[Forum] RE: Comma with introductory material

I think there's a difference between a year in the middle of a sentence (or the middle of an introductory phrase) and a year that ends a short introductory phrase. Since commas typically follow longer introductory phrases but are optional with short ones, I believe that's the root of Jude's question

[Forum] Need clarification on 6.25 - comma with introductory phrases

Hi, on rereading 6.25 I think it could be a bit clearer. This is a common problem in our workplace, too, and something I frequently debate with the senior editor. Some people prefer never to use the comma after an introductory phrase of any length. It neither looks nor reads well. I actually wond

[Forum] RE: introductory phrase

A short introductory adverbial phrase (regardless of whether it contains a year or a decade) doesn't need a comma after it unless one is necessary for understanding or flow. So in your example sentence, I'd say no comma is warranted. Per [url=http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/16/ch06/ch06_sec03

[Forum] Comma with introductory material

How do you feel about commas with short introductory phrases such as the following: In 2008, she starred in a movie called [i]Mamma Mia![/i] I get the feeling there is no hard-and-fast rule for this, but I'm just curious as to your opinions. Thanks!

[Forum] RE: The bigger they come, the harder then fall

The comma is needed because it's a lengthy introductory adverbial phrase. See [url=http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/16/ch06/ch06_sec036.html]CMOS 6.36: Commas with introductory adverbial phrases[/url].

[Forum] RE: Parallel Structure

You're right. The construction in the bold examples isn't parallel. In other words, the introductory phrases don't match what follows the comma (and vice versa). If you add in the understood word "you" in each introductory phrase, you can see why the changes you made are necessary and correct.

[Forum] RE: Comma with introductory material

I tend to use commas sparingly with short introductory phrases (see [url=http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/16/ch06/ch06_sec036.html]CMOS 6.36[/url], example three), regardless of the type of material (technical, formal, casual, fiction, or nonfiction).

[Forum] RE: Introductory phrase

Thanks for this. It does answer the question, but I'm wondering where specifically in Chicago it's located. 6.24 and 6.28 cover compound sentences and introductory phrases but not together. The logic behind not having a comma after the conjunction is that the sentences should be treated as independe

[Forum] Commas with direct address after single word introductory phrase

According to CMS 6.38, commas bracket a name/term used in direct address within a sentence: "I am not here, my friends, to discuss personalities." But what about after single word introductory phrases? CMS 6.25 says, "A single word or a very short introductory phrase does not require a comma except

[Forum] RE: coordinating conjunctions

[quote='MForsberg' pid='2374' dateline='1303808872'] I'm not entirely convinced that one can consider "But John" to be merely an introductory element, though that'd certainly help. One of the examples is similar, though: "Well then, we shall have to take a vote." If one were to put [i]then