Search results for 'tag:Commas' matching tag 'Commas'

Re: Are the commas ncessary in the sentence?

noon — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:31:54 GMT

yes the commas are necessary ... salutes to you

Are the commas ncessary in the sentence?

helixa — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:42:53 GMT

Are these commas necessary here? The company provides freight services but, (is this comma necessary here?) as a the carrier division, (is this comma necessary here?) it also operates as carrier.

Re: What is the difference in meaning?

califjim — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:06:23 GMT

When I saw him ,he him, he was making a phone call. When I saw him,he him, he made a phone call. The comma goes directly after the preceding word without a space. Leave a space after the comma. 1. Seeing him and his making the call happened at the same time. The call was in progress at the time the seeing happened. 2. It's unusual to express it this way, but it can be interpreted like this: I saw him. Then he made the call. It makes it sound as if he noticed that I saw him, and that caused him to make the call. Here's a better example: 1. The robber was running out of the bank when the police arrived. 2. The robber ran out of the bank when the police arrived. 1. The police arrived. At that same moment, the robber was...

Re: Use of commas...2 questions

trysb — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:35:37 GMT

Hi Anon, I used to put in more commas and agonize over whether or not they were correct. After years of writing i have come to the conclusion that rules often get in the way of good sense. One way i found to test a sentence for comma use is to say it aloud. If your voice naturally pauses at the point where you were considering a comma then it is probably right to use one. If the sentence flows along fine with no pause then don't clutter it up with commas. Another thing i have found in writing is that sometimes the best solution is simply to rewrite an awkward sentence. In your first example, i think it would read better to say: However, when my injuries had healed and my health was strong enough, continuing my sports activities...

Re: Help with some sentences..Please

gleb_chebrikoff — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:50:03 GMT

Dear friend, 1. We got a good look at the most extraordinary thing about the animal. Its foreclaws were nearly as long as my fingers. - correct; two independent clauses. We got a good look at the most extraordinary thing about the animal, its foreclaws were nearly as long as my fingers. - incorrect, the comma is not normally used to separate independent clauses unless they are linked by a coordinator. We got a good look at the most extraordinary thing about the animal its foreclaws were nearly as long as my finger. - incorrect; no punctuation at all is impossible between two independent clauses (optionally, a colon would do fine in this example: We got a good look at the most...

Re: For clause

califjim — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:10:16 GMT

the second sentence " For you, to win will be almost impossible." means that winning is impossible as far as you are concerned. That well may be true, but it's so ambiguous that it is best reworded to remove the ambiguity. Following your lead, As far as you are concerned, winning will be almost impossible. In your opinion, it will be almost impossible to win. You are correct, however, that the subject of the for ... to ... clause need not be expressed: To win is impossible. Here the meaning is something close to: For anyone to win is impossible. You are also correct that you can add a for phrase to indicate the interested party: For Henry, for you to win is impossible. But if you do both -- omit the subject...

Re: For clause

gleb_chebrikoff — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:54:06 GMT

Your impression is on the whole justified, and to this I referred as 'a special stylistic effect' that placing a comma may have. Consider this: - Do I stay any chance of winning? - For you to win will be almost impossible. For him to win is quite realistic. Depending on the exact intonation pattern, both shades of meaning can be expressed; reinforcing this with punctuation is possible, but not obligatory. For you(,) to win will be almost impossible means It is highly unlikely that you will win - perhaps somebody else can, but the basis for the statement remains unscathed - you will not win , and that's that. As has already been said, intonation patterns can help distinguish the intended meaning - raising the voice on you...

Re: For clause

trysb — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:48:12 GMT

Interesting distinction, Debpriya, although i would point out that the sentence says almost impossible which means that "For you, to win is possible but unlikely." I think you could leave out the comma and the sentence would mean the same, correct? Would this person have less chance of winning if it was 'almost impossible' or if it were just 'unlikely'? Best wishes, TrysB

Re: For clause

gleb_chebrikoff — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:58:52 GMT

There is no need to disrupt the clause with a comma, unless you wish to achieve a special stylistic effect. The meaning is not changed in either case. Respectfully, Gleb Chebrikoff

Re: Grammar

mister micawber — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:36:13 GMT

Both are awkward in that they leave us unsure of whether it is the book or the office that is 'yours'. The comma does not help to solve this dilemma, but there should be no comma because the book is defined by the relative clause.

Grammar

mariott — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:57:21 GMT

I have a book in my office. I borrowed the book from you. If you combine the two sentences, which one is right? 1. I have the book in my office which I borrowed from you. 2. I have the book in my office, which I borrowed from you. Do I need a comma here because 'which' is not my office but book? Maybe the sentence sounds stupid, because I just made it up to ask a question. Thanks for your help.

