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Pastimes : SI Grammar and Spelling Lab

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To: The Philosopher who wrote (3168)	7/15/1999 10:04:00 PM
From: E	Read Replies (1) of 4711

I know I'm late in weighing in on this matter of the comma, but... 1. <<<"Nonsense. If we had a decent educational system, everybody would use it at least once a month.">>> and 2. <<<"Nonsense. If we had a decent educational system everybody would use it at least once a month.">>> are sentences quite different in authorial tone, and therefore in meaning. The comma in number 1 makes the sentence a rather placid observation, or speculation. The sentence with the comma has almost no emotional force. Bemusement, or at most a certain ruefulness, is conveyed. The absence of the conventional ("correct") comma in number 1 is felt by the reader, and gives the sentence drive. The absence of that comma conveys a specific authorial attitude toward the existing educational system--one containing an element of disgust or bitterness. IMO, it was entirely appropriate, in fact, skillful, of Christopher to omit the comma in that sentence, as that small touch subtly evokes for the reader Christopher's emotions toward the educational system he mentions.

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