Is the comma after "simultaneously" correct?

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Pressing both switches simultaneously, effectively widens the mid-frequency bandwidth (i.e., Q factor) while the center frequency simply remains at A440—a great option for incorporating accents (ref. fig. 3b).

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Type: Question • Score: 7 • Views: 6,333 • Replies: 19

[+3] - contrex - 11/25/2016Selectmytutor, you gave a wrong answer to a two-and-a-half-year old question!

@englishman,

yes.

1 Reply

@Ragman,

Truly? I've never seen that before. The first clause is an event that causes the next, and is not parenthetical or incidental at all.

1 Reply

@englishman,

No, I don't think it is correct.

0 Replies

@robert-blankenship,

Quote:

and is not parenthetical or incidental at all.

Comma has other functions and I think in this case it's okay. But I might reword

In effect, pressing both switches simultaneously widens the mid-frequency bandwidth...

Simultaneously pressing both switches effectively widens...

0 Replies

There is no need for the comma, and I would definitely omit it.

1 Reply

@contrex,

Quote:

I would definitely omit it

I wouldn't. Without the comma we're not sure whether "effectively" modifies "pressing" or "widens"

1 Reply

@dalehileman,

dalehileman wrote:

Without the comma we're not sure whether "effectively" modifies "pressing" or "widens"

We are sure, because if effectively modifies pressing there would have to be an 'and' after simultaneously.

1 Reply

@contrex,

Point well taken, Con. Furthermore, because comma is often a sub for "and," we might presume "simultaneously" modifies "widens" instead of "pressing"

Granted it's a stretch because then we might expect another "and" later in the sentence. Eg., for the benefit of the esl becoming confused by our interchange

Pressing both switches simultaneously and effectively widens the mid-frequency bandwidth (i.e., Q factor) and allows the center frequency simply to remain at A440…...

Of course it could still be construed as a lousy sentence because then we couldn't know whether "simultaneously and effectively" modifies "widens" or "pressing", the immediate reaction being, how does one press switches effectively

What fun!

2 Replies

@dalehileman,

dalehileman wrote:

Of course it could still be construed as a lousy sentence because then we couldn't know whether "simultaneously and effectively" modifies "widens" or "pressing", the immediate reaction being, how does one press switches effectively

Effectively can be used (at least) three ways, and I read the word as having meaning (2) of these:

1. Modifying a preceding verb in which case it means "efficiently, productively, in such a way as to achieve the desired results" -

Make sure that resources are used effectively.
How to use PowerPoint effectively.
Communicating effectively

2. As a substitute for "in effect" -

He stopped taking his medication, effectively making his breakdown occur.
By withholding further funds they effectively killed the project.
By pressing both switches simultaneously you effectively widen the mid-frequency bandwidth.

3. To mean "virtually, really, in fact, essentially, in effect, in reality, in truth, as good as, in actual fact, to all intents and purposes, in all but name, in actuality, for practical purposes" -

The region was effectively independent.
Although small pockets of fighting continued, the battle was effectively over.

1 Reply

@dalehileman,

dalehileman wrote:

Of course it could still be construed as a lousy sentence because then we couldn't know whether "simultaneously and effectively" modifies "widens" or "pressing", the immediate reaction being, how does one press switches effectively

Exactly, which is why you don't need the comma.

0 Replies

@contrex,

Quote:

Effectively can be used (at least) three ways

Thanks Con but yes, I'm aware

the immediate reaction being, how does one press switches effectively

Quote:

Exactly, which is why you don't need the comma.

Exactly the point I supposed I was making, if ineffectively

1 Reply

@dalehileman,

dalehileman wrote:

Exactly the point I supposed I was making, if ineffectively

I thought you made it pretty well

1 Reply

@englishman,

Quote:

factor) wh

I would locate/place the comma between the closing parenthese and the letter w.

Along with taking the word simultaneously out of the sentence.

0 Replies

@contrex,

Quote:

I thought you made it pretty well

Why thank you Con, a little encouragement is a rare commodity hereabout
Now if I could only remember what it was

0 Replies

@englishman,

Or no comma, with the word simultaneously taken out.

Or leave as is.

I don't know. I still want to put a comma before that w on the word while.

No I think it will be okay with no comma before the w on the word while.

0 Replies

@englishman,

I think the sentence is fine.

It's a wonderful/good/beautiful/ah, pleasant feeling once having understood. the sentence.

I was looking for the right word to use to describe my feelings. I was talking to myself in my head.

0 Replies

Thanks guy's ('n gals). I appreciate all of the great replies.

I now have one more sentence for you. I'm, again, unsure about the comma after the words "given step":

"Pressing a key allows each engaged step to sound, as driven by the sequencer (the resultant pitch of a given step, being dependent upon the Step Pitch Tuner setting and the key being pressed)."

Is the comma after "simultaneously" correct?

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