comma before 'very much' [end position]: that he did mind, very much.

M

mimi2

Senior Member
vietnam vietnamese
Hi,
I completely understand this sentence but the thing I am confused about is the comma. Why does this sentence need a comma?
"The expression on Dan's face showed that he did mind, very much."
Thanks.
 
    • It suggests an inflection in the way he would say this.

    For example -

    "I hope you don't mind if I tell you that you are too fat."
    "I DO mind your telling me that. Indeed, I very much mind your telling me that; I object strongly to your impudence in saying such a thing."

    The whole idea of that second sentence, with the right tone of voice, can be compressed into the sentence: I do mind, very much.
     
    Thank you, Greenwhiteblue.
    Your explanation is not only clear but also very interesting. I like it. Thanks.
    I also thank, SwissPete, very much.
     
    mimi2 said:
    Hi,
    I completely understand this sentence but the thing I am confused about is the comma. Why does this sentence need a comma?
    "The expression on Dan's face showed that he did mind, very much."
    Thanks.
    Click to expand...

    Hi, mimi.

    The comma serves to let the reader interpret the first part of the sentence before continuing on to "very much". With the comma, the sentence refutes that "he didn't mind" and then adds that he minded very much. Without the comma, the sentence would only refute that "he didn't mind very much".
     
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