quick comma question!

[weepootle]

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

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.

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

1

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.

Thanks stealth, I'll stick with that.

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.

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

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