Comma Confusion

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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Kaitlyn Canedy
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Comma Confusion

Post by Kaitlyn Canedy »

Hi,

I am in dire need of advice. I am certain that the following comma is not an error, but I wanted to ask just to be sure. I am certain that it is stylistic.

"Grammatical rules are hard to understand, as there are so many to learn."

Thanks.
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MsH2k
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Post by MsH2k »

Katie Canedy wrote: 14 Aug 2021, 01:04 Hi,

I am in dire need of advice. I am certain that the following comma is not an error, but I wanted to ask just to be sure. I am certain that it is stylistic.

"Grammatical rules are hard to understand, as there are so many to learn."

Thanks.
The comma is fine. In this case, it seems that “as” means “because,” so including a comma is appropriate. This link has been a lifesaver for me. It explains this situation well: https://www.magnumproofreading.com/post ... -before-as
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Oluwafemi Olabode
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Post by Oluwafemi Olabode »

Thanks for this clarification.
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Helen Akoth
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Post by Helen Akoth »

Katie Canedy wrote: 14 Aug 2021, 01:04 Hi,

I am in dire need of advice. I am certain that the following comma is not an error, but I wanted to ask just to be sure. I am certain that it is stylistic.

"Grammatical rules are hard to understand, as there are so many to learn."

Thanks.
I agree with you that the comma is not an error. There should always be a comma before ‘as’ when it has been used as an equivalent of ‘because.’ This prevents ambiguity since ‘as’ can also be used in similies to do comparisons. So, “Grammatical rules are hard to understand, as there are so many to learn.” is very correct.
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Kaitlyn Canedy
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 3253
Joined: 28 Jul 2019, 20:55
Favorite Author: Napoleon Hill
Favorite Book: Too Old Too Soon
Currently Reading: Totem
Bookshelf Size: 507
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kaitlyn-canedy.html
Latest Review: The Date Farm by Jack Winnick
2024 Reading Goal: 12
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Post by Kaitlyn Canedy »

Helen Akoth wrote: 03 Feb 2022, 12:41
Katie Canedy wrote: 14 Aug 2021, 01:04 Hi,

I am in dire need of advice. I am certain that the following comma is not an error, but I wanted to ask just to be sure. I am certain that it is stylistic.

"Grammatical rules are hard to understand, as there are so many to learn."

Thanks.
I agree with you that the comma is not an error. There should always be a comma before ‘as’ when it has been used as an equivalent of ‘because.’ This prevents ambiguity since ‘as’ can also be used in similies to do comparisons. So, “Grammatical rules are hard to understand, as there are so many to learn.” is very correct.
Thank you Helen for the reply. I was thinking the same thing, but I was unsure.
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Post by Samuel Mamo »

I do not see any comma error dire.
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