Question

How is the comma used as an interrupter in this sentence?

Answer 1

Answer: Parenthetical expression

Explanation:

Parenthetical Expressions. The final use of a comma as an interrupter is to set off parenthetical expressions. A parenthetical expression interrupts the thought flow of a sentence. These expressions are not related to the rest of the sentence and could be put in parentheses. Parenthetical expressions are set off by commas to indicate to the reader their separation from the main thought of the sentence. This list contains many common parenthetical expressions:

if you ask me  as I said before  of course

for example  for instance  you know

I believe  naturally  as a matter of fact

in fact  in my opinion  by the way

Generally, it is best for a writer to use parenthetical expressions sparingly; when they are used, they should serve to qualify the information given.

Example:

Democracy, I believe, is by far the best of all world governments.

The qualifying expression "I believe" shows the reader that the writer's statement is an opinion, not necessarily a fact.

Example:

We will, of course, pay for the damage.

The expression "of course" cues the reader that the speaker had good intentions all along and that no other thought crossed his mind.

The parenthetical expression is important, but like any other expression it should be used with discretion.