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use commas after introductory phrase of more than 3 or 4 words:
(Well before the end of the day, ) we were in amarillo
(Having driven non-stop most of the afternoon,) we decided to spend the night in Raton |
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Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause
(after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, when, while) |
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Use a comma to set off contrasts
Marietta makes mediocre pottery, though her prices are steep. |
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Use commas after conjunctive adverbs at the beginning of sentences or clauses.
(consequently, nevertheless, however, therefore) |
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Use commas to set off absolute phrases
(The question settled,) the strikers returned to their jobs |
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Use commas to introduce quotations or to follow them
(he said, she repeated, he argued, she insisted etc) |
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to separate words where repetitive phrases have been left out:
Brad pitt once worked as a giant chicken; rod stewert, as a gravedigger; Whoopi Goldberg, as a makeup artist for corpses. |
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Separate parts of sentences that might cause confusion
The motto of some critics seems to be, whatever it is, is wrong |
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Separate conversational expressions from the main body of the sentence
No, I'm sure the zombie wasn't there |
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Set off direct address
Jane, get your butt over here. |
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Separate mild interjections--short exclamations or expressions of emotion--from main body of sentence.
Oh, I'm sure it will be fine |
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Set off tag questions
I'm good, and you? |
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