Commas, commas, commas

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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Samuel Windybank
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Icon Commas, commas, commas

Post by Samuel Windybank »

I have some questions about commas. Apparently I’ve used them wrong in one of my reviews. I disagree with what the editor has said, so was wondering what the consensus here is.
Two mistakes I agree with and that’s fine. There are two that I don’t.

1. Will Peter overcome his own, personal demons?

2. However, the, sometimes, colourful language...

The first lists two characteristics of the ‘demons’ so they should be separated by a comma. Correct?

For the second, the editor has said the comma after ‘the’ is unnecessary. However, sometimes is an interjection and so should have a comma before and after. Correct?

This is what I was taught at university and is what I’ve always done. I’ve never been told either are incorrect.

What are your thoughts?
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MrsCatInTheHat
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Post by MrsCatInTheHat »

There should not be a comma in sentence 1.

There should not be a comma after "the" in sentence 2.

If you decide to request a recheck, make sure you include support for your reasoning. This would typically be a website that has the necessary information.
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Samuel Windybank
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Post by Samuel Windybank »

CatInTheHat wrote: 23 Jun 2020, 07:09 There should not be a comma in sentence 1.

There should not be a comma after "the" in sentence 2.

If you decide to request a recheck, make sure you include support for your reasoning. This would typically be a website that has the necessary information.
Why is this the case? Can you tell me why, or can you recommend some reading material I can look up and learn from?
😊 thanks
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inaramid
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Post by inaramid »

Agree with CatInTheHat. This response is a bit late, but here's how I see it:

1. "Own" here is used as an adjective that works as a unit with another adjective ("personal"). Don't place a comma between cumulative adjectives such as these.

INCORRECT: I was almost completely in my own, little world.
CORRECT: I was almost completely in my own little world.
**Example from the Oxford Learners' Dictionary

INCORRECT: Will Peter overcome his own, personal demons?
CORRECT: Will Peter overcome his own personal demons?

2. "Sometimes" is an adverb that can modify an adjective, verb, or adverb. Don't enclose the word with commas.

INCORRECT: The, sometimes, happy thing about a poor economy and death...
CORRECT: The sometimes happy thing about a poor economy and death...
**Example from the web

INCORRECT: However, the, sometimes, colourful language...
CORRECT: However, the sometimes colourful language...

There are words called conjunctive adverbs (however, moreover, therefore, etc.) that are enclosed by commas when used in the middle of sentences:

His statements, therefore, are only made...
She said, however, that she is not...

"Sometimes" is not one of them.

AWKWARD: The author, sometimes, writes in...
OKAY: The author sometimes writes in...
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Samuel Windybank
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Post by Samuel Windybank »

inaramid wrote: 07 Jul 2020, 22:48 Agree with CatInTheHat. This response is a bit late, but here's how I see it:

1. "Own" here is used as an adjective that works as a unit with another adjective ("personal"). Don't place a comma between cumulative adjectives such as these.

INCORRECT: I was almost completely in my own, little world.
CORRECT: I was almost completely in my own little world.
**Example from the Oxford Learners' Dictionary

INCORRECT: Will Peter overcome his own, personal demons?
CORRECT: Will Peter overcome his own personal demons?

2. "Sometimes" is an adverb that can modify an adjective, verb, or adverb. Don't enclose the word with commas.

INCORRECT: The, sometimes, happy thing about a poor economy and death...
CORRECT: The sometimes happy thing about a poor economy and death...
**Example from the web

INCORRECT: However, the, sometimes, colourful language...
CORRECT: However, the sometimes colourful language...

There are words called conjunctive adverbs (however, moreover, therefore, etc.) that are enclosed by commas when used in the middle of sentences:

His statements, therefore, are only made...
She said, however, that she is not...

"Sometimes" is not one of them.

AWKWARD: The author, sometimes, writes in...
OKAY: The author sometimes writes in...
Thanks for this! It’s the exact clarification I was after! Cheers
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