I cannot understand the usage of comma after “chapel” in this sentence: Its long, damp passages, its narrow cells and ruined chapel, were to be within her daily reach, and she could not entirely subdue the hope of some traditional legends, some awful memorials of an injured and ill-fated nun. Why is a comma used … Read more
I was writing a sentence, and I later realized that this sentence might need punctuation. Which one would be the correct sentence: with a comma or without a comma Below are the topics we will be covering on Day-1. Below are the topics, we will be covering on Day-1. I think a comma is required … Read more
One common use of em dashes is to offset parenthetical phrases. But if a comma outside the parenthetical phrase immediately follows the parenthetical, what do you do with the comma? I realize that that explanation is a little long-winded and confusing, so here’s an example of a sentence that I’m unsure about (should there be … Read more
So, I’ve got the following list containing a nonessential phrase (“ultimately”), non-Oxford comma: stifling curiosity, creativity and, ultimately, progress. Is it then correct, when converted to an Oxford comma, to end up with this monstrosity? stifling curiosity, creativity, and, ultimately, progress. Answer Yes. You are applying two distinct comma guidelines consistently: The commas around a … Read more
I’m puzzled on why a comma is used in this sentence. “He showed admirable restraint, and refused to be provoked.” Independent and Dependent clause logic doesn’t work here. I saw this on Cambridge online dictionary for the word “restraint”. Answer A version with the repeated subject ‘he‘ would definitely have that comma before the coordinating … Read more
I am currently a student at a school with a fairly low english level. I live in a non-english country. I am bringing this up not becuase it really changes anything, but rather to clarify that the English we are learning should not really be judged on a university level. I understand that if I … Read more
Where should the commas be in this sentence? That was his sister Lucy’s pet hamster. Should there be a pair of commas surrounding ‘Lucy’s’? The possessive is throwing me off. Thanks 🙂 Answer The sentence as written is perfectly fine. That was his sister Lucy’s pet hamster. Most style guides will suggest that you use … Read more
Jack stood at the door, numb with pain. Am I right in putting a comma before the word numb? It’s not a comma splice because ‘numb with pain’ is not an independent clause. Without the comma, there is the irritating possibility of misreading the sentence as [door numb] like [red door]. Thanks Answer It may … Read more
“I believe in no God, no invisible man in the sky. But there is something more powerful than each of us, a combination of our efforts, a Great Chain of industry that unites us.” – Andrew Ryan What are the rules that permit the use of commas after the words “God”, “us” and “efforts”? Answer … Read more
“Bob asks if Sam remembers his cousin’s favourite hobby. Sam stares confused.” Is a comma needed after stares? Answer You need a comma, so that “confused” modifies Sam and not “stares.” Otherwise you could say, without a comma, Sam stares confusedly. AttributionSource : Link , Question Author : Jack , Answer Author : Xanne
