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Meraki Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Is it "A pity, that," or "A pity that?"

I've seen people make statements like: "A pity, that."

Now I know that means 'that is a pity,' and I suppose 'that' would be a determiner in this case? But I was just wondering if, when written (though I suppose it isn't proper English), the comma makes a difference?

"A pity that."
or
"A pity, that."

I feel like without the comma the sentence feels like it should keep going, though I believe both are fragments regardless. Just had a moment of curiosity. Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

There are two different uses of these three words, according to the meaning of that - It's a pity that Mark could not come. Mark couldn't come; it's a pity . Mark couldn't come; it's a pity, that .

— Meteorquake

  • There are two different uses of these three words, according to the meaning of that - It's a pity that Mark could not come.
  • Mark couldn't come; it's a pity .
  • Mark couldn't come; it's a pity, that .
  • --- here 'that' means 'that happening mentioned' d
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2 Answers
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There are two different uses of these three words, according to the meaning of that -

It's a pity that Mark could not come.

Mark couldn't come; it's a pity.
Mark couldn't come; it's a pity, that. --- here 'that' means 'that happening mentioned'

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Thank you! I understand now.
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