25 million Kwizzes taken!
Save 40% on all Premium plans »

Soit comma usage

Robert S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Soit comma usage

In your first two examples I see: "soit du fromage, soit un dessert" and then "j'aimerais soit une tablette soit un nouveau portable."  I've looked to no avail to find an explanation for the usage/non-usage of a comma in the two phrases.  Could you please elucidate?

This question relates to:French lesson "Soit ... soit ... = Either ... or..."
Asked 5 years ago
Like0Answer2
Share
CécileKwiziq Native French TeacherCorrect answer

Hi Robert, 

I am not an expert punctuator (not sure if the word exists, but if it doesn't it ought to!) but as there is an inconsistency with the sentence you mention not having commas, I will ask for it to be corrected.

Thanks for pointing it out...

Like15 years ago
Share
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I wouldn't obsess about the usage of commas too much. I think the rules aren't that strict and you use one where it is necessary to aid parsing of the sentence and make it easier to read.

Like25 years ago
Share
Robert S. asked:

Soit comma usage

In your first two examples I see: "soit du fromage, soit un dessert" and then "j'aimerais soit une tablette soit un nouveau portable."  I've looked to no avail to find an explanation for the usage/non-usage of a comma in the two phrases.  Could you please elucidate?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

« Speed - c'est tres difficile comprendreAu cas où or juste au cas où, when do you insert juste? »
Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!