Hi guys,

In this context, why is there a comma before and after the "it is argued"?
Could we use "that" instead of the second comma and the first one be deleted?! like this: ...., and it is argued that they are ...

Such changes are all but invisible over the short time scale of modern observations, and, it is argued, they are usually obscured by innumerable gaps in the imperfect fossil record.

thanks

Question

Hi guys,

In this context, why is there a comma before and after the "it is argued"?
Could we use "that" instead of the second comma and the first one be deleted?! like this: ...., and it is argued that they are ...

Such changes are all but invisible over the short time scale of modern observations, and, it is argued, they are usually obscured by innumerable gaps in the imperfect fossil record.

thanks

Answer

Actually I'd consider the original version incorrect.
MIght be related to the American versus British use of commas. I' never want to put commas either side of "and".
Skipping the "that" after argued feels bad to me too.
LIkely relates to those regional differences.

Answer

You are correct! You could also say “and it is argued that...”, which would put a little more emphasis on the “it is argued” part. The original sentence (“and, it is argued, they are usually obscured...”) puts more focus on the information that follows, with “it is argued” as simply an addition to note that it’s not a universally-accepted explanation

Answer

commas are utilized to separate thoughts, and is similar to breathing when one talks.  To be quite frank, there are too many commas in the bottom example.  In my opinion, there shouldn't be commas both before and after "and"; either one or the other would suffice, depending on how the writer wishes to make his/her emphasis.  Have a great day!