Is a comma necessary here?

Question

Can I insert a comma in this sentence like this:

"Consequently, the type of the vehicle they are using can be specified as well as if they are walking or stationary somewhere."

Or is the sentence better without it:

"Consequently the type of the vehicle they are using can be specified as well as if they are walking or stationary somewhere."

Well, the first is a definite no-go. The second is a little better. — Hot Licks, Feb 02 '15 at 23:57
Keep the commas after consequently and before as well as — Barmar, Feb 02 '15 at 23:59
And you absolutely must get rid of the one after "vehicle". It is totally out of place and destroys the sense of the phrase. — Brian Hitchcock, Feb 03 '15 at 00:21

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 03 '15 at 00:03

1

I would write:

Consequently, the type of vehicle they are using can be specified, as well as whether they are walking or stationary somewhere.

The commas aren't technically required, but they help the reader see the structure of the sentence. When a sentence has a number of subordinate clauses, this is usually a good idea to make it easier to read.

And whether tends to be a better word than if when stating alternate options.

answered Feb 03 '15 at 00:03

Barmar

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For consistency with "walking", I wouldn't use just "stationary". I would prefer "...whether they are walking or staying stationary somewhere." – Nick2253 Feb 03 '15 at 00:10
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I don't think that's necessary. walking is a gerund that can be used in parallel with an adjective. – Barmar Feb 03 '15 at 00:11
As another example, you can say whether they are moving or stopped. – Barmar Feb 03 '15 at 00:12
Their mere existence implies that they have a location, so the 'somewhere' is superfluous. – Erik Kowal Feb 03 '15 at 06:14

Is a comma necessary here?

1 Answers1