Does this sentence have any error?

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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Blackstenius
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Does this sentence have any error?

Post by Blackstenius »

"The book's themes are romance, vengeance, and reincarnation, if it's a real thing."

Need some help. Is the above sentence grammatically correct? If not, can I get an explanation of the error?
The gift turned out to be a curse. They killed him with kindness.
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MsH2k
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Post by MsH2k »

Blackstenius wrote: 19 Mar 2023, 18:16 "The book's themes are romance, vengeance, and reincarnation, if it's a real thing."

Need some help. Is the above sentence grammatically correct? If not, can I get an explanation of the error?
The last clause, "if it’s a real thing,” strikes me as a possible issue. References such as the following Purdue OWL link recommend not including a comma before a dependent clause that follows the main clause. But I have received conflicting advice about comma usage in this situation from various grammar checkers in the past, and it depends on your intent. Including the comma also makes the final clause possibly unclear as to which of the previous three items it refers to. See discussion point #8 on free modifiers in the link. The best bet may be to reword the sentence.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writ ... ommas.html
"Knowing what must be done does away with fear."
Rosa Parks
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Blackstenius
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Post by Blackstenius »

MsH2k wrote: 19 Mar 2023, 18:56
Blackstenius wrote: 19 Mar 2023, 18:16 "The book's themes are romance, vengeance, and reincarnation, if it's a real thing."

Need some help. Is the above sentence grammatically correct? If not, can I get an explanation of the error?
The last clause, "if it’s a real thing,” strikes me as a possible issue. References such as the following Purdue OWL link recommend not including a comma before a dependent clause that follows the main clause. But I have received conflicting advice about comma usage in this situation from various grammar checkers in the past, and it depends on your intent. Including the comma also makes the final clause possibly unclear as to which of the previous three items it refers to. See discussion point #8 on free modifiers in the link. The best bet may be to reword the sentence.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writ ... ommas.html
Thank you.
The gift turned out to be a curse. They killed him with kindness.
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MsH2k
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 4723
Joined: 31 Jul 2019, 11:11
Favorite Book: Crushing
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 366
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-msh2k.html
Latest Review: Lilleah by eelonqa K harris

Post by MsH2k »

Blackstenius wrote: 19 Mar 2023, 19:15
MsH2k wrote: 19 Mar 2023, 18:56
Blackstenius wrote: 19 Mar 2023, 18:16 "The book's themes are romance, vengeance, and reincarnation, if it's a real thing."

Need some help. Is the above sentence grammatically correct? If not, can I get an explanation of the error?
The last clause, "if it’s a real thing,” strikes me as a possible issue. References such as the following Purdue OWL link recommend not including a comma before a dependent clause that follows the main clause. But I have received conflicting advice about comma usage in this situation from various grammar checkers in the past, and it depends on your intent. Including the comma also makes the final clause possibly unclear as to which of the previous three items it refers to. See discussion point #8 on free modifiers in the link. The best bet may be to reword the sentence.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writ ... ommas.html
Thank you.
My pleasure.
"Knowing what must be done does away with fear."
Rosa Parks
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