0
Gazifu Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
A question about comma placement
According to my literature teacher, there is a comma error in this sentence in my report. My sentence, as I wrote it, reads:
"Henry spent much of his time outdoors, and at the young age of 12 he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens."
She noted the page and example number of the comma rule in the Writers Inc. grammar book. Here is what Writer's Inc. says:
"Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase: 'In the oddest places and at the strangest times, my grandmother can be found knitting madly away.'"
I don't know whether to treat "at the young age of 12" as a second introductory prepositional phrase, or what. The only thing i can think of that would fix this problem would be:
"Henry spent much of his time outdoors, and at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens."
But somehow that doesn't seem right. If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
"Henry spent much of his time outdoors, and at the young age of 12 he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens."
She noted the page and example number of the comma rule in the Writers Inc. grammar book. Here is what Writer's Inc. says:
"Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase: 'In the oddest places and at the strangest times, my grandmother can be found knitting madly away.'"
I don't know whether to treat "at the young age of 12" as a second introductory prepositional phrase, or what. The only thing i can think of that would fix this problem would be:
"Henry spent much of his time outdoors, and at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens."
But somehow that doesn't seem right. If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Top answer
What about? . "
- What about?
- .
- "
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
5 Answers
0
What about?
. . . at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens."
. . . at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens."
00
So, by this do you mean to keep the first part of the sentence as well and with the comma?
Do you mean:
Henry spent much of his time outdoors, and at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens.
or should I omit the first comma and say:
Henry spent much of his time outdoors and at the young age of 12, he was alr
Do you mean:
Henry spent much of his time outdoors, and at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens.
or should I omit the first comma and say:
Henry spent much of his time outdoors and at the young age of 12, he was alr
00
I think you've rightly divided two independent clauses with a comma. Placing a comma after "12" is optional, if you ask me.
Punctuation convention is not my strong point, however.
Punctuation convention is not my strong point, however.
00
Hello g
Your first version in your last post is what your teacher wants.
Your 2nd version sounds a little awkward.
Your 3rd version isn't as good: the '12' phrase sounds tagged on.
An alternative would be to introduce a semi-colon:
"Henry spent much of his time outdoors; at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and obse
Your first version in your last post is what your teacher wants.
Your 2nd version sounds a little awkward.
Your 3rd version isn't as good: the '12' phrase sounds tagged on.
An alternative would be to introduce a semi-colon:
"Henry spent much of his time outdoors; at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and obse
00
I would have written, "Henry spent much of his time outdoors and, at the young age of 12, he was already very interested in collecting and observing botanical specimens. "
At least, that is what the voices of various Sisters of St. Joseph are whispering in the recesses of my mind!
At least, that is what the voices of various Sisters of St. Joseph are whispering in the recesses of my mind!
0
Related Questions