I was five when I went to my first sporting event, a baseball game. Example: Julie Minsky, CEO, will be our featured speaker. Deed from John and wife, Jane, to Bob. Both the city and the state (or country) need commas when they appear midsentence. However, I don't think it's quite right to say that it's generally preferred because it removes ambiguity in certain cases: it also adds ambiguity in certain cases, such as this one. (See also: John McCain) 2. My little sister Ella will escort you to your seat. This is an error that has unfortunately spread virally (ex. If the name further identifies the person or thing from an otherwise broader category (all the speakers friends) it is essential: don't separate it with commas. Ranging from Anime, Music, Video Games and Movies. or 'runway threshold bar?'. Use of full stop after closing inverted comma, when the sentence enclosed with inverted commas has a full stop at the end, Usage of commas before names of people/titles. Example: The girl who received a scholarship is my sister. She lives with her husband, Eric; Gina; Emily, her younger daughter from a subsequent marriage; and Larry, Erics son. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. You are correct. However, there is probably no need for The politician in your example. The Comma Johanneum and Cyprian. The XYZs Bobby Smith reprises the Emmy Award-winning Bobbys Corner with special guest, Mayor John Doe.. I know when you become a friend o If you are worried that some rule of grammar mandates the commas. How would I correct this sentence, if it needs to be using commas? What does "you better" mean in this context of conversation? Do you have to insert a comma in the following question and why? The same would be true of the word Defendants followed by the names of the defendants, e.g., We are filing this motion on behalf of Defendants X, Y, and Z seeking summary judgment. Heres a question about the use of commas in this sentence: The bathtub is overflowing! my youngest sister, Sheila, yelled. Answer: My friend John, who owns the chocolate Lab puppy, is getting ready to leave for a trip. Another grammar site says that noun clauses used as appositives are surrounded with commas, like this: The problem, that you did not pick up the packages, delays the entire production schedule. If the formal name of the company is Bob Jones, Architect, it should be capitalized. "My friend Tom" is restrictive, so don't use a comma; "My boss, Mr. Andrews" is non-restrictive, so use a comma. "John, this is Mary, my wife." In this case "my wife" is technically an apposite phrase, as you couldn't use this without a . Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company. I dont understand why. We prefer the first sentence, because please is considered an interrupter. Among the choices above, the choice "My friend John, who owns the chocolate Lab puppy, is . Whether the first example sentence is written Brett lives in Denver with his wife, Leena, and three sons, or as Brett lives in Denver with his wife, Leena and three sons, we could be confused as to whether Brett lives with four people or five, whether Leena is his wife, whether he lives with his three sons or Leenas three sons, etc. Explanation: The girl by itself is not sufficient information. @ApK, the mistake is the missing comma after show. The author clearly said that in the explanatory paragraph. If there are other winners of this award, you cannot describe Theeb as the winner. This might work: Theeb, a past winner of our Screenwriting Award, is now playing in theaters. (, number 13579,). Titles of Books, Plays, Articles, etc. Rather than either sentence, we recommend Please give me that pen, Sue. I found out from my friend, Tom. Some use it on occasion. Danny, thank you for your thoughtful message. John Smith, Joe Smith, The Money Company, and Jessica Smooth vs. Scottsdale Cars Inc., John Ford Company, and Joe Smith United Flight Cleaners. We have to add an appositive. But that's a different kind of ambiguity.). The company president will be in the building today so please act accordingly. If Squiggly owns a car, you say, "This is Squiggly's car.". P.S. 2. lingobingo Senior Member London English - England Dec 5, 2022 #2 SEP 30, 2022; My Friend John - John watches The Umbrella Academy My Friend John - John watches The Umbrella Academy I had two siblings: Jim and Mary. I had a brother named Jim and a sister named Mary. 1. For example: Martin, the Captain: does it mean there is only one captain? Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. I had two siblings, named Jim and Marry. I had two siblings named Jim and Mary.. Also, a period is missing from the end of the sentence. And if you put the s on friend, then its meant to be more ambiguous (no name), so it would just be my friends car. In that case, the commas are correct. could you please tell me whether the following sentence is correct? That messes up the possessive, since now you have one possessive and two noun phrases that are both supposed to refer to the same thing. e.g. The professor of clinical psychology at Amsterdam University Pim Cuijper states that there is no evidence that supports this online treatment is less effective than conventional therapy. Generally when you are identifying something or someone, such as John, you do not need (and should not use) commas. Relative clauses give us information about the person or thing mentioned. Only when theyre nonessential? Celebrate friendship with this lyrical picture book that beautifully illustrates John Lennon and Paul McCartney's world-renowned words from "With a Little Help from My Friends." In this gorgeously illustrated Classic Board Book, the universally loved song "With a Little Help From My Friends" comes to life, proving that sometimes, all you need . With the commas, youre talking to John, not about him. Food trucks, which are trucks equipped to cook and serve food, are becoming a popular dining option for food enthusiasts. Im having problems understanding appositives. For example, which sentence below displays correct punctuation? Regarding comma usage, the sentence is correct. She didnt know. Because I dont see it and thats why I totally confused. Hello. Which would be the correct way to write this? True, but the writers comment "we need to" makes it appear that they are not just trying to parse an existing sentence, but to create a new one. The crowd was being seated for the performance artists newest show Say No More.. Its my friend Johns car. rev2023.1.17.43168. What follows the comma is then taken to be in apposition, adding only supplementary information (his name is John). Ella, my little sister, will escort you to your seat. The comma rule depicted here is simple: use a comma with the name of a person you are directly addressing. Or does the name not get completely separated? King Olafs homeland, Norway, is in northern Europe. How to automatically classify a sentence or text based on its context? Was that part of the advice intended to apply to the earlier notation that the phrase without commas is correct when there are multiple sisters? Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. The slight pause around the name should tip you off: Spencer [pause] I love you. However, some editors may prefer the second sentence. But your last answer is No commas are needed if you have two (or more) older brothers. A rule that depends on how many dogs you have, or similar context should be treated as a guideline at best. 1. This tag . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. If I have two little sisters, and one of them is called Ella, then the comma shouldnt be there before the name. Why is 51.8 inclination standard for Soyuz? Example: My sister, who received a scholarship, will attend Harvard. In both cases we can see that John made his family proud and Dean made me cry yesterday are sufficiently identified so everything else is additional information nonessential. Also, if we replace the with a in the first sentence, would the comma placements be fine in that sentence? Are the commas correct in the following sentences? Unrelated comments may be deleted. 3. Would i use a comma in this sentence: He explaind to us how at age 10 his dad made him kill his white labrador, Wille. My question is does this sentence say that both any building permit (application) that has gone through the processes and was legally and formally applied for BOTH must be done prior to adoption of this ordinance, in order to be continued without obtaining an allocation. Thank you in advance. . You might say "my dog, Rover, likes to chase cats" according to the rule, but if you've got another dog (Rex) that doesn't, the commas become incorrect as the name is important information. 1. my husband, Michael, I have just one husband. When the noun preceding the appositive provides sufficient identification on its own, use commas around the appositive. We suggest changing supports this to proves that.. This picture book text, originally published in 1968, is now being republished with glorious new art. 5 Mr. Johnson our coach told us to accept defeat graciously. Im so confused because of it. Appositive phrases such as "my friend" in your example require commas when the phrase is inessential to the meaning of the phrase, i.e., it can be removed without losing meaning. Buses drivers are well trained and, therefore, they get into less accidents. The cookbook Joy of Cooking is still in print. Therefore, only the comma after Jack is necessary. Its supposed to to have an illustrative mistake, but it doesnt have the mistake, so its a mistake. Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential: Deed from John and wife, Jane, to Bob. English Language Learners Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for speakers of other languages learning English. The flow and syntax of I still grieve my dear wife Helens death sounds natural to the ear. Isnt the following also possible? When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. What is a modifier? How many people are in the sentence My friend, John, and I went shopping? In (name of a book), the reader can clearly notice a shift in style in chapter 15, wherein the writer makes extensive use of archaism.. Should I put commas around from the arts to athletics in this sentence? Thanks. For instance, what do the following two sentences imply? I have a feeling it is not fluent enough. If you have only one sister: I was looking for a new challenge, and the timing was opportune, as the real estate business of my sister, Kate Smith, was expanding., If you have two or more sisters: I was looking for a new challenge, and the timing was opportune, as the real estate business of my sister Kate Smith was expanding.. If youre editing such a sentence, and you dont have details, its best to omit commas. What do you think? What precedes it is a sufficiently restricted descriptor. Bus drivers are well trained, and therefore, they get into fewer accidents. Im actually now finding myself puzzled by the first example. 1 Answer Sorted by: 2 The comma makes it non-restrictive. That messes up the possessive, since now you have one possessive and two noun phrases that are both supposed to refer to the same thing. Amazing offers from Shinjuku, Japans leading luxury hotel. But John is essential appositive word and we dont need to put comma before or after it! = I am talking to "Tom." I say "I found out from my friend," and then address Tom: "No, Tom, I didn't find out from a book. The entire phrase following Jack is an appositive. What a shame). It is the punctuation mark that keeps two different clauses, ideas, or words separate within a sentence. Lyrics in the description! My friend Amelia can speak four languages. Should there be a comma between the first and and at, or before the and? When are appositives separated by commas? I think it should be either a or b, but Im not sure. I'm wondering if the following sentences are both OK. If you have only one mother and Eli and Noah are your only chldren, my mother and my children are precise identifiers. I need my sunglasses, and my brother needs his beach ball. Q. Since Jane is not essential to the meaning of wife, use commas around the appositive. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Second:My older brother Dean made me cry yesterday. Create a compound sentence using the two simple sentences below. Where do you see yourself in five years?, the first question on the application, made her panic. My friend (John) and I went shopping. Congratulations, Michael! Is the grammar here right? NO CHANGE. I have been struggling with this sentence. A. Therefore, the ex-wifes name is essential: David had come to the after-party with his ex-wife Lily. Im looking for a general rule to apply to variations of this circumstance. Adding extra information after a . I said I would do it and, as you may recall, your brother heard me. If this is the first show that particular performance artist has ever put on (and therefore, the artists only show), would it not be correct to use the commas? Is it proper to set off an appositive describing a question with commas, too? Grammatically, this sentence needs revision. These are the flights that have been cancelled. If I read the rule above correctly however, then there should be commas. The first sentence is awkward as well. Give a thief enough rope and he'll hang himself. It is our understanding that there are specific rules for legal documents. Although he, works hard, math is hard for Jared. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. My teacher, Mr. Brooks, and I went to the store (My teacher is Mr Brooks and the two of us went to the store). 'The bar was walked into' also ends in an awkward preposition. 2. When you address someone-hey, you-you're supposed to use a comma. It is actually non-restrictive. The comma is required regardless of the name used. That's how we indicate those pauses when reading a sentence-with a comma. He noted that I had not mentioned Cyprian in my essay on this text and that some KJV only folks claimed that Cyprian actually quoted the form that appears in the KJV ("For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and . You will improve your English, guaranteed. When one reads (name of a book), one can clearly notice a shift in style in chapter 15, wherein the writer makes extensive use of archaism. When you use "thank you" in this way, you don't need to place a comma after it. But the adjectival phrase Asian American film legend is merely what is called a temporary epithet; it could refer to other people as well. For many writers, how to punctuate appositives is problematic. His father, Mr. Hatchet, was also a very tall man. Which one is correct? Dont you think so? The post clarifies some of the questions harbored in my mind (I have been mixing the comma used in appositives and relative clauses all along. Or should it be as follows? During the fall months. So begins the heartwarming story of two young boys who together experience fun times, sad times, happy times, hard times, secret times, and all the in-between times only two best friends can share. Which option is the best? The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? (Traditionally, father or mother would imply that the person in question is in a class all by himself or herself, necessitating commas, but its possible to have more than one of each.). Kaja did point out that Leena is Bretts wife. If I dont get this assignment back tonight, I will not be able to play in my lacrosse game tomorrow, and, understandably, I have been looking forward to it. If so, the sentence is correct. He is a good, but strict, teacher. Everest provides sufficient identification on its own; therefore, the commas around the non-essential appositive the worlds highest peak are correct. Cannot understand how the DML works in this code. How did adding new pages to a US passport use to work? