like

[Anonymous]

Are these sentences correct:
1-They'll knock this building down like the other one.
2-They'll knock this building down, like the other one.

 

[RonBee]

I suppose the first one is (marginally) acceptable. Prefer:

• They'll knock this builbing down like they did the other one.

Or:

• They'll knock this building down, as they did the other one.

Somebody else might have a somewhat different opinion.

 

[Tdol]

I'd say the comma reflects the importance of the phrase- the use reduces it. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

I'd say the comma reflects the importance of the phrase- the use reduces it. ;-)

I'm not sure what you mean by reduces it. In any case, I would like to change my answer somewhat.

Re:

• They'll knock this building down like the other one.

Probable meaning: they will knock this building down the same way they knocked down the other one.

Re:

• They'll knock this building down, like the other one.

Probable meaning: they will knock this building down as they did (knocked down) the other one. (They will knock this building down too.)

• [list:0790575957]Rhyme:

Ron eventually gets it right
Even if he has to stay up all night.[/list:u:0790575957]

 

[Tdol]

I tend to think that where a comma is optional, its use relegates the importance of the phrase. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

I tend to think that where a comma is optional, its use relegates the importance of the phrase. ;-)

Do you mean that when a comma is optional its use adds significance to the phrase?

:?:

 

[Dianelys]

I tend to think that where a comma is optional, its use relegates the importance of the phrase. ;-)

Do you mean that when a comma is optional its use adds significance to the phrase?

On the contrary. Its use gives the phrase less significance.

 

[Tdol]

I meant the same as you. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

I never heard that before. Hm.

8)