Comma before unless

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Ghost Writer

#251551 Wed, 02 Aug 06 10:11 AM

When should a person use a comma before unless?
Is a comma ever used before unless?

Example:

We know that not every critter with wings can fly and we would presumably be doubtful that Hugo has a working pair at all, unless he is on his way to a fancy dress party or some other occasion for flapping.

Ghost Writer

Joined on Sun, Jul 2 2006

New Member (31)

American English is the type of English I'm using.

Commas

Cool Breeze

#251746 Wed, 02 Aug 06 08:32 PM

You sentence is a good example of when to use a comma before unless: the sentence is so long that it is a good idea for the reader to pause to form an idea of what has been said so far. A comma makes him pause.

Cheers
CB

Cool Breeze

Joined on Fri, Apr 7 2006

Helsinki, Finland

Senior Member (3,127)

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Commas