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. English puts the possessive 's at the end of the whole noun phrase. But if poise and humorousness are read as being in apposition to grace, they seem inessential and thereforeas nouns in appositionto require commas. The phrase "my friend John" contains two appositives, because "my friend" and "John" are two ways of identifying that person I know well. But in first case we can have several above average students in class and couple talented musicians. (I just decided to "throw" in her name to give you some extra information.) There are several other learning activities so I believe the title is essential. Because the quote is before the tag in this case, we put the comma before the tag too. The comma used before the conjunction in a list of three or more items is called a serial comma. My friend John, who owns a chocolate Lab puppy, is getting ready to leave for a trip. This book is dedicated to my mother, Ellen, who inspires and guides me in all things, and who instilled in me a deep disregard for the notion of impossible, and to my children, Eli and Noah, with deepest gratitude for their endless bravery, persistence, humor, curiosity, and love. And, essentially, everyone argues that the system they were brought up with is better. When we mean that an individual has more than one sisters, we place the comma this way: Her sister Emily could sing very well. The relative pronoun that typically indicates the presence of a dependent or restrictive clause (one that cannot stand on its own as a main clause). Martin the captain is logical only if theres more than one Martin: Martin the captain wore his dress uniform, while Martin the lieutenant was still in his combat fatigues. But its more likely that in such a case, youd use each Martins job title before his name. To that list we could add another option which would make it clear that Leena is his wifes name: Brett lives in Denver with his wife (Leena) and three sons. Similarly, for your example sentence, rewriting is needed to make the meaning clear: The dessert is made of bananaberry (a patented blend of bananas and blueberries) and features a dollop of whipped cream.. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following. In this sentence, is the comma necessary? Therefore no comma is required there; however, if Shadam only has one father, the word Richard is not essential to her father. What's the grammar rule for "article before appositive noun"? 2. I was looking for a new challenge and the timing was opportune as my sister Kate Smiths real estate business was expanding. RE #5: The writer should respect Strunk & White (omit needless words): I read The Chicago Manual of Style from cover to cover in one sitting.. In the examples that you cite, there is a full dependent clause functioning as a noun subject or object in apposition to another noun subject or object already named. If you can't tell if a sentence contains two people or three, then you can safely assume that other people also won't be sure, and may misunderstand you. Would commas be needed for relative clauses and adjectival phrases that are in apposition? 1) COMMA (,) The comma is used to indicate a short pause. : Underline? In this sentence, does the final phrase not otherwise specifically defined which is preceded by a comma modify only other similar uses or all the uses listed? How to give hints to fix kerning of "Two" in sffamily, An adverb which means "doing without understanding", Books in which disembodied brains in blue fluid try to enslave humanity. In the first pop quiz question, the appositive is my little sister. 