Where should the comma go in the following sentence?
Throughout the novel, Steinbeck has foreshadowed the novel's ending by giving some details about Candy's old dog which Carlson shot since it was getting too old and useless.
Should it go after the word "dog" or after the word "shot?"
(or is there no need for a comma?)
Please Help!!
Thanks!!
I'm sorry, but I'm rusty on commas in restrictive and non restrictive clauses. I'm sure another English teacher will be able to help you.
Yes, put a comma after "dog" in that sentence.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
See #4.
In the given sentence, a comma should be placed after the word "shot." This is because the phrase "since it was getting too old and useless" can be considered as a nonessential clause or information, also known as a nonrestrictive clause.
To determine whether a comma is needed, you can ask yourself if the information within the clause is necessary for the overall meaning and understanding of the sentence. In this case, without the clause, the sentence would still be clear: "Throughout the novel, Steinbeck has foreshadowed the novel's ending by giving some details about Candy's old dog which Carlson shot." Therefore, the nonessential clause should be set off by commas to indicate that it is additional, non-crucial information.
The corrected sentence would read:
"Throughout the novel, Steinbeck has foreshadowed the novel's ending by giving some details about Candy's old dog, which Carlson shot, since it was getting too old and useless."
Note: It's important to remember that the use of commas can vary depending on the style guide or specific writing conventions being followed.