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To: ProtectOurFreedom

Your comma is correct. It does make a difference whether or not you put it there though.
For example:
“eats, shoots and leaves” means exactly what you think.
“eats, shoots (like a gun), and leaves (exits the area).

Brits do not add a comma after and, but in American English, we do. (which I don’t understand why the Brits don’t..)

The comma placement changes the whole meaning.


54 posted on 11/18/2022 11:02:03 AM PST by Bikkuri (I am proud to be a PureBlood.)
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To: Bikkuri

I remember comma usage from my second quarter class of Freshman English, Winter, 1968.

From the Czar of Russia to the offical in a Russian jail.

Pardoned impossible, to be sent to Siberia

Pardoned, impossible to be sent to Siberia


87 posted on 11/18/2022 11:49:27 AM PST by Maine Mariner
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To: Bikkuri

But the real “eats shoots and leaves” talks about the panda’s diet.

“Eats, shoots and leaves” and “Eats, shoots, and leaves” mean exactly the same thing. The panda had a bite to eat, then shot the gun and then left the scene.

It’s the comma after “Eats” that changes the meaning. Not the second optional comma.


89 posted on 11/18/2022 11:50:40 AM PST by ProtectOurFreedom (If you're not part of the solution, you're just scumming up the bottom of the beaker!)
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