Which part is correctly punctuated?

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

  1. The bottom line for our feathered companions seems to be that we need to start early when introducing
    novelty and, in later life, give them plenty of time to adapt to new items.

  2. The bottom line for our feathered companions seems to be that we need to start early when introducing novelty, and in later life, give them plenty of time to adapt to new items.

Regarding the parts in bold, which is correctly punctuated, the part in sentence 1 or in sentence 2?

Thanks.

1 Like
2

The first one.

The commas are used to set off the additional information “in later life”. Only the additional information should be enclosed in commas. The word ‘and’ is essential, not additional information.

Remove the parts inside the commas.

  1. We need to start early when introducing novelty and give them plenty of time to adapt.
  2. We need to start early when introducing novelty give them plenty of time to adapt.

By removing additional information, the sentence should still make sense. The first sentence still makes sense. The second sentence doesn’t.

5 Likes