I’m hungry, as/for I haven't eaten.

[kohyoongliat]

I’m hungry, as I haven't eaten.
I’m hungry, for I haven't eaten.

Is the comma after "hungry" optional in both sentences?

Thanks.

 

[Tdol]

I think it's needed in the second.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I’m hungry, as I haven't eaten.
I’m hungry, for I haven't eaten.

Is the comma after "hungry" optional in both sentences?

Thanks.

I would use a comma in both.

 

[Barb_D]

I would just note that "I ..., for I ... " is a rather old-fashioned construction in the U.S.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would just note that "I ..., for I ... " is a rather old-fashioned construction in the U.S.

I agree. What do you think about the commas, Barb? I would use them to stop a reader from stumbling over the construction, expecting perhaps "I'm hungry as (a horse)" and "I'm hungry for (a cheeseburger)".

 

[Barb_D]

I would use the comma.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would use the comma.

I thought so.

 

[5jj]

I would just note that "I ..., for I ... " is a rather old-fashioned construction in the U.S.

And in the UK.

 

[Tdol]

And in the UK.

It is, which is why the comma seems more necessary. I'd use it in the first, but wouldn't worry if it were omitted.