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Re: Comma question

Subject: Re: Comma question
From: "Peter Neilson" <neilson -at- windstream -dot- net>
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:10:02 -0400

On Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:28:27 -0400, Karen Felker <akaren -at- earthlink -dot- net> wrote:

A reviewer is disputing my use of a comma in this sentence that describes a clustering algorithm: "Assigns numbers to actors and events, based on natural groups called clusters."

I want to defend this comma, but I'm not sure how to do that. Does "based" introduce an adverbial phrase, because it describes the assigning process?
I find it confusing to change the sentence to say "Assigns numbers, based on natural groups called clusters, to actors and events."
Same with this rewrite: "Assigns numbers to actors and events. The numbers are based on natural groups called clusters."

When you find you are arguing about commas, that is a sign that something is wrong with the sentence or the paragraph.

We can turn it completely around. "The klutzfooster divides foosts into natural groups called clusters. Based on those groups the klutzfooster then assigns numbers to actors and events."

Look! No commas!

Your klutzfooster may differ.


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References:
Comma question: From: Karen Felker

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