comma setting in this sentence correct?

[cguttman]

Hello,

would it be correct to write:

--
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate as well as humans do, proves to be a
difficult problem.
--

Are the commas set correctly?

Chris

[lovefall]

I think it is right.

[lovefall]

I think it is right.

[lovefall]

I think it is right.

[lovefall]

I'm sorry I don't want to reply for three times ,the IE required me to
refresh ,so happend
shamed !!

[Chris Croughton]

On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 11:38:18 +1100, cguttman

Post by cguttman
Hello,
--
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate as well as humans do, proves to be a
difficult problem.
--
Are the commas set correctly?

The first comma is correct, as it delimits an initial phrase which can
be removed without altering the meaning of the second.

The second part is a complete phrase, if we remove the first part we

Post by cguttman
Building agent systems that collaborate as well as humans do, proves
to be a difficult problem.
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate as well as humans do proves to be a
difficult problem.
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate, as well as humans do, proves to be a
difficult problem.

or

Post by cguttman
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate (as well as humans do) proves to be a
difficult problem.

However that sets off "as well as humans do" as a qualifier, with an
implication that humans aren't very good at it and the agent systems
can't be expected to do any better, which may not be what you mean.

Chris C

[cguttman]

Thanks Chris!

I have another question. I am not sure how I can introduce the fact that
I use certain terms that are potentially interchangeable in my document.

Would the following be sufficient to clarify two terms?

--
The terms ''activities`` and ''tasks`` are used interchangeable in
this thesis. For example, when we refer to an agent that performs
an activity, we may as well say that an agent performs a task.
--

cheers, Chris

Post by Chris Croughton
On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 11:38:18 +1100, cguttman

Post by cguttman
Hello,
--
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate as well as humans do, proves to be a
difficult problem.
--
Are the commas set correctly?

The first comma is correct, as it delimits an initial phrase which can
be removed without altering the meaning of the second.
The second part is a complete phrase, if we remove the first part we

Post by cguttman
Building agent systems that collaborate as well as humans do, proves
to be a difficult problem.
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate as well as humans do proves to be a
difficult problem.
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate, as well as humans do, proves to be a
difficult problem.

or

Post by cguttman
In the light of these basic system characteristics, building agent
systems that collaborate (as well as humans do) proves to be a
difficult problem.

However that sets off "as well as humans do" as a qualifier, with an
implication that humans aren't very good at it and the agent systems
can't be expected to do any better, which may not be what you mean.
Chris C

[Chris Croughton]

On Sun, 02 Apr 2006 12:38:09 +1000, cguttman

Post by cguttman
Thanks Chris!

Bitte schoen!

Post by cguttman
I have another question. I am not sure how I can introduce the fact that
I use certain terms that are potentially interchangeable in my document.
Would the following be sufficient to clarify two terms?
--
The terms ''activities`` and ''tasks`` are used interchangeable in
this thesis. For example, when we refer to an agent that performs
an activity, we may as well say that an agent performs a task.
--

Apart from 'interchangeable' which should be 'interchangeably' (that
could be a typo, I make such typos frequently) that seems clear to me.

Personally, I'd pick one term and stick with it, but there may well be
reasons you want to use both (for instance if you are quoting others who
use both terms).

Chris C