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Grammarholic Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
I opened the box, and lo and behold, there was a ring inside.
Which looks best with the comma placement?
(1) I opened the box, and lo and behold, there was a ring inside.
(2) I opened the box and, lo and behold, there was a ring inside.
(1) I opened the box, and lo and behold, there was a ring inside.
(2) I opened the box and, lo and behold, there was a ring inside.
Top answer
The first is more natural. Remember, the comma is an indication of a pause.
- The first is more natural.
- Remember, the comma is an indication of a pause.
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4 Answers
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The first is more natural. Remember, the comma is an indication of a pause.
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This kind of question has come up several times before before. I think different peple have different opinions. For me, "lo and behold" is parenthetical, so logically should set off by a pair of commas " ..., lo and behold, ...". However, in sentences with this structure, such an approach can create other problems.
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I agree, the sentence starts with an action verb (opened) and is followed by a statement rather than a second action.
It might instead read “I opened the box. Lo and behold, there was a ring inside.”
It might instead read “I opened the box. Lo and behold, there was a ring inside.”
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