Should I use comma after i.e. clause?

Question

Automatic translation of classes to relations requires every regular, i.e. non-subclass and non-association classes to have a primary key.

Automatic translation of classes to relations requires every regular, i.e. non-subclass and non-association classes, to have a primary key.

Which of the above is correct?

Welcome to EL&U. This is not a proofreading service, but we can answer specific questions you have if you explain why you think a comma may or may not be appropriate, and what research you have done on the matter. The help center will provide additional guidance on how to use this site. — choster, Jun 03 '14 at 23:01
That sentence doesn't make much sense, with or without the comma. — Neil W, Jun 04 '14 at 00:05

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38

2

The second sentence is not incorrect. The first is grammatically incorrect.

However since the i.e. clause is an interruption for clarification one might argue that ideally it would be delineated with dashes, not commas. E.g., see Parentheses vs. double commas vs. dashes to provide additional detail.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38

Community

answered Jun 11 '14 at 23:21

feetwet

1 Answers1