0
Pedantric Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Correct comma placement
I am proof reading a book and keep encountering the same issue, which has me scratching my head. It is exemplified in the following sentences:
1. ‘The result of his speech was that a large number of men agreed to strike, and, notwithstanding threats and blows and the menace of bayonet points, some two hundred men refused to leave their barrack room that night.’
2. I ventured a little way from our hollow, taking care to remain hidden by the heath till I found a little channel of clear water and, filling our water bottle, made my way back to my companion.
I'd like to know the rule here. Should I place a comma before or after the conjunction 'and', or perhaps both before and after? I would like to know the rule that pertains here. Any links showing this would also be appreciated.
Thanks!
1. ‘The result of his speech was that a large number of men agreed to strike, and, notwithstanding threats and blows and the menace of bayonet points, some two hundred men refused to leave their barrack room that night.’
2. I ventured a little way from our hollow, taking care to remain hidden by the heath till I found a little channel of clear water and, filling our water bottle, made my way back to my companion.
I'd like to know the rule here. Should I place a comma before or after the conjunction 'and', or perhaps both before and after? I would like to know the rule that pertains here. Any links showing this would also be appreciated.
Thanks!
Top answer
This is a matter of style rather than firm rules. The comma before 'and' in you sentence can be justified. The comma after 'and' and the one at the end of the parenthetical words are essential.
- This is a matter of style rather than firm rules.
- The comma before 'and' in you sentence can be justified.
- The comma after 'and' and the one at the end of the parenthetical words are essential.
- In such cases, I omit the comma before the conjunction.
- That's a personal preference.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
This is a matter of style rather than firm rules. The comma before 'and' in you sentence can be justified. The comma after 'and' and the one at the end of the parenthetical words are essential. In such cases, I omit the comma before the conjunction. That's a personal preference.
00
Thanks 'fivejedjon' for this. There do seem to be different approaches to this issue: I have just come across the following, which advise:
'When a parenthetical element — an interjection, adverbial modifier, or even an adverbial clause — follows a coordinating conjunction used to connect two independent clauses, we do not put a comma in front of the parenthetical element.'
The Red So
'When a parenthetical element — an interjection, adverbial modifier, or even an adverbial clause — follows a coordinating conjunction used to connect two independent clauses, we do not put a comma in front of the parenthetical element.'
The Red So
0
Related Questions