 2

Right, so when I am using commas, when is it best to break to a new sentence, if the idea is still flowing, and the idea is not finished?

Answer 3

When the sub-sentence also has at least an action or subject, and something that describes the action or subject in a different way than in the main part of the sentence.

Answer 4

What if it does not, and each following segment, properly punctuated, reinforces the preceding segment, but is incomplete upon its own?

Answer 5

Then you have a multitude of options, depending on the situation, but one way would be to use the semicolon; you can add things to supplement your earlier sentence, even though the following sentence behind the semicolon can be a stand-alone sentence.

Answer 6

I have a particular sentence in mind. I am not finding it to be grammatically incorrect, but my friend feels it is too long. I was just trying to find where the measuring stick starts :p.

Answer 7

What's the sentence then? :)

Answer 8

The best way is to use a periodic sentence, which has the subordinate clause first. You may also use a compound complex sentence which is a to complete clauses and one subordinate clause. A periodic sentence would read, "Because David had experience stabbing bears, he would be successful in Alaska.: A compound complex sentence would read, "Although he was ten feet tall, he often felt small; his cousins all thought less of him."

Answer 9

If I remember correctly it's called a "run-on" sentence and there is no definite measuring stick. If your friend feels it's too long it probably means that the length of the sentence distracts him/her from what you are trying to say. Try breaking the thought or idea into smaller pieces to make them easier to digest by repeating it to yourself a couple times different ways.

Answer 10

with the use of a period haha