Which of these sentence versions is correct?

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.

Moderator: Official Reviewer Representatives

Post Reply
User avatar
Blackstenius
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 521
Joined: 30 Nov 2022, 06:33
Favorite Book: The Magician's Secret
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 51
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-blackstenius.html
Latest Review: Amora by Grant Hallstrom

Which of these sentence versions is correct?

Post by Blackstenius »

1. He becomes angry and bitter, and two years after their divorce, Sean is yet to move on.

2.He becomes angry and bitter and, two years after their divorce, Sean is yet to move on.

Which among the two is correctly punctuated, and why?
The gift turned out to be a curse. They killed him with kindness.
User avatar
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: 06 Apr 2023, 07:10 1. He becomes angry and bitter, and two years after their divorce, Sean is yet to move on.

2.He becomes angry and bitter and, two years after their divorce, Sean is yet to move on.

Which among the two is correctly punctuated, and why?
Hi,

Both sentences are technically correct.

In #1, the first comma is before the coordinating conjunction separating two independent clauses, and the second comma is after the adverbial phrase “two years after their divorce” that introduces the second independent clause.
https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/commas ... junctions/
https://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons ... uction.htm

The commas in #2 are a bit more nuanced. There is no comma before the coordinating conjunction, but some style guides do not require it, and OBC does not follow a particular style guide. The first reference above mentions this as well. In this sentence, the commas used indicate “two years after their divorce” is not an essential element and the meaning of the sentence would not change if the phrase were omitted. If this is the intent, the commas are fine.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writ ... ments.html

You didn’t ask :) , but I would recommend sticking with #1. The comma usage is more straightforward, and if this is part of a review, it may save you a recheck request.
"Knowing what must be done does away with fear."
Rosa Parks
User avatar
Blackstenius
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 521
Joined: 30 Nov 2022, 06:33
Favorite Book: The Magician's Secret
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 51
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-blackstenius.html
Latest Review: Amora by Grant Hallstrom

Post by Blackstenius »

MsH2k wrote: 06 Apr 2023, 12:21
Blackstenius wrote: 06 Apr 2023, 07:10 1. He becomes angry and bitter, and two years after their divorce, Sean is yet to move on.

2.He becomes angry and bitter and, two years after their divorce, Sean is yet to move on.

Which among the two is correctly punctuated, and why?
Hi,

Both sentences are technically correct.

In #1, the first comma is before the coordinating conjunction separating two independent clauses, and the second comma is after the adverbial phrase “two years after their divorce” that introduces the second independent clause.
https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/commas ... junctions/
https://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons ... uction.htm

The commas in #2 are a bit more nuanced. There is no comma before the coordinating conjunction, but some style guides do not require it, and OBC does not follow a particular style guide. The first reference above mentions this as well. In this sentence, the commas used indicate “two years after their divorce” is not an essential element and the meaning of the sentence would not change if the phrase were omitted. If this is the intent, the commas are fine.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writ ... ments.html

You didn’t ask :) , but I would recommend sticking with #1. The comma usage is more straightforward, and if this is part of a review, it may save you a recheck request.
Haha, I guess it's already too late. Yes, it's part of, and a recheck would be necessary. Thank you for the response.
The gift turned out to be a curse. They killed him with kindness.
Post Reply

Return to “International Grammar”