Which way do you punctuate this phrase?

The first and the third are correct. The second is also correct is you delete the comma. My own preference is to use the parentheses or the long dashes because they more clearly signal a break in the flow of the sentence, although if the example is very short, I might use the commas. For example, "Some animals, such as cats, are nocturnal" seems to work well. For longer examples you might try putting the example in its own sentence (like I did in my last sentence).

I agree with Response # 3.. I write a variety of novels, but the main subject is supernatural and murder mystery, so I use a lot of explainations... A good way to explain could also be something like this. **He told the doctor about the problems with his body; the headaches and the muscle cramps.** **When asked she explained to him about the levels of amino acids and that he could raise them by certain fruits -- Oranges, Grapes and other good sources of amino acids.** But stick to what #3 has posted.

I would say like: "I was going to the jungle and I found myself like being in a cage because it was dark." I am not quite good in english but this would be my way of saying. This language is like icing on cake!

Oy...my brain just tied up in knots reading that! *lol* "Word word word...such as, word [and so on]" That's how I would have written it, but then again I am not an English major. *Pleiades

I'm not sure which to choose. Here is the rule: RULE: Use a comma to introduce examples, lists, explanations, enumerations. An expression, such as FOR EXAMPLE (e.g.), THAT IS (i.e.), NAMELY, or FOR INSTANCE, introducing examples, lists explanations, or enumerations, should be preceded by a semicolon (or a colon)and followed by a comma. EXAMPLES OF RULE: ** He was interested in precious metals; for instance, gold, silver, and platinum. (Example of the use of the semicolon in this sentence.) ** He complained of pain in several parts of his body: namely, his legs, arms, and hands. (Example of the use of the colon in this sentence.) NOTE: If the introductory expression (FOR EXAMPLE, THAT IS, ETC.)is part of a parenthetical expression, that expression should be set off with commas or dashes. EXAMPLES: ** The undisciplined athlete, for instance, one who smokes or keeps late hours, will not go far. The following is what a parenthetical phrase is in the above sentence. (The parenthetical phrase is "for instance, one who smokes or keeps late hours." Notice how this adds detail to the sentence but the sentence can still be a complete sentence without it.) ** The undisciplined athlete--for instance, one who smokes or keeps late hours--will not go far. (same sentence as the above but separated with dashes (--) instead of commas. THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS TAKE FROM: "Reference Manual for Office Personnel, 5th edition" by Clifford R. House and Apollonia M. Koebele, South-Western Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. Copyright 1970. Page 67, Item #38. ---------------------------------------------- I think it should be one of two ways: 1. Sentence: for example, words. 2. Sentence; for example, words. ------------------------------------------------ I hope that helps, if not I can try to explain further.

I prefer to use the first choice. The third choice is also acceptable. For the second choice it would be "word word word (such as word)" without the comma. However, I generally think that using parenthesis ruins the flow of a sentence.

I would use your first example.

a or c, b can tend to look messy and uncontroled.