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Publus Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Comma usage

Why does comma usage have to be so difficult?!?!?! [sic]

My question is--what is the proper way to render this sentence?

But, perhaps more importantly, I am fascinated by a broad range of legal topics, including constitutional law and legal ethics.

But perhaps more importantly, I am fascinated by a broad range of legal topics, including constitutional law and legal ethics.

Comma after "but?" Any insight anyone can offer is greatly appreciated.
  

Top answer

The meaning changes slightly. The exact context would be good to know. Do you want to contrast the fact that it might be more important- no comma Is it being fascinated by legal topics that you want to specifically point out against something else, seperate the perhaps part.

  • The meaning changes slightly.
  • The exact context would be good to know.
  • Do you want to contrast the fact that it might be more important- no comma Is it being fascinated by legal topics that you want to specifically point out against something else, seperate the perhaps part.
  • This would also be noticeable in the way that you say it.
  • In the first sentence you would make a pause after but and put more emphasis on the seperated part to indicate that it belongs together.
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2 Answers
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The meaning changes slightly. The exact context would be good to know.

Do you want to contrast the fact that it might be more important- no comma

Is it being fascinated by legal topics that you want to specifically point out against something else, seperate the perhaps part.

This would also be noticeable in the way that you say it. In the first sentence you would make a
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Hi,

Some people say that you should never start a sentence with the word 'but' in this way.

My advice is that it's OK if you have a good reason, such as wanting to add a stronger contrast to what you are saying.

However, a text with a

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