comma before present participle: investigates the structure, using

O

oprah

Banned
English/US
In the following sentence, should there be a comma before the word "using"?

This study investigates the structure of the implied volatility smile, using prices of equity options traded at LIFFE.

If yes, could someone explain why?

Thanks,
Oprah
 
    • The comma is required because the participle phrase "using prices of equity options traded at LIFFE", according to its meaning, does not modify structure or smile, but shares the same subject of the main clause.
     
    Hi, I don't think a comma is needed here.

    I would say
    "The study investigates the structure using.... "
    not
    "The study investigates the structure, using.... "

    A logic can help me determine that it's not "structure uses" but "the study uses" here, otherwise, a comma may be used to avoid confusion, as LeonTheOutsider mentioned.
     
    hly2004 said:
    Hi, I don't think a comma is needed here.

    I would say
    "The study investigates the structure using.... "
    not
    "The study investigates the structure, using.... "

    A logic can help me determine that it's not "structure uses" but "the study uses" here, otherwise, a comma may be used to avoid confusion, as LeonTheOutsider mentioned.
    Click to expand...


    What you say suggests a comma be used there.
    When you put a comma there, it means "The study investigates and uses...".
     
    oprah said:
    This study investigates the structure of the implied volatility smile, using prices of equity options traded at LIFFE.
    Click to expand...

    I do not see why a comma is necessary here, either. It is a long sentence, therefore if spoken, or quoted in speech, I would consider the comma to be correct.
     
    Am I the only one who has a problem making any sense of the sentence?

    As to the sentence, the comma is wrong. It is unnecessary, as can be seen when one removes it. The sentence (gibberish thought it might be) doesn't alter it's meaning.
     
    maxiogee said:
    Am I the only one who has a problem making any sense of the sentence?
    Click to expand...

    No, you're not alone, but I didn't want deviate from the question. Even if the question was comprehensible but made no logical sense in it's outcome whatsoever, I see no need to comment on the fact - unless the question is asking, "Is this right?".
     
    You must log in or register to reply here.
    Back
    Top