Is that comma needed?

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

“The problem is, the parliamentarians see watta satta as a matter of personal issue between families, instead of a social evil,” said Farooq Tariq, an activist.

Is the comma after “is” needed?

Thanks.

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2

I would use that in this sentence instead of a comma, so:

The problem is that the parliamentarians see watta satta as a matter of a personal issue between families, instead of a social evil," said Farooq Tariq, an activist.

  • a personal issue, since issue is a countable noun.

Hope this helps.

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3

The comma is not necessary. It may be removed, or replaced with the conjunction ‘that’ as Masme says.

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4

I quite agree. There is no need for the comma. A comma would destroy the continuity where the ‘problem’ is being explained.

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5

Many thanks, Alan.

Both are prohibited.

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