0
Believer Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Do you have to mark it on both sides?
Hi,
I see sentences with phrases and words such as 'as the time goes on', 'as long as it is happening', and 'however', and I want to ask you whether I have to enclosed them both sides with commas or just one side. Is it matter of style? Or is it a something of an evolutionary trend? I remember several reference books noting the commas on both sides are required.
... and, as the time goes on, ...
... and, as long as it is happening, ...
and, however, ...
I see sentences with phrases and words such as 'as the time goes on', 'as long as it is happening', and 'however', and I want to ask you whether I have to enclosed them both sides with commas or just one side. Is it matter of style? Or is it a something of an evolutionary trend? I remember several reference books noting the commas on both sides are required.
... and, as the time goes on, ...
... and, as long as it is happening, ...
and, however, ...
Top answer
in the context that you're using the expressions, yes. The reason for this is that you're providing an extra piece of information that the reader doesn't need to know to understand what is being said. For example: "We planted a tree yesterday and, as time goes on, it will grow to 50 feet".
- in the context that you're using the expressions, yes.
- The reason for this is that you're providing an extra piece of information that the reader doesn't need to know to understand what is being said.
- For example: "We planted a tree yesterday and, as time goes on, it will grow to 50 feet".
- If you just said "We planted a tree yesterday and it will grow to 50 feet", the reader still understands what is being said.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
in the context that you're using the expressions, yes. The reason for this is that you're providing an extra piece of information that the reader doesn't need to know to understand what is being said.
For example: "We planted a tree yesterday and, as time goes on, it will grow to 50 feet". If you just said "We planted a tree yesterday and it will grow to 50 feet", the reader still und
For example: "We planted a tree yesterday and, as time goes on, it will grow to 50 feet". If you just said "We planted a tree yesterday and it will grow to 50 feet", the reader still und
00
Thank you.
I think there are basically two contexts the expressions or phrases mentioned can be used -- as one to provide extra information and the one that is essential to the overall meaning.
As to the former use, if I am not mistaken, I have seen many, many cases where a single comma is placed after the expression or phrase, rather than two commas for before and after them.
I think there are basically two contexts the expressions or phrases mentioned can be used -- as one to provide extra information and the one that is essential to the overall meaning.
As to the former use, if I am not mistaken, I have seen many, many cases where a single comma is placed after the expression or phrase, rather than two commas for before and after them.
00
Good question. I seem to recall reading in the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) that it is acceptable to drop the comma after and: independent clause], and, as the sun sank in the sky, the....
But I can't seem to find the reference now, so I really can't answer your question.
However, here's something from the CMOS that's re
But I can't seem to find the reference now, so I really can't answer your question.
However, here's something from the CMOS that's re
0
Related Questions