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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Use of commas in writing
Hi. Would you say there should be commas in nos. 1, 2, and 3? Would you say the comma between the words "any more" and "but" are placed to allow a breathing room eventhought what follows the conjunction "and" share the same subject? I am sure but I think I would place a comma after the word "Suddenly" in two places. (why would a person read through without stopping to take a breath?) (I think the adverb "suddenly" marks a transition) (On second thoughts, I think a person might read the part with the word in it without stopping.) I am confused.
Suddenly (1) I wasn't at school any more, but riding the bike as if went away from the school.... Suddenly (2) from behind (3) someone appeared, with a big backpack on his back.
Suddenly (1) I wasn't at school any more, but riding the bike as if went away from the school.... Suddenly (2) from behind (3) someone appeared, with a big backpack on his back.
Top answer
No comma after 'anymore', since 'riding' shares the subject 'I'. 'Suddenly from behind someone appeared' is awkwardly structured and leaves us in a comma dilemma; it should be restructured: ' Suddenly, someone appeared from behind with a big backpack'. There is no call for the comma before 'with'.
- No comma after 'anymore', since 'riding' shares the subject 'I'.
- 'Suddenly from behind someone appeared' is awkwardly structured and leaves us in a comma dilemma; it should be restructured: ' Suddenly, someone appeared from behind with a big backpack'.
- There is no call for the comma before 'with'.
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7 Answers
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No comma after 'anymore', since 'riding' shares the subject 'I'.
'Suddenly from behind someone appeared' is awkwardly structured and leaves us in a comma dilemma; it should be restructured: 'Suddenly, someone appeared from behind with a big backpack'.
There is no call for the comma before 'with'.
'Suddenly from behind someone appeared' is awkwardly structured and leaves us in a comma dilemma; it should be restructured: 'Suddenly, someone appeared from behind with a big backpack'.
There is no call for the comma before 'with'.
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Hi. Thank you.
You wrote:
No comma after 'anymore', since 'riding' shares the subject 'I'.
I think if what comes before the conjunction is long and quite involving in content, then I think a comma can be justifiably (?) used even though the two parts before and after the conjunction "and" share the same subject. I think (if I am not mistaken) I have seen a good number
You wrote:
No comma after 'anymore', since 'riding' shares the subject 'I'.
I think if what comes before the conjunction is long and quite involving in content, then I think a comma can be justifiably (?) used even though the two parts before and after the conjunction "and" share the same subject. I think (if I am not mistaken) I have seen a good number
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I don't agree. I would rather an awkward sentence were restructured than a comma come between a subject and its verb.
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Hi. Would you use commas as the sentences are? Thank you for your anticipated help.
1. She has 6 or 7 paid holidays a year, and usually spends them in Mexico relaxing on the beaches.
2. I like watching football games on TV, and want to be a football player.
1. She has 6 or 7 paid holidays a year, and usually spends them in Mexico relaxing on the beaches.
2. I like watching football games on TV, and want to be a football player.
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'No' to both. They should read:
1. She has 6 or 7 paid holidays a year and usually spends them in Mexico relaxing on the beaches.
2. I like watching football games on TV and want to be a football player.
1. She has 6 or 7 paid holidays a year and usually spends them in Mexico relaxing on the beaches.
2. I like watching football games on TV and want to be a football player.
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A comma cannot be used in #2 because it has a compound verb; it is not 2 independent clauses. A comma is unnecessary in #1. Please do not answer students' questions if your English level is not high enough, Anon.
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