Comma and nonessential elements

Share on Facebook

Starstuff

#333142 Sun, 25 Feb 07 09:45 PM

I have a question on how commas are used in the bold part below:

"But, while the technology has moved on, the patent system that is supposed to protect it, is badly in need of reform."
Source:
http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8758914

However, as a single sentence, is #1 the right way to punctuate?

1. The patent system, which is supposed to protect it, is badly in need of reform.

2. The patent system that is supposed to protect it, is badly in need of reform.

I've leanred I have to use two commas, not one, to separate a nonessential element from a sentence. Is the author also correct in this case?

Thanks for any help. Smile [:)]

Starstuff

Joined on Wed, Apr 19 2006

Toronto, Canada

Full Member (102)

Commas

Grammar Geek

#333145 Sun, 25 Feb 07 09:54 PM

I shudder to try to contradict so widely respected a publication as the Economist, but the sentence as you have originally quoted does seem wrong. I would remove the comma between "it" and "is."

Your #1 is okay as well - it depends on whether you see the "supposed to protect it" as additional information (set it off with commas and use "which") or required (no commas and use "that.")

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (16,640)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

Commas

Clive

#333146 Sun, 25 Feb 07 09:56 PM

Hi,

have a question on how commas are used in the bold part below:

"But, while the technology has moved on, the patent system that is supposed to protect it, is badly in need of reform."
Source:
http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8758914

However, as a single sentence, is #1 the right way to punctuate?

1. The patent system, which is supposed to protect it, is badly in need of reform.

2. The patent system that is supposed to protect it, is badly in need of reform.

I've leanred I have to use two commas, not one, to separate a nonessential element from a sentence. Is the author also correct in this case?

The original appears incorrect. Your #1 above is fine, if the clause contains non-essential information. If it's essential, then remove the comma from #2.

Best wishes, Clive