Do we put commas for the following synthesis question using except? Some assessment books put commas while others do not. Or are both answers correct?
All the boys attended the birthday party. Joe and Harry did not.
Answer 1: All the boys except Joe and Harry attended the birthday party.
Answer 2: All the boys, except Joe and Harry, attended the birthday party.
Thanks.
sandyang
I think they are both correct, but with the commas it makes the sentence break up, so it is easier to read! Answer 1 is just telling the situation, but Answer 2 is giving more focus on the fact that Joe and Harry are not attending.
ChiefKiasu
While both may be acceptable by today’s standards, I think (2) is still the correct answer. Lesson to be learnt: don’t be stingy with commas 🙂
DanKoh
Yes, commas make the sentence more readable. But commas can also indicate that the information contained within is not important (“non-restrictive”) to understanding the sentence or conveying your meaning. For example, you could include commas in “My favourite colours, blue and green, are on this shirt” if the exact colours are not important to your meaning.
