difficult punctuation question: Such a path that he chose to take, is dangerous.

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Such a path that he chose to take, is dangerous.

Such a path, that he chose to take, is dangerous.

The first means the EXACT same thing right, since SUCH defines the PATH all by itself and HE CHOSE TO TAKE is not a necessary part of its definition?

Thank you.

2

Hi ConfidenceMan,

I think your punctuation is incorrect in your first sentence but fine in the second. The detached attributive clause in #2 is non-restrictive :lol:

3

I think you chose the wrong emoticon. :lol:

4

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The comma in the first sentence is wrong and must be omitted because it improperly separates the subject and the verb.
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5

Are you certain? Because I put it there for clarity. Thanks.

6

Yes, Amy is right - you can’t seperate the predicate from the subject here.

7

What do you guys think of this rule? Thanks.

Fowler’s Modern English Usage demonstrates an optional use of commas with two sentences differing only by a comma:

  • The teacher beat the scholar with a whip. A simple description.
  • The teacher beat the scholar, with a whip. Expression of outrage.
    o An alternative interpretation is that the second example represents a comma used to remove an ambiguity — to clarify that it was the teacher, not the scholar, who had the whip.
8

‘The teacher beat the scholar - with a whip!’ - that’s an expression of outrage!

Yes, an alternative interpretation could indeed mean that the comma clarifies the manner. But there is no ambiguity as to who does the beating!

9

Oh well, I don’t know.

I use the comma to separate a restrictive clause with the general clause.

Aren’t there any other individual than me, who make such usage of the comma?

10

Here’s a link for you - restrictiveness in English.

11

Yes, I know that; however, I just thought I could take the liberty to deviate from the usual usage, the common norm, English not having an official authority in the matter of grammar. I just find the separating a restrictive clause with the general clause to have an unique aesthetic beauty in style.

12

You’re right, when it comes to using une virgule, your more flexible in English (than in i.e. French). But in German, for example, you are even more flexible (or, to be precise, at most times bound to obligation) to use a comma in places where it’d seem odd in English.

13

Hi CM

Here is a site that you might find useful. Number 9 on that page is especially relevant to this thread:
grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
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