Can I write:
If, when you're writing, you need help spelling a word, then ask ...." (etc)...
Can I have commas there? Or it is grammatically incorrect?
I think it gives emphases to the series of components in the sentence.
Merci,
2007-08-14 15:49:36 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I think that the commas in your example are used correctly, but that clause could be left out altogether: "If you need help spelling a word..."
2007-08-14 16:07:51 · answer #1 · answered by Kat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grammar rules are changing...so my college educated daughter tells me. However, in my day it would have been...pretty much like yours.
However, having said that, eliminate all the commas and the if.
Like this:
When you are writing, ask if you need help.
If, when you're writing, you need help spelling a word, then ask ...." (etc)...
Can I have commas there? Or it is grammatically incorrect?
I think it gives emphases to the series of components in the sentence.
2007-08-14 16:02:00 · answer #2 · answered by pinkstealth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those commas are perfectly placed. I'm not sure I would have plopped the adverbial phrase "when you're writing" into the middle of the main clause, but then, I haven't seen the sentence in context with whatever it's a part of.
Oh, and "emphases" is plural, and rarely used. I think you want "emphasis".
2007-08-14 16:01:27 · answer #3 · answered by grizzie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the 2nd: those commas are maximum suitable and mandatory. the 1st comma separates 2 coordinate adjectives. the 2nd marks right here clause as non-needed. the 1st is right, yet is possibly somewhat puzzling by way of fact it crowds numerous commas mutually. the author is thinking the comments on the left and precise as parenthetical expressions and and is remarkable punctuating them. study the sentence as: "From up there, you may make out the suggestions of the rusted blades of Gul Daman's windmill (on the left) and (on the main suitable) all of Herat unfold below." the author intends the sentence to be study that way and has punctuated subsequently..
2016-11-12 08:59:47 · answer #4 · answered by kujala 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks great, you are using them correctly. One trick is to remember, if you can take out what is in between two commas and the sentence still makes sense, it is correct. Your assumptions are correct.
2007-08-14 15:59:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not improper, but you might consider just leaving out the "when you're writing" portion as it is understood that you are writing and just say: If you need help spelling a word, then ask..."
2007-08-14 15:59:17 · answer #6 · answered by neilster687 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I can see, (I proofread legal documents as part of my job) your usage of commas is grammatically correct.
2007-08-14 15:56:22 · answer #7 · answered by Lou C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you pause, you use a comma. Read the sentence out loud to see if you pause at that point. That is the easiest way to explain it. Your sentence looks fine.
2007-08-14 15:57:35 · answer #8 · answered by Tomasina and Nate P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the commas are correct the way you wrote them.
.
2007-08-14 15:56:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's grammatically correct. It sounds a little formal to my American ears, but it's definitely correct.
2007-08-14 15:57:24 · answer #10 · answered by Blargh F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