Reply #64: Comma [View All]

[Behind the Aegis]

The comma makes it appear that two groups were being discussed. However, it could also be that only one group was being discussed; thus the confusion.*

If you read any of my other posts, I said it would have been more prudent and diplomatic for the SWC to ask for clarification, explaining why it was needed. I have not said that the SWC didn't screw up.

*The operative, and confusing, word is "some." He talks about "some" minorities. The implication is there is more than one. Then, he uses two examples. It is possible both examples were for the same group or two different groups, possibly more. But, the last phrase changes from multiple to singular. This could imply that the descriptions were, in fact, about the same minority. Often, but not always (as shown in this sentence), a "comma" can replace the word "and." Usually, that occurs when there is more than two subjects, but that is not always the case. An example would be: "I hate uncooked foods, canned, seal-wrapped, and off-the bone." Only one thing, uncooked food, was being discussed. The other example: "I hate uncooked foods, including sea-dwelling, those which are similar and have the same smell, here in my kitchen, an uncooked food is not welcome." With this last sentence, am I saying only uncooked seafood is not welcome, or am I saying that uncooked seafood and things that smell like it are un-welcomed?