is the comma ok in this sentence?

Question

Hi everyone, I'm just checking whether you guys think the commas are ok in this sentence. I'm referring particularly to the comma after "much of the time", and I'm right not to put a comma before "when" aren't I? -though I'm horribly tempted to do so (I heart commas).

It’s strange to think, then, that we spend so much time stressing out out over grammar and vocabulary when much of the time, what we want to say is written all over our faces.

Thanks in advance
TT

RandomGuy · Accepted Answer

twistedthistlethe comma after "much of the time"

I wouldn’t use it.

twistedthistlea comma before "when"

I wouldn’t use one.

Twistedthistle · Answer

Thanks Aspara Gus, In that case I'll leave it out. I originally put in the comma after "much of the time" because it's an introductory adverbial phrase (to the subordinate clause), and i thought it would balance the sentence better (in terms of pacing)  if there was a little break after it. But I'll leave it out to be on the safe side.

Mister Micawber · Answer

If you wish to emphasize a bit, then you need a matching comma before 'much':

It’s strange to think, then, that we spend so much time stressing out over grammar and vocabulary when, much of the time, what we want to say is written all over our faces.

is the comma ok in this sentence?

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