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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
essential elements
One of the rules that governs the use of commas is related to essential elements. It seems to me the problem is that "essential-ness" is a matter of degree. I have never seen a discussion on the fine points of determining if something is essential or not. For example: George Lucas, who created the Star Wars films, grew up in a small town in California. Is the reference to the Star Wars film essential in this case? One could argue that everyone knows who George Lucas is and therefor it is non-essential and requires commas. If that is the case, exactly how many people would have to know Mr. Lucas in order for the clause to become non-essential? It seems to me that it is subjective. Is this correct or am I missing something?
Top answer
» I understand this essential-ness as the object whereon the whole sentence ficuses (= what's the author wants to make the main point). ) comes as an addtition. Its insertion into the main sentence makes the reader perceive it as such, a complementary note that is not directly connected to the main line.
- » I understand this essential-ness as the object whereon the whole sentence ficuses (= what's the author wants to make the main point).
- ) comes as an addtition.
- Its insertion into the main sentence makes the reader perceive it as such, a complementary note that is not directly connected to the main line.
- So, yes, it is a matter of degree, and what is more — of the author's degree.
- »
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3 Answers
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«George Lucas, who created the Star Wars films, grew up in a small town in California.»
I understand this essential-ness as the object whereon the whole sentence ficuses (= what's the author wants to make the main point).
In the above sentce, the main point is the "small towm" part, while the info that he made Star Wars (I like American Graffiti better!) comes as an addtition. I
I understand this essential-ness as the object whereon the whole sentence ficuses (= what's the author wants to make the main point).
In the above sentce, the main point is the "small towm" part, while the info that he made Star Wars (I like American Graffiti better!) comes as an addtition. I
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Hi,
I think commas and punctuation in general should be used to indicate pauses and set the rhythm in sentences.
Lucas, George Lucas, who created the... Star Wars films, grew up in a small town, in California, Smallville. West Smallville, to be exact. And... yes, I guess that's all. I also heard that George, George Lucas, don't think there are rules for punctuation.
I think commas and punctuation in general should be used to indicate pauses and set the rhythm in sentences.
Lucas, George Lucas, who created the... Star Wars films, grew up in a small town, in California, Smallville. West Smallville, to be exact. And... yes, I guess that's all. I also heard that George, George Lucas, don't think there are rules for punctuation.
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An essential or restrictive element is one that contains information required for the reader to understand fully the meaning of the word, words or phrases it modifies. Since the subclause ‘who created the Star Wars films’ is set off by commas, it’s considered non-essential by the Writer. To make it essential, one might re-write "Star Wars films creator George Lucas grew up in a small town in Calif
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