Commas around the word "combined."
Is the word "combined," used after a list, considered to be parenthetical? Example:
Apples, oranges, and bananas, combined, form the majority of fresh fruits consumed in the American diet.
asked Sep 13 '12 at 21:19
mysticete
Contributor
mysticete
Contributor
1 answer 
If combined is needed, as you say, then it is not -- by definition -- a parenthetical. If it is not a parenthetical, it should not be enclosed with commas. If it is a parenthetical, it can be removed without loss to the basic sentence's meaning. That brings us to Lewis's comment.
I think Lewis is correct -- the word is redundant. Without the word, the sentence still has the same meaning and remains clear.
| link comment |
edited Sep 15 '12 at 21:02
Jeff Pribyl
Grammarly Fellow
|
