i'm just sayin', commas may function as interleaving elements in a list or enclosing elements in a clause, both usages being in evidence in the original sentence, but there is no distinct clause that would be enclosed by a comma after the word by
-
-
Replying to @chaosprime
You would be ending the list and it would affirm that the listed verbs all apply to the bit after "by".
1 reply 0 retweets 1 like -
Replying to @jenphalian
but commas don't terminate lists. it's "my parents, ayn rand, and god are those to whom this book is dedicated", not "my parents, ayn rand, and god, are those to whom this book is dedicated" the other function i could maybe see
1 reply 0 retweets 3 likes -
Replying to @chaosprime
It's the same reason that you offset "as a society" with commas though.
1 reply 0 retweets 2 likes -
Replying to @jenphalian
nuh uh, that's a subordinate clause the list isn't in a subordinate clause, if you took out "as a society" the only commas would be interleaving the list
1 reply 0 retweets 2 likes -
-
Replying to @jenphalian
it don't think it can be because the sentence's verb(s) are in it, and if it were there'd be an opening comma on it it looks like there is because of "as a society" but if you take that out it disappears
1 reply 0 retweets 2 likes -
-
Replying to @jenphalian
oh, i'm sorry! but yay i am glad we were able to jointly investigate this matter of mutual professional and personal concern, it bodes well for our impending nuptials
1 reply 0 retweets 4 likes -
Replying to @chaosprime
Ooh, did you just apologize for being right?! You're gonna be *such* a good Minnesotan!
1 reply 0 retweets 1 like
i do believe i did, i must have picked it up somewhere
-
-
Replying to @pattmayne @jenphalian
do you seriously think I'd explain my master-stroke if there remained the slightest chance of us affecting its outcome? we realized penises are tentacles thirty-five minutes ago
0 replies 0 retweets 3 likes
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.