diff --git a/shell/ash.c b/shell/ash.c
index a43b65680..a25d14de0 100644
--- a/shell/ash.c
+++ b/shell/ash.c
@@ -4799,7 +4799,8 @@ cmdputs(const char *s)
 				str = "${";
 			goto dostr;
 		case CTLENDVAR:
-			str = "\"}" + !(quoted & 1);
+			str = "\"}";
+			str += !(quoted & 1);
 			quoted >>= 1;
 			subtype = 0;
 			goto dostr;