Commas to clarify meaning: Japanese macaque
The Grammar Bit!
The correct placement of a comma within a sentence is very important. Incorrect placement can lead to confusion (ambiguity) for the reader.
Read sentence 1A. Note where the comma is placed, and discuss the meaning behind the sentence. Sentence 1B is worded exactly the same, but it has the comma removed. How has this changed the meaning of the sentence?
The two other sentences are written and rewritten in a similar way. This time, it is the position of the comma that has changed. How does this alter the meaning of each sentence?
Scintillating Sentences
1A) The alpha male macaque, said the presenter, was ruthless.
1B) The alpha male macaque said the presenter was ruthless.
2A) As the sun shone red, macaques entered the thermal spa.
2B) As the sun shone, red macaques entered the thermal spa.
3A) He sprang into action quickly, realising that the lower ranking primates had just entered the thermal pool.
3B) He sprang into action, quickly realising that the lower ranking primates had just entered the thermal pool.
Maurice, the young macaque, was left a bit red-faced having just fallen out of a pine tree!