0

I'm writing a paper about quantum computing and I'm trying to cite a source; however, I feel that the sentence in which I do this is clunky and forced.

According to The Washington Post’s Vivek Wadhwa, these quantum computers are capable of making computations that would take a binary machine years to perform in mere seconds.

I'm trying to divide the "that would take a binary machine years to perform" from the "in mere seconds." Would a hyphenated clause, such as the one below, be a proper solution?

According to The Washington Post’s Vivek Wadhwa, these quantum computers are capable of making computations -- ones that would’ve taken a binary machine years to perform -- in mere seconds.

Improve this question
4
  • Comma is your friend. "According to The Washington Post’s Vivek Wadhwa, these quantum computers are capable of performing, in mere seconds, computations that would take a binary machine years to perform."
    – Hot Licks
    Dec 30, 2015 at 22:43
  • (Which is why I still say that we never should have abandoned decimal computers. And centessimal ones would be even better, no?)
    – Hot Licks
    Dec 30, 2015 at 22:44
  • 2
    Possible duplicate of Parentheses vs. double commas vs. dashes to provide additional detail
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Dec 30, 2015 at 23:06
  • @HotLicks We should have stuck to tally marks.
    – MetaEd
    Dec 30, 2015 at 23:37

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

How about:

According to The Washington Post’s Vivek Wadhwa, these quantum computers are capable of making, in mere seconds, computations that would’ve taken a binary machine years to perform.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.