逗號(comma)的五個主要用法習慣(#2)



 逗號:用法習慣 #2

我們習慣會在被搬到主語前的修飾語詞組後面加入逗號。

例:After the competition, we went for a drink.

例: In the end, I said "okay."

例: Lying on the beach, I felt very relaxed.

修飾一個子句的核心動作(即主語+限定動詞表達的動作)的修飾語,最自然位置是在末端。

例:We went for a drink after the competition.
(「after the competition」最自然的位置是在最後 )


不過,由於這類修飾語所修飾的是整個子句的核心動作,它可被移動到子句中的任何位置而不影響其加入的意思。

當這類修飾語被移動時,最經常是會被移動到子句的最前端。

我們通常會在這修飾語後面加一個逗號,以顯示子句的主語(子句的實際「開始」)位於其後。

例:We went for a drink after the competition.
(「after the competition」最自然的位置是在最後 )

例:After the competition, we went for a drink.
( 如果將「after the competition」移前,會習慣在後面加逗號,以示顯「we」才是子句的主語 )



這用法習慣也應用於當被附屬連接詞連接的子句移到它連接去的子句前面時。

由附屬連接詞連接的子句,會變成了它連接去的子句中內部的一部分。在詞序上看,它是會在它連接的子句的最後部分出現:

例: I did this for him because I love him.

例:He did not fall asleep although the movie was boring.

例:We have had a lot of fun since they came.
(自然詞序)



因為橫線的部分的作用是修飾整個句子的核心動作,也是可以移至最前面的。

這情況下,我們通常也會在它之後加入逗號:

例:Because I love him, I did this for him.

例:Although the movie was boring, he did not fall asleep.

例:Since they came, we have had a lot of fun.


小練習

根據用法習慣#2,我們可以在以下句子中的什麼位置加入逗號?


a. In the meantime some people are turning to over-the-counter nasal sprays.

b. As we approach winter virus season some people may be looking for additional protection against contracting Covid-19.



____________________

(English version)

Commas: usage convention #2

We usually put a comma after a topicalized modifier.

e.g. After the competition, we went for a drink.

e.g. In the end, I said "okay."

e.g. Lying on the beach, I felt very relaxed.



The natural position for a modifier that modifies the central action of a clause (the action of the subject + finite verb) is at the end.

However, since this modifier modifies the whole clause, it can be moved around within the clause without affecting the meaning.

This modifier can be moved to the front of the clause as well.


We usually put a comma after this modifier that has been moved to the front of the clause to indicate that the subject (the actual "start" of the clause) comes after it.


e.g. We went for a drink after the competition.
(natural position of the phrase "after the competition")

e.g. After the competition, we went for a drink.
(topicalized position of the phrase "after the competition," with a comma after it)

This convention applies to embedded clauses linked by subordinating conjunctions as well:

e.g. Because I love him, I did this for him.

e.g. Although the movie was boring, he did not fall asleep.

e.g. Since they came, we have had a lot of fun.


The natural position of an embedded clause linked by a subordinating conjunction is at the end:

e.g. I did this for him because I love him. 
(natural order)


This embedded clause can be moved to the front of the other clause because it modifies the whole of that other clause.

When this happens, we usually put a comma after it:

e.g. Because I love him, I did this for him.


Mini Exercise

Where should we put commas in the following sentences to reflect convention #2?


a. In the meantime some people are turning to over-the-counter nasal sprays.

b. As we approach winter virus season some people may be looking for additional protection against contracting Covid-19.

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