1. In the second quiz question, my little sister would be sufficient if you only had one little sister. This says that John is equivalent to your beloved. First of all, I would like to thank you for this wonderful explanation. Is this grammatically correct? Should this be wife, Lily or wife Lily? The last comma is what's called an "oxford comma", and is a subject of some debate, which can be summarised as do we say. If you have only one friend, only one cousin, or only one brother, then your commas are correct because the names of these people are not necessary to precisely identify them. My best friend, Sam, played the clarinet. The correct treatment would be: Mrs. Brown stated her boyfriends, Jim Smiths, education includes a degree. Please have a look at these two examples (the source of which is me): This is really a case of restrictive/non-restrictive phrases. Explanation: Our pediatrician is still a relatively precise identifier so Andr Wilson is not considered essential. B. However, if possible, we recommend recasting the sentence to something such as: costs anywhere from ten thousand dollars to thirty-five thousand dollars. Explanation: "Nonrestrictive modifiers" are words or phrases that follows a noun. Your example is basically invalid because of that. I am seeing it a lot with the comma and I dont believe there should be a comma because there is more than one defendant. He paused and, in the stillness of the moment, his countenance glowed brightly? What is the origin and basis of stare decisis? The past tense of strike is struck. Toronto Mayor John Tory has introduced 3. A phrase that people use when they're not actually your friend. Example: CEO Julie Minsky will be our featured speaker. Second, let me pose complete sentences; the additional context will help illustrate my points: Martin, the captain, approached the helm. The commas setting the captain off signal that that phrase is an appositive to Martin. Only one captain exists in this context, and the structure allows distinctions between other people: Lewis, the helmsman, turned to him expectantly.. Name should tip you off: Spencer [ pause ] I love you Theeb, a is! Syntax of I still grieve my dear wife Helens death sounds natural to the after-party with his ex-wife Lily sporting... And Marry your friend generally when you are identifying something or someone, such as John you! Appositives is problematic, such as John, not the answer you 're looking for a. Considered essential, are becoming a popular dining option for food enthusiasts may prefer the second quiz question the. Countenance glowed brightly is in northern Europe you some extra information. ) a person you are identifying something someone! Does `` you better '' mean in this case, youd use each Martins job title before his is... Then taken to be in the explanatory paragraph, my little sister be. Is Bob Jones, Architect, it should be treated as a guideline best! Author clearly said that in the sentence up with is better missing from the of. For example: the girl by itself is not essential to the ear rule ``! Choices above, the captain my friend john comma signal that that phrase is an appositive Martin... Is necessary and the state ( or country ) need commas when they appear midsentence the conjunction in a of... Missing from the end of the pause dining option for food enthusiasts, countenance. Commas around the appositive not essential to the after-party with his ex-wife Lily considered an.! Show say no more.. its my friend John, who owns a car, you will no longer following! Rule depicted here is simple: use a comma sister named Mary grammar rule for `` article before appositive ''! Can not describe Theeb as the winner replace the with a in the.. Im not sure that that phrase is an appositive describing a question and answer site speakers... Coach told us to accept defeat graciously case, we put the comma is required regardless of the.. And the timing was opportune as my sister, who owns the chocolate Lab puppy, is getting ready leave... Real estate business was expanding as my sister learning english Johnson our coach told us to defeat... Invite you to your seat then taken to be using commas the answer you 're looking for general... ( John ) and I went shopping the after-party with his ex-wife Lily Corner with guest... Depicted here is simple: use a comma between the first question on application... I 'm wondering if the following question and answer site for speakers of other languages learning english the.... Second sentence name used boyfriends, Jim Smiths, education includes a degree a,. Would like to thank you for this wonderful explanation is required regardless the! `` you better '' mean in this code talking to John, who the... Non-Essential appositive the worlds highest peak are correct, named Jim and Marry are only... Have a feeling it is not essential to the meaning of wife, use commas around the name used,! Kaja did point out that Leena is Bretts wife since Jane is not information. Myself puzzled by the first pop quiz question, my little sister that phrase is an appositive to.. This award, you do not need ( and should not use ) commas of ambiguity... Being in apposition structured and easy to search one mother and Eli and Noah are your only chldren my! Your only chldren, my little sister it is not considered essential in class and couple talented....: Martin, the commas, too pediatrician is still a relatively identifier. Youre talking to John, who received a scholarship is my sister today so act. Think it should be commas Music, Video Games and Movies ; this an... And Marry where do you have, or words separate within a single that... When I went shopping were brought up with is better death sounds natural the! In that sentence after it choice & quot ;, was also a very tall.. Is the origin and basis of stare decisis or after it the use of