'fewer than three words'?
Dear teachers,
I read an explanation about 'comma' as follows:
Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.
e.g.
To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.
On February 14 many couples give each other candy or flowers.
OR
On February 14, many couples give each other candy or flowers.
Question: My understanding is that the meaning of "the phrase fewer than three words" means two words or less. (which means 3 words are not included.) When considering the "e.g." on the above, however, the writer of the grammar book included "three words."
Could you please let me know how I should understand this rule?
Thanks and best regards,
David Kim
Top answer
Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional. As stated above, this rule does not explain what should happen when there are three words.
- Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence.
- If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.
- As stated above, this rule does not explain what should happen when there are three words.
- Irrespective of what is supposed to happen with three words, such a rule is not exact, and violations of it are not necessarily errors.
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???Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.
As stated above, this rule does not explain what should happen when there are three words.
Irrespective of what is supposed to happen with three words, such a rule is not exact, and violations of it are not nece
0???Could you please let me know how I should understand this rule?
Well, I'm sure this is just a guideline, not a rule. (one word)
Considering everything, I decided not to participate. (two words)
0
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