English grammar and vocabulary: quick questions thread

I am extremely embarrassed to ask this but do I need to break these sentences up - either through splitting them or using a comma?


a) New relations between fragments that represent different versions of these expectations suggest new possibilities, and perhaps expose things that may have been hidden or suppressed in the tales’ usual surface language.

b) Texts with familiar forms and ideas of language provide fertile sites for procedural experiment. because Through defamiliarization and the disruption of formula, they lend themselves to the possibility of self analysis as well as wider cultural or literary comments.

I am extremely embarrassed to ask this but do I need to break these sentences up - either through splitting them or using a comma?


a) New relations between fragments that represent different versions of these expectations, suggest new possibilities and perhaps, expose things that may have been hidden or suppressed in the tales’ usual surface language.

b) Texts with familiar forms and ideas of language, provide fertile sites for procedural experiment. Through defamiliarization and the disruption of formula, they lend themselves to the possibility of self analysis as well as wider cultural or literary comments.

It is only commas that cause certain stress. I am afraid that every now and then I get flustered about where the comma should rather than could go.

Do you mean to say that one should read books that improve grammar or read books in general? Personally I very much doubt the latter suggestion would be of much help - unless of course you were into pausing and admiring the technicalities of sentence constructions, rather than the riveting words on the page. Anyhow, how very rude of me, I didn’t express my gratitude – thanks!

Oh, I don't know. The only reason I have any sense of grammar at all is because I've somehow gleaned it from endlessly reading anything with words. I think that if you read enough, regardless of the topic, you'll get a sense for how things should be. Or maybe I'm talking out of my arse.

Oh, I don't know. The only reason I have any sense of grammar at all is because I've somehow gleaned it from endlessly reading anything with words. I think that if you read enough, regardless of the topic, you'll get a sense for how things should be. Or maybe I'm talking out of my arse.

I wouldn't say it's the grammar that's your problem, but as you said, it is where the comma should go. I only suggested reading in a kind way, because my punctuation was seriously poor until i cultivated the habit. Try it, I'm sure it will help. Sorry if i offended you in any way

Something that's been bugging me lately (not enough actual work to do!) ...

What's the difference between -ed and -t, for example 'learned' and 'learnt'? Which one is correct in which situation?

Something that's been bugging me lately (not enough actual work to do!) ...

What's the difference between -ed and -t, for example 'learned' and 'learnt'? Which one is correct in which situation?

Do I put a comma in this sentence "both Amir and Assefs paths cross towards the end of the novel"

I know a comma should be used in the possesive but could I really describe Assef as owning his path ?!

What's a good way of saying 'can't help but notice'

here's the sentence:

Despite Mina’s dedication appearing as an idealistic quality for a traditional Victorian woman, 'YOU CAN'T HELP BUT NOTICE'

obviously i wouldn't put that in an essay but i've gone blank and can't think of what to put!