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Goronsky Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Comma minimalism
Does anybody agree with the minimal commas in the examples below? I think they all look fine. Do you agree?
Johnson, Smith, Brown et al wrote the definitive article on that topic.
Toiletries, linens etc can be purchased at your destination.
Bedding, linens and so on can be purchased upstairs.
Muffins, croissants and the like are served in the lobby.
Pencils, protractors and so forth are needed for the class project.
Some of my favorite desserts (eg Brownies, cheesecake) cause me to pack on the pounds.
Her worst trait (ie her anger) always holds her back.
Thank you
Johnson, Smith, Brown et al wrote the definitive article on that topic.
Toiletries, linens etc can be purchased at your destination.
Bedding, linens and so on can be purchased upstairs.
Muffins, croissants and the like are served in the lobby.
Pencils, protractors and so forth are needed for the class project.
Some of my favorite desserts (eg Brownies, cheesecake) cause me to pack on the pounds.
Her worst trait (ie her anger) always holds her back.
Thank you
Top answer
This is mostly a question of style, either your own or that of the person for whom you're writing. Commas are unnecessary before parentheses. If you go with the minimalist style and omit the so-called Oxford comma (the one before the "and" in the list), be aware that you can set up an amusing appositional ambiguity: My essay was about two prime ministers, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- This is mostly a question of style, either your own or that of the person for whom you're writing.
- Commas are unnecessary before parentheses.
- If you go with the minimalist style and omit the so-called Oxford comma (the one before the "and" in the list), be aware that you can set up an amusing appositional ambiguity: My essay was about two prime ministers, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- One interpretation is that you're writing about two people whom you've mistaken for prime ministers.
- If you use the extra comma, it's clear you're writing about four people -- two prime ministers and two royals: My essay was about two prime ministers, Queen Victoria, and Prince Albert.
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1 Answers
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This is mostly a question of style, either your own or that of the person for whom you're writing.
Commas are unnecessary before parentheses.
If you go with the minimalist style and omit the so-called Oxford comma (the one before the "and" in the list), be aware that you can set up an amusing appositional ambiguity:
My essay was about two prime ministers, Queen Victor
Commas are unnecessary before parentheses.
If you go with the minimalist style and omit the so-called Oxford comma (the one before the "and" in the list), be aware that you can set up an amusing appositional ambiguity:
My essay was about two prime ministers, Queen Victor
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