right/wrong

Drolefille · #1 09-13-2007, 08:46 PM

The streets were filled with spectators, shouting protesters and police.

When there's a modifier, it can be unclear whether the modifier applies to both protesters and police or only protesters.

AOII Angel · #2 09-13-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

The streets were filled with spectators, shouting protesters and police.

When there's a modifier, it can be unclear whether the modifier applies to both protesters and police or only protesters.

That's a poorly written sentence whether or not you include a comma. It should be reworded so that modifiers are used for all or none of the series.

Drolefille · #3 09-13-2007, 09:04 PM

Innocent spectators, shouting protesters and police.

Same idea.

I'm not saying it's impossible, just that this is one of the reasons why the serial comma is recommended

AOII Angel · #4 09-13-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Innocent spectators, shouting protesters and police.

Same idea.

I'm not saying it's impossible, just that this is one of the reasons why the serial comma is recommended

I don't concede that it is recommended...I'm pretty sure that the New York Times style manual does not recommend its use. And that is still a poorly written sentence...think of a modifier for police or leave them all out!