Grammar help, please.

[RossE]

Which is correct:

But writing, like talking, can easily be misunderstood.

or

But writing, like talking, can be easily misunderstood.

... thoughts, please.

[MrBF1V3]

I'm sure if I'm wrong someone will say something... but I think either would be correct. But the first is better.

B5

[Rocket Sheep]

Nah, my vote is with the second... but I'd take out "can be" and put "is".

And I'm sure there's a grammatical reason for that choice... somewhere... but I can't find it in my brain... sorry. :confused:

[BrianC]

Depends. In formal writing the second use is proper, because a helper verb should always immediately precede the verb to which it relates. However, in creative writing, all sorts of . . . well . . . creativity is perfectly acceptable. So, if this sentence is part of a creative work, then use whichever construction seems best to you.

[juzzza]

Do you need the 'But' to start the sentence?

[Holbrook]

Do you need the 'But' to start the sentence?

Nope, but that's me. I feel the sentence says what it needs to without the but, but then I have been known to be wrong...

[Dawnstorm]

Um... I doubt we have enough context to judge the "But". Depends on the previous sentence.

Nothing to add about the original question; which has been answered in detail.

[MrBF1V3]

Also, one should never start a paragraph with "But".

I am wondering if the first comma is necessary. :)

B5

[Dawnstorm]

I am wondering if the first comma is necessary. :)

B5

"like writing" is an inserted phrase and needs commas on both sides (or, perhaps, none at all - if you don't want to set it off). The two commas are a team.