Re: Comma Confusion

avangi — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:16:49 GMT

I'd strongly suggest using one. It's clearly a compound predicate, but the two "actions" are in such contrast to one another, they need to be separated in some way for clarity. It would make perfect sense to complete the compound sentence with either verb, eliminating the other action: He gave her the reins of a pony, and she grasped its saddle horn. He gave her the reins of a pony, but she stood with her forehead resting against the animal's flank. Probably "must" is too strong a word. It would not be "ungrammatical" to omit the comma. I'd also say that if you were to repeat the subject "she" for the second verb (creating three independent clauses), the second comma would be...

Comma Confusion

ducks1160 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:40:00 GMT

He gave her the reins of a pony, and she grasped its saddle horn but stood with her forehead resting against the animal's flank. Must I insert a comma after horn ? I think there is a compound verb here, so there is no need for a comma. she grasped..but stood... What do you think?

Re: Is this correct?

califjim — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:48:45 GMT

I'd add a comma, but there's nothing wrong with the grammar. While I cooked dinner , I listened to some music. (I hope you'll let me listen to some while I eat it. ) CJ

Re: Commas Inside of Quotes

nimd4 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:45:18 GMT

So, If the question is the thread title, "Should a 15 yr old who committed premeditated murder be tried as an adult", then the answer is no. or If the question is the thread title, "Should a 15 yr old who committed premeditated murder be tried as an adult," then the answer is no. ?

Re: As well as

mister micawber — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:44:48 GMT

In certain short clauses, commas are probably not necessary (as in Dimsum's last sentence), but certainly where it appears e.g. in a subject noun phrase, it is appositive (not 'parenthetical'), as the verb number is governed by the subject itself: Janet , as well as the other Jacksons, is sadly bereft of a brother.

Re: As well as

dimsumexpress — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:55:24 GMT

Is as well as considered a parenthical phrase? Should it be set off with commas? Thanks! My non-linguistic view thinks not. I may be wrong but one of the "as well as" usages has a prepositional property which is typically used after an article "and" is used in the main clause. Example: My hobbies are swimming, jogging, fishing, and dancing as well as hiking. Another usage pattern is that it has the element of "and". John is my best friend as well as a business partner.

Re: All + expressions of time

clive — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:10 GMT

Hi again, You´re right. I was refering to sentences like the last two. And I found that you added a ,(comma) in number 3 examples. So if I happen to see sentences like this: "On Saturdays I go to the park", I have to add the comma, right? If it's a very short sentence, I wouldn't say a comma is essential. But I tend to use one. Last question. In number 2, I could also write right "I go shopping all weekends". This one is right, isn´t it? It's still very awkward and unnatural. Forget about it. Say 'every weekend'. Clive

Re: All + expressions of time

soprano — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:56:57 GMT

Great Clive! You´re right. I was refering to sentences like the last two. And I found that you added a ,(comma) in number 3 examples. So if I happen to see sentences like this: "On Saturdays I go to the park", I have to add the comma, right? Last question. In number 2, I could also right "I go shopping all weekends". This one is right, isn´t it? Thank you for your detailed explanation. Now I find this clearer. Regards, Soprano

Run-on adjectives

d ogada — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:19:40 GMT

does this sentence need a comma or more? They are overall mottled light grey with a pink bill. thanks, Darcy

Re: Proper or not?

clive — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:22:32 GMT

Hi, I was had a "debate" with someone today. The phrase "come and see" came up while reading through a study. Many people from the South, when inviting someone to come over to see something say, "Come, see." She argued that is incorrect. I argued it is acceptable. So far, only Microsoft Word's grammar check has backed me up, but I'd like more info. Can anyone help? 'Come, see.' seems acceptable to me. It sounds somewaht biblical in tone. Are you sure that the people from the South you mention don't say 'Come see.' In other words, are you sure they pause in saying this? That's not my understanding. Without the comma, it seems like a regional kind of thing to...

Re: Sentences translated from french need help making sure OK?

doctor d — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:30:56 GMT

Here is your corrected sentences. The strikethrough words incorrect and the color bar words are my replacements. 1 This is as far as I've ever gotten in the game. <Correct> 2 Everthing that happens from now on forth depends on you. 3 This summer program is more than just about basketball <;> , its it's about learning how to communicate with... <The original sentence had a comma splice: use a semicolon, add a conjunction, or make it two sentences.> 4 My basketball skills are better than what people think. <Correct: "they are" is the implied ending> 5 ... in dealing with customers. (how could one start this sentence?) <"Jackie has no skill in dealing with customers."> 6 There...

