[Forum] RE: Comma or no comma?

I know they don't apply exactly, but I just wanted to provide examples of similar construction so you could see why the comma would be incorrect. The syntax is the same, so the comma guidelines would be the same too. In sentences where "had" is repeated (i.e., He had had a cold for a very long time.

[Forum] Comma to introduce text after be-verbs

Is it okay to put a comma after a [i]be[/I]-verb when it introduces a declarative and interrogative sentence? Or should I just toss the comma in each? Should I cap the first word ("we" and "how") that follows the comma in each as well? [i]The reason is, we need more bench strength to replace t

[Forum] RE: Comma after 'was'

But getting back to the original question about whether you need a comma after that first "was", I would say that that comma is a replacement for an elided "that." Stecyk's suggestion gives you "Q was Q was" which throws a reader as he's parsing along.  I realize that Q is a stand-in for other wo

[Forum] RE: Commas and the word "when"

The difference between using the comma and not using the comma is subtle. The lack of a comma changes the meaning ever so slightly. With the comma, the date is emphasized. Without the comma, the timing of when the no-hitter was spun is emphasized.

[Forum] RE: Comma before now, again, etc.

No comma required. The presence or absence of a comma makes a difference for at least one word: [i]then[/i]. Without the comma, it means "at that time"; with the comma, it means "in that case." More words might function like that, but I can't think of any right now.

[Forum] Could you tell me why the comma is used and why it isn't?

I emailed Pat O'Conner, author of [I]Woe Is I[/I], and asked her the following questions. What I don't get is why there is a comma after "asks" and "says," and why there is no comma after "asked" and "yelled." Is there a difference, really? Please help me to understand this. O'Conners replies are br

[Forum] RE: When dialogue is the subject of the sentence...

For some reason people think that b/c something in quotes you must use a comma. i had this in my mind also. I think it was something taught way back when. that said, if it is part of the sentence and would not normally take a comma, I leave the comma out. Because as far as I know, there is no ru

[Forum] RE: Comma usage

I agree with RG regarding the series of two and that no comma should be used. I'm not sure "where" is the correct term, though. I'd probably change it to "when" with no comma before it or "in which" (with a comma before it) depending on the intended meaning of the sentence.

[Forum] RE: Comma with from...to

OK. thanks for the input. You are not confusing the issue. I was asking about using a comma before the word TO in from...to. I agree that in short sentences no comma is necessary. But in longer ones...it seems to help. But again, can find no rule. Why do u say no comma so confidently

[Forum] No, thanks (with comma) vs. No thanks (without comma)

Am I correct? Bill: Would you like a slice of pizza? Tom: No, thanks. (Comma after "No"?) In essence I'm saying, "No, but thanks (or: thank you) anyway. "No thanks" (without the comma after "No" means that I didn't receive a single thank you--it was kind of a thankless task.) Thanks.