home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