Re: Comma Usage

grammar geek — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:16:20 GMT

According to the strict rules, if you have two complete sentences joined by the "and" you use the comma. So, your should NOT have the comma, the second should, the third should not, and the fourth should. In practice, if the two independent clauses are very short, that comma is often omitted, and if you want the speaker to pause -- to draw attention to the contrast, for example -- you can put in the comma even if you don't repeat the subject. I would NOT use the comma that way in your first and third. Why do you want to sing on the bed? Do you stand on it and sing into your hairbrush?

Re: Comma + modifier + comma

grammar geek — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:21:50 GMT

I have a lot of achievement; for example, before for example, we need to put semi-colon. after for example, we need to put comma That may or may not be correct in your sentence, janeleo. Can you write the full text?

Re: Comma + modifier + comma

janeleo — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:02:36 GMT

I have a lot of achievement; for example, before for example, we need to put semi-colon. after for example, we need to put comma

Re: Using 'had it not been for'

mister micawber — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:25:10 GMT

Since 'had it not been' = 'if it had not been', I would set the clause off with commas in either situation.

Re: Usage of 'at any rate' and 'in any event'

mister micawber — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:20:12 GMT

It can be set within a sentence if set off by commas, but it is awkward there.

Re: Where do I put the comma?

mister micawber — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:42:17 GMT

No comma at all, unfortunately, since you must keep the question mark. I suggest that you recast: In Chapter 1 ("Is That a Symbol?"), I learned that....

Afterthoughts

navitasan — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:33:24 GMT

Are these sentence correct: (The phrases after the comma are supposed to be after-thoughts. That's why there are commas.) 1-I read his latest book, about the new economic theories. 2-I saw his new pitcher, with a very strange handle. (Meaning: I saw his new pitcher, which had a very strange handle.) 3-I bought his antique dagger, in a very nice scabbard.

Afterthoughts

navitasan — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:21:05 GMT

Are these sentence correct: (The phrases after the comma are supposed to be after-thoughts. That's why there are commas.) coloro:#800080 > 1-I read his latest book, about the new economic theories. colorc > coloro:#FF0000 > 2-I saw his new pitcher, with a very strange handle. (Meaning: I saw his new pitcher, which had a very strange handle.) colorc > coloro:#0000FF > 3-I bought his antique dagger, in a very nice scabbard. colorc > IBF.ATTACHMENT_20810 >

Re: Could anybody correct the sentence for me?

john claset — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:45:11 GMT

v This is a noun , but it is being used as an explanation Congratulating / Congratulations for you on this happy day. ^ this is a preasent progressive verb a big no no when talking to someone about them When congratulating a person, tell them "Congratulations" (you are giving them congratulations.) change the word "for" to "to" Congratulations for | to | you on this happy day. -- Now for the main sentence. --

Re: Should I write it in 1 or 2 sentences in this case?

mister micawber — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:48:27 GMT

Please don't double-post. Get your thoughts in order to be sure you have completed your idea before posting. #1-- comma before and after 'for example'. #2-- can't be done that way: the second part is a sentence fragment.

Re: Comma + modifier + comma

mister micawber — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:46:12 GMT

'For example', like 'namely' and 'for instance', always takes commas fore and aft.

Comma + modifier + comma

uktous — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:56:56 GMT

Hi, Someone told me that: It is compulsory to write commas both before and after a modifier. In following 2 sentences, "for example" is a modifier. Are my sentence grammatically correct? Sentence1: I have a lot of achievements , for example, 90 points in exam A, 80 points in exam B and 70 points in exam C. Sentence2: He , for example, is a good man. Can I use "for example" as a conjunction? If yes, do i still need to write a comma after "for example"? Thanks

Re: Firstly, secondly, finally

antonija — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:11:10 GMT

What should I put instead of semi-colon, a comma or -?

Re: Within minutes

philip — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:40:38 GMT

I think the pronoun 'they' is appropriate here because its antecedent is so far removed and separated by phrases separated by commas.

Re: Should there be a comma after the word thus?

clive — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:21:58 GMT

Hi, To some extent, it's a subjective matter of style, and it also depends a lot on the context. Finally, in modern English we try if possible to avoid having a lot of commas. Here are a few examples of how I would write. He tried to carry a piano downstairs by himself, overbalanced and caught his leg in the railings. Thus, he broke his ankle. He tried to carry a piano downstairs by himself, overbalanced, caught his leg in the railings, and thus broke his ankle. Clive

Re: The older......the greater

doctor d — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:47:43 GMT

Both versions are correct (except for the extra space before the comma), but the first is clearer.

Should I write it in 1 or 2 sentences in this case?

uktous — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:15:07 GMT

Hi, Which sentence is grammatically correct? Someone suggests that itis compulsory to write a comma after "for example", is it true? Sentence1: I have a lot of achievements , for example 90 points in exam A, 80 points in exam B and 70 points in exam C. Sentence2: I have a lot of achievements. For example, 90 points in exam A, 80 points in exam B and 70 points in exam C. Thanks Is it compulsory to write a comma after "for example"?

