Grammar Nazi Check

[lupi]

Need opinion on comma use in a structure similar to the following:


Start or check running the pump.


Would the proper comma use for this be 0, 1, or 2?

 

[The Boston Dangler]

Need opinion on comma use in a structure similar to the following:


Start or check running the pump.


Would the proper comma use for this be 0, 1, or 2?

should be:

I need opinion on comma use in a structure similar to the following:


"Start or check running the pump."

 

[IronWing]

Was there supposed to be more to the first post?

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Your grammar problems go far beyond proper comma placement. Can you redo the question so that it's vaguely coherent?

 

[JManInPhoenix]

Wouldn't it be:

Start the pump. Check to see if the pump is running.

 

[IronWing]

The pump don't work.

 

[lupi]

Pump was only used as a genric term in the example. Could be Open or check open flapper 1, Shut or check shut Breaker 5 etc...

 

[Tim]

If the pump is placed inside a box and turned on, is the pump really running or not?

 

[blackdogdeek]

Ensure pump is running.

 

[IronWing]

Pump was only used as a genric term in the example. Could be Open or check open flapper 1, Shut or check shut Breaker 5 etc...

You're still not being clear on the full, intended meaning of the sentence. Tell us exactly the meaning the sentence is intended to convey.

 

[skimple]

One does not simply use commas to enumerate a sequence of events...

 

[lupi]

That is the entirety of the sentence, directing an action among a list of actions.

 

[IronWing]

That is the entirety of the sentence, directing an action among a list of actions.

Break it down.

Start running the pump. <= Makes sense.

Check running the pump. <= Makes no sense.

Therefore the combined sentence makes no sense with or without commas.

 

[Drako]

Ensure pump is running.

This.

Ensure that the pump is running.

 

[SlitheryDee]

If the pump is not running, start it. Once the pump is running, check to see if it is running properly.

I'm assuming that the "check running the pump" actually means "check the running of the pump" which would translate to "check to see if the pump is running properly". The "start or" indicates that if the pump isn't running you should start it.

 

[Newell Steamer]

Start, or, check, running, the, pump.

I, have, trouble, using, commas.,

 

[lupi]

Since it being a pump seems to be an issues:


Open or check open the breaker.

 

[IronWing]

Since it being a pump seems to be an issues:


Open or check open the breaker.

It still doesn't work for the same reason as above.

Check open the breaker. <= not a valid sentence.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Ensure breaker is open.

 

[Drako]

Since it being a pump seems to be an issues:


Open or check open the breaker.

LOL, wow you are hopeless. :biggrin:

 

[aloser]

Avoid commas, that are not necessary. But when you need to use a comma place it in the correct location.

 

[lupi]

I didn't say that would be a sentence.

 

[Schmide]

Check suction around the base of the shaft?

 

[HardcoreRobot]

try explaining it to us in as many words as you can, once we know what you are trying to communicate we can polish it more. 'check running' likely won't be part of the final product

 

[Jaepheth]

The best I can do with the OP's non-sentence:

Start, or check running, the pump.

I didn't say that would be a sentence.

Then why did you start it with a capital and end it with a period?