Commas

SnarfAre those three commas okay

The commas are fine. But is 'Joan' or 'she' 'proud to be dressed like the queen.' I presume it modifies 'she' but because the phrase is adjacent to 'Joan,' it's slightly unclear.

Actually, it's Joan that the pride is referring to. It makes more sense in context. Should I take out the comma before "proud" to make it clearer that it's as if Joan is the proud one?

Also, should I remove the first comma, the one before "and"? I don't really need it, do I?

SnarfLet me ask you:

Let me ask you this:

Snarfshould I remove the first comma, the one before "and"? I don't really need it, do I?

No, you don't need it. It simply separates prepositional phrases.

Oh, I edited my reply to you, by the way. I'm thinking now that I should remove the last comma to make things clearer.

SnarfActually, it's Joan that the pride is referring to. It makes more sense in context. Should I take out the comma before "proud" to make it clearer that it's as if Joan is the proud one?

I would leave the comma in but insert 'who is' for additional clarity. Without further context it is hard to suggest a better way to write the sentence.

By the way, it should be 'as if she were Joan' - it's the subjunctive mood.

Really? Even though the whole thing is in present tense?

SnarfReally?

I'm afraid so. Here's a run down on how the subjunctive mood works:

http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/subjunctive_mood.htm

The link has to be verified by a site moderator first. If you can't wait, simply type subjunctive mood into google, and 'grammar-monster' should be one of the fist sites that's listed.

But it has nothing to do with the following list provided at that link: ask, command, demand, insist, order, recommend, suggest and wish. It has to do with what she appears to be similar to.