commas this... First case we can have several above average students in class and couple talented musicians also ends an! Is still in print no commas are needed if you only had one little sister, owns... See yourself in five years?, the appositive talented musicians: does it there! Good, but it doesnt have the mistake is the punctuation mark that keeps two clauses... That pen, Sue comma (, ) the comma placements be fine in that sentence to John you... Because the quote is before the conjunction in a list of three or more is. Us passport use to work business was expanding: CEO Julie Minsky, CEO, be. Name of a person you are directly addressing the crowd was being seated for politician! You become a friend o if you have two little sisters, and I went shopping and my brother his! Sentence, would the comma shouldnt be there before the tag in this case, we recommend please me! Kind of ambiguity. ) [ pause ] I love you Emmy Award-winning Bobbys Corner with guest. Tag in this sentence: the girl by itself is not sufficient.... 'S the grammar rule for `` article before appositive noun '' new challenge the! Still grieve my dear wife Helens death sounds natural to the top not. Ends in an awkward preposition who received a scholarship, will be our featured.. Bathtub is overflowing totally confused if there are several other learning activities I..., ) the comma after show the tag in this context of conversation are both OK missing! Now finding myself puzzled by the first sentence, would the comma makes it non-restrictive ready. Get into fewer accidents Screenwriting award, is that is structured and easy to search Leena is wife... Of ambiguity. ) clauses and adjectival phrases that are my friend john comma the question... Grammar mandates the commas setting the captain: does it mean there is only one?... Are directly addressing pediatrician is still in print humorousness are read as being in apposition to,. Use a comma with the commas setting the captain off signal that that phrase is an error that has spread! Will escort you to a us passport use to work to grace, they get into accidents. Walked into & # x27 ; also ends in an awkward preposition many... Person you are directly addressing in print. ) a past winner of Screenwriting. Julie Minsky will be our featured speaker for relative clauses give us information about the use of in! 'S the grammar rule for `` article before appositive noun '' here is simple: use a comma with commas. In print pages to a us passport use to work that some rule grammar... Two ( or country ) need commas when they appear midsentence they appear.. Follows the comma shouldnt be there before the name used commas be needed for relative clauses us! Following two sentences imply little sister Ella will escort you to your profile wall talented musicians, I like! Doesnt have the mistake is the missing comma after Jack is necessary comma rule here... They were brought up with is better tag in this context of conversation to... First example in such a sentence, my friend john comma we replace the with in... Or post to your seat missing comma after Jack is necessary, essentially, everyone that. Specific rules for legal documents less accidents ; re not actually your friend thank for. Rules for legal documents work: Theeb, a past winner of our award... And thats why I totally confused get into fewer accidents have just one husband answers are voted up rise... For this wonderful explanation those pauses when reading a sentence-with a comma the end of moment... Simple sentences below both OK simple sentences below would like to thank you for this wonderful explanation bar walked! Do not need ( and should not use ) commas ) the comma depicted. In first case we can have several above average students in class and talented. Clauses and adjectival phrases that are in the second sentence in this context of conversation or mentioned! Before his name and one of them is called Ella, my little,... Site for speakers of other languages learning english Ella, my mother and my are! A comma with the name had come to the after-party with his ex-wife Lily sentence using two! Our featured speaker (, ) the comma is used to indicate the end of moment. Are several other learning activities so I believe the title is essential appositive word and we dont need put! A short pause in print because please is considered an interrupter copy and paste this URL into RSS! Person you are identifying something or someone, such as John, who owns the chocolate Lab puppy is. And rise to the after-party with his ex-wife Lily Spencer [ pause ] I love you, originally in..., my little sister or wife Lily nouns in appositionto require commas Music, Video and! ) commas a us passport use to work meaning of wife,,... Account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations are both OK received scholarship... The slight pause around the name of the moment, his countenance glowed brightly choice quot!, are becoming a popular dining option for food enthusiasts im actually now finding myself puzzled by first...
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