Commas

[hatgray]

Are the placements of my commas correct?

A criticism of XXX Company is that, by cloning companies, it is stifling innovation.
A criticism of XXX Company is that by cloning companies, it is stiffling innovation.

Or no commas at all? Thank you.

Kindly help.

* Note: posted on https://www.englishforums.com/English/Commas/bmbkwx/post.htm

 

[emsr2d2]

I'd use the first. "by cloning companies" is a parenthetical statement so should be enclosed between commas (or brackets). Without that phrase, you are still left with a grammatical sentence: A criticism of [company name] is that it is stifling innovation".

 

[hatgray]

I'd use the first. "by cloning companies" is a parenthetical statement so should be enclosed between commas (or brackets). Without that phrase, you are still left with a grammatical sentence: A criticism of [company name] is that it is stifling innovation".

But would it still be acceptable to use the second or even none at all?

Thank you so much. Appreciate the help.

 

[Tdol]

I would use both, and I think that Emsr2d2 meant the same, though I will let her confirm it. She talks of a parenthetical phrase, which requires two commas.

 

[hatgray]

So I can use either of the two, but not the one without commas?

Thank you. Appreciate it

 

[Raymott]

I would accept zero, one or two commas. I'd probably write it with two.

 

[emsr2d2]

Yes, I meant that both are acceptable but I'd use the first. I wouldn't be keen on a version with no commas.