commas again

[FW]

Are the commas used correctly in these sentences:
1-The letter, to the Dutch embassy, had been mailed three days before.
2-The train, to Paris, was delayed.

3-A letter, to the Dutch embassy, revealed Jon's whereabouts.
4-A train, to Paris, was delayed.

[Tdol]

1&2 are wrong- there's no need for commas. 3 is fine. 4 is OK, but would be better if it said 'the one to Paris'.

[RonBee]

I really don't think you need the commas in any of them. However, sentence four could be written as:

• A train, the one to Paris, was delayed.

:)

[intakaslave]

I have to disagree. 1&2 are not incorrect, just subtly different.

In 1: There is a totally different emphasis when with/without the commas.
In 2: Same as above.

Authors of Fiction may have a bit of trouble doing without the commas.

I would, however, agree with a suggestion that commas be avoided where possible to minimise confusion, this sentence being a prime example!!

Rgds
:)

[RonBee]

Sentence one could be written two different ways.

A:

• The letter to the Dutch embassy had been mailed three days before.

B:

• The letter, the one to the Dutch embassy, had been mailed three days before.

What do you think?

:)

[Tdol]

Actually, on second thoughts, I wouldn't go so far as to say the first two are wrong, but are better without. Your version works, too.