Please Check

alda1119 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:45:34 GMT

Moreover,God's inpired Word, the Holy Bible,also sacred. Is this correct? Is it better if I use "is" to replace the second comma? Thanks! Just recovered my password..^^

Re: Is this sentence correct?

doctor d — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:33:53 GMT

Forward should be forwarded to match processed (both in the past) and the comma is not needed. Your application has been processed and forwarded to the committee for review.

Re: Grammar

grammar geek — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:37:54 GMT

I agree with Amy - none seem incorrect to me, though I would probably combine "will not" to make "won't." It's true the comma isn't needed, but that the difference between what the rulebook says is correct (don't separate the subject from the verb with a comma) and using writing to read the way it would sound; there would naturally be a pause there, and the comma makes that clear. (Grammar aside, I find it an odd thing to say. It sounds like it's something being given rather resentfully, with an unstated aspect that says "You'd better be grateful for what I'm doing for you.")

Re: Grammar

gleb_chebrikoff — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:43:17 GMT

Hello, Mariott, 1. I hope this will make you happy and will not be forgotten.- correct; no comma before and when the subject of the second clause is ellipted, as shown by the materials in the Survey of English Usage. 2. I hope this will make you happy, and will not be forgotten.- correct, but less preferable because of the comma (in fact, much rarer than #1) 3. I hope this will make you happy and not be forgotten.- incorrect, the first verb phrase is positive, while the second one is negative; therefore, will should not be ellipted 4. I hope this will make you happy, and not be forgotten.- incorrect, comma + will Respectfully, Gleb Chebrikoff

Re: Commas

grammar geek — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:39:53 GMT

Hi and welcome to the forums. You need the comma.

Commas

007606259 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:25:09 GMT

In the following sentence , do I need to place a comma after the introductory participial phrase? Walking in the street, the boy spotted one of his friends. I have read a grammar book, which mentions that you only need to separate the introductory phrase or clause from the sentence if it is adverbial, but I have also read another source on the internet which says that you must place a comma after an introductory phrase containing a participle.

Re: Coordinate or non-coordinate adjectives?

doctor d — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:59:49 GMT

Use commas when the adjectives are of equal weight (modify the noun equally). If you can simply reverse the order of the adjectives, then you probably need a comma In the first phrase, I think "small" modifies "circular" more than it does "piece of metal," so I would not include a comma. The phrase "a circular small piece of metal" sounds wrong. In the case of the adjectives modifying "piece of cloth," they are of equal weigh and their order can be shifted ("a white, soft piece of cloth"), so the comma should be included.

Re: Disproportionately / SO AS TO

avangi — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:02:31 GMT

1 A dog's brain is disproportionately small (compared) to the size of head. Among mammals, a dog's brain is disproportionately small for his head. 2 She knows him so well as to be able to write a message in his place and people would think it was him. (is the SO AS TO form only used with the negative form?) The form is okay here, but less common than "She knows him well enough to be able etc." Casually, you could add a comma and continue with the second clause as nonessential. I think you rather intend it as two non-finite clauses, or infinitive phrases, or whatevertheheck: ". . . . well enough to be able . . . and to have people think it was X." That is, use a parallel structure. Without a comma, the...

Re: A question regarding participles

dimsumexpress — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:46:56 GMT

I see it this way: The first one: " Standing at the gate , James was stung by a scorpion . Standing- is used as a particple phrase. " James was stung by a scorpion standing at the gate ". Even being transposed, "standing at the gate" still serves the same purpose and is legal which is modiying the main clause, not the scorpian. However, if we transpose the 2nd one, the meaning is not the same. The way it stands, it means the "girl standing at the gate". With transposition, it would mean, James was standing at the door when he saw a girl. " James saw a girl " Also, it's worth mentioning that the adverbial phrase in the second sentence is not seperated...

Re: Two Inquiries: Intransitive vs. Transitive problem? and Relative Pronoun positions.

gleb_chebrikoff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:26:26 GMT

Good evening, Chris, these are thought-provoking questions you have asked, and here is my opinion backed up by data from authoritative sources. 1. The possibility of tell filling the slot of talk in the example sentence seems questionable at first glance, and rightly so. Out of sixteen meanings of tell half of them are purely transitive (monotransitive or ditransitive); the other half may be used intransitively, but with implications such as to serve as an indication ( Her blush told of her embarrassment ) or to have or produce an impact, effect, or strain ( Every step told on his bruised feet ), etc, which, in all honesty, have little to do with the meaning suggested in your example. There is, however, one point which almost exactly...

Re: Punctuation: does this count as a serial comma?

arbizonne — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:41:51 GMT

Yes, that makes perfect sense. Cheers! Any idea if they still count as serial commas if you're not listing nouns?