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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Punctuation?

My task is to find and if necessary, make corrections to the punctuation in some sentences. I've got a few that are stumping me, so if anybody can look them over and make sure I've gotten everything, I'd appreciate it. The sentences sound right to me when I read them over. Thanks to those that can help!

1. Many job hunters have little, if any, knowledge of the best ways to discuss the salary issue. (Commas belong after little and if any, correct?)

2. Make your objective realistic or eliminate this section of the resumé. (I don't feel this sentence needs a comma after "realistic." I suppose it could have one, but I'm not sure.)
  

Top answer

Hi, #1 Commas are not wrong, but they are commonly omitted' I think that's because 'little if any' is usually thought of as a single determining phrase.. #2 I agree with you. if the sentence were longer, I'd probably put a comma.

  • Hi, #1 Commas are not wrong, but they are commonly omitted' I think that's because 'little if any' is usually thought of as a single determining phrase..
  • #2 I agree with you.
  • if the sentence were longer, I'd probably put a comma.
  • Clive.
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3 Answers
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Hi,

#1 Commas are not wrong, but they are commonly omitted' I think that's because 'little if any' is usually thought of as a single determining phrase..

#2 I agree with you. if the sentence were longer, I'd probably put a comma.

Clive
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The commas in (1) would be expected in an exam; and I adhere to the principle of making the ideas and units comprising a sentence clear by their use.
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OP here - When I use the phrase "little, if any," I naturally pause after saying "little." To me, using the comma after it makes sense. My textbook mentions "if any" as a phrase but makes no mention of "little if any." I'm not sure I've even seen anyone use that phrase without commas after little and any. Thanks for the help, guys!

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