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Pedants' corner

quick comma question!

7 replies

weepootle · 21/07/2011 22:14

I'm writing a letter and have no idea where the comma(s) should go Blush.

Is it:

  1. ........... and I am, at present, on a one month course...
  2. ........... and I am at present, on a one month course...
  3. ........... and I am, at present on a one month course...
  4. ........... and I am at present on a one month course...
  5. none of the above!


I've placed them in my order of preference.
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StealthPolarBear · 21/07/2011 22:16

I'd do 1 but don't think there are any hard and fast rules, just however it sounds better

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KatyMac · 21/07/2011 22:19

1

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puzzlesum · 21/07/2011 22:19

It's number 1 in my opinion, but you can avoid it by either putting the 'at present' at the end, or omitting it entirely. Since the fact you're writing about it in the present tense indicates you are on the course at present, if you see what I mean.

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weepootle · 21/07/2011 22:22

Thanks stealth, I'll stick with that.

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weepootle · 21/07/2011 22:26

puzzlesum, earlier in the paragraph I have 'I am currently...' which tells the bigger picture so couldn't use that again but I think putting 'at present' at the end could work; I'll see which I prefer, thanks.

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Hevian · 28/07/2011 04:03

1 or 4; they're equally correct. None of the others though.

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Tortoiseonthehalfshell · 28/07/2011 04:07

1 or 4. The comma acts like a parenthesis in this context, insomuch as you have to 'close' the phrase with a second comma.

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