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...