Free CD #4

Lost on Tour

Okay, last one for now. This time, I’ll make it harder (right, Torben).

Is a comma required in the following sentence, and if so, where would you place it, and why?

"Below the city lights were shining."

Ken

I'm gonna take a guess (and I'm sure it's wrong).

Below the city, lights were shining

Ken

Thanks.

There's no comma required.

A comma is certainly required, Torben. It should be obvious why.

Ken

Ken

I have no clue.

OK. I'll never mess with you again.

below, the city lights were shining.

Because you want to indicate that a city is below from where you are looking ( like a hill or something)

I’ll let you know if you ever come up with the correct answer. Also, it’s not allowed to edit the posts. Just thought I’d mention that.

Ken

Do I have a second chance?

Ken -

We don't have enough information !

Are the lights shining in the city, which is below us, or are they shining below the city ?

Without knowing which is the case, we can't know where the comma goes.

Below the city lights, were shining.

is correct, because there is also a comma before the word below.

Below the, city lights were shining.

Below the city lights were, shining.

I hope it´s right

below the city´s lights were shiningm

Grammatically speaking, you could do without a comma, because you may start a period with an adverb without a comma thereafter.

However, to avoid misinterpretation, you should put one either here:

1) Below, the city lights were shining (meaning somebody is flying over a city).

or

2) Below the city, lights were shining (meaning the lights are on in the underground or something).

Congratulations, R. R. Police. That is indeed correct. You must have a comma either place, depending on what it is you’re trying to say. PM me your address and such, and the CD will be on its way.

Ken