Sentences and commas

Question

I am not a native English speaker. Underneath text is for a website (a "pre-order/buy-online" help-text concerning a specific narrowed topic). The goal is to have as concise and fast-readable sentences as possible.

Here they are:
"
(TheCompany TheProduct generated License ID)
* This key guarantees that all License Packs are unique. * Wether you are ordering a multi-license pack or not, always just supply 1 License ID.
* As an alternative, you can also supply "N/A" as License ID and a new will be generated.
* To view yours, start TheProduct and navigate to "Help - Register - Enter Code".
"
* Sentence 2:
First clause is subordinate.. But we don't have full clause after the comma..
Then again.. If we wrote the "full sentence" we would.. So.. Is the comma correct?
* Sentence 3:
Is the comma (missing) before the "and" correct? There is no full clause after the coordinating "and" (at least if my 5am brain isn't fried, "a new" is the "direct object" of the clause).
* Sentence 4:
Take your pick.
All in all, I think all sentence would be fairly OK in informal context, but I need someone to give me a push and slap over my hands. Also.. I can't really decide if it's OK to write informal if in above described context/situation.
best regards
Thomas Schulz

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I am not a native English speaker. Underneath text is for a website (a "pre-order/buy-online" help-text concerning a specific narrowed ... possible. Here they are: " (TheCompany TheProduct generated License ID) * This key guarantees that all License Packs are unique.[/nq]
(Is "unique" the right word?)
[nq:1]* Wether you are ordering a multi-license pack or not, always just supply1 License ID.[/nq]
"Only enter one ID (even for a multi-license pack)."
[nq:1]* As an alternative, you can also supply "N/A" as License ID and a newwill be generated.[/nq]
"You may enter "N/A" as your ID and a new ID will be generated."
[nq:1]* To view yours, start TheProduct and navigate to "Help - Register - Enter Code".[/nq]
"To see the new ID, start and navigate to "Help - Register - Enter Code"."
Adrian

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I am not a native English speaker. Underneath text is for a website (a "pre-order/buy-online" help-text concerning a specific narrowed ... full clause after the comma.. Then again.. If we wrote the "full sentence" we would.. So.. Is the comma correct?[/nq]
Yes. The imperative counts as a complete clause. In any case, I'd always use a comma after an introductory "whether" clause (that is, one that's not the subject of the sentence).
[nq:1]* Sentence 3: Is the comma (missing) before the "and" correct? There is no full clause after the coordinating "and" (at least if my 5am brain isn't fried, "a new" is the "direct object" of the clause).[/nq]
You need a noun after "new" (maybe "key"?) and I'm afraid your brain was fried as you feared. "A new (key)" is the subject of "will be generated". However, I wouldn't put a comma there.
[nq:1]* Sentence 4: Take your pick.[/nq]
It's right the way it is. I would always use a comma after an introductory infinitive phrase, and I'd never use one between two short commands.
[nq:1]All in all, I think all sentence would be fairly OK in informal context, but I need someone to give me a push and slap over my hands.[/nq]
I've never heard that expression. What does it mean?
[nq:1]Also.. I can't really decide if it's OK to write informal if in above described context/situation.[/nq]
"Informally". On a business Web site, I think this depends on what image you want. If the company isn't yours, the decision is up to the owners or managers.

Jerry Friedman

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]* Sentence 2:[/nq]
[nq:1]Yes. The imperative counts as a complete clause. In any case, I'd always use a comma after an introductory "whether" clause (that is, one that's not the subject of the sentence).[/nq]
Thanks! Things such as knowing that an imperative
clause can count as a complete clause is a big help! (when trying to decide if a sentence is OK or not.)
[nq:2]* Sentence 3:[/nq]
[nq:1]You need a noun after "new" (maybe "key"?) and I'm afraid your brain was fried as you feared. "A new (key)" is the subject of "will be generated". However, I wouldn't put a comma there.[/nq]
I am kicking myself right now, but:
I guess part of the error was I saw "a new" as the result/center of the verb and
not the performer of the verb. In my head that translated to being the "object"
of the sentence. In reality the subject was just in passive mode (or else my brain has been fryed again...). I will need to study this more it seems.

One more question though, why wouldn't you place a comma then? AND is part of FA(nd)NB(ut)O(r)Y(et)S and seems to be coordinating 2 full sentences?
[nq:2]but I need someone to give me a push and slap over my hands.[/nq]
[nq:1]I've never heard that expression. What does it mean?[/nq]
I can see that my original sentence was a bit messed up. I meant something like:
* A push (in the back) in the right direction (help). * A slap over my hands for not already being "on-track" (light punishment).
best regards
Thomas Schulz

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Adrian[/nq]
Thank you for your comments and suggestions!
best regards
Thomas Schulz

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