English Language & Usage Asked by ali_ runnindis on April 28, 2021
I am trying to write the following sentence:
The Senate comprises 76 members, with each state and territory having 12 and 2 senators, respectively.
Should there be a comma before with and respectively?
The sentence is correct as you have written it.
"Respectively" is a free modifier, modifying "with each state and territory having 12 and 2 senators" adverbially.
Free modifiers are always offset by commas. e.g. "Unfortunately, the rope broke" / "The rope broke, unfortunately."
See also this Online Writing course on Free modifiers: http://writingwithaesop.blogspot.com/2011/01/commas-and-free-modifiers.html
Correct answer by Greybeard on April 28, 2021
respectively is an adverb and qualifies "having". It might also be placed next to its verb: "each state having respectively 12 and 3 senators".
Cambridge dictionary examples parallel yours and have no comma. The comma is not needed.
respectively adverb UK /rɪˈspek.tɪv.li/ US /rɪˈspek.tɪv.li/
in a way that relates or belongs to each of the separate people or things you have just mentioned: "In the 200 metres, Lizzy and Sarah came first and third respectively (= Lizzy won the race and Sarah was third)." "Steven and James are aged 10 and 13 respectively."
Answered by Anton on April 28, 2021
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