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Bill,
It would not be the first time I saw such comma usage on this side of the
pond (I write from Ireland) but it's still incorrect. The original author
apparently wants to indicate that the frizzlebutser comes as standard and
thinks that a punctuated pause is necessary too. The logic is good, the
punctuation not so good. I think your options include the following:
1. The ACME frizzlebutser allows you to connect ...
2. The ACME frizzlebutser (supplied) allows you to connect...
3. The ACME frizzlebutser allows you to connect ... The frizzlebuster is
supplied as standard with the scadwanger.
or words to that effect.
dh
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Burns <BillDB -at- intl -dot- com> wrote:
> Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000 10:18:46 -0700
> X-Message-Number: 26
>
> I'm reviewing a document for a client who is following UK writing
> conventions... I ran across the following syntax, and I want to get the
> perspective of someone more familiar with conventions on the east
> side o' the pond, so to speak.
>
> The component in reference comes as part of a larger product and allows
> two devices two connect. Here's a reconstruction:
>
> "The ACME frizzlebutser supplied, allows you to connect yout ACME digital
> scadwanger to the X-92 explosive modulator using an infrared link."
>
> Aside from the condensed relative clause, my question is with the comma
> placement preceding the verb. Is this typical comma placement according to
> UK writing conventions?