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Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
Elements Out of Their Natural Order
When a noun clause direct object is pulled out to the front of the sentence -- where it does NOT belong -- it takes a comma after it before the subject and verb in the sentence.
...Where she was t...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
Do Not Use a Separating Comma...
Do not use a separating comma after the coordinate conjunctions -- and, but, or, nor -- nor after the one-syllable conjunctive adverbs -- thus, hence, still, then, so, yet. However, don't forget th...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
A Rather Obscure Dash Rule
When an indefinite pronoun renames one noun, use a comma.
...He saw several books, none of which interested him.
...We looked at three models, each of which had some interesting features.
...I tal...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
Clauses, Part 2
When dependent clauses are joined by a coordinate conjunction, there is no comma because there is not an independent subject and verb after the conjunction.
...I was more concerned when I got ther...
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
Clauses, Part 1
When two INDEPENDENT clauses are linked by a coordinate conjunction, there is a comma before the conjunction; when there is not an independent clause, independent subject and verb, after the coordi...
Category_MWW Blog>General
Is It a Phrase or a Clause? It Matters
A dependent clause has a subject and a verb; a phrase does not.
...after lunch (phrase)
...after we ate lunch (clause)
...since Friday (phrase)
...since I left Friday (clause)
...before the sess...
Category_MWW Blog>General
The Word "That" -- Omitted
We have to be aware when the word "that" is omitted -- which usually makes something a dependent clause, needing no comma, rather than an independent clause, which would need a comma.
...Suppose ...
Category_MWW Blog>General
"Such As"
The phrase "such as" is punctuated according to the rules of essential/nonessential.
...The sciences such as chemistry and physics are viewed to be...
...Cars such as Ford and GM are beyond...
.....
Category_MWW Blog>The Comma
Tag Clauses
A recent FB answer to why the first kind of tag clauses take a comma and why there cannot be a comma before the word "right" by itself.
"Didn't you' and "has he" echo the words of the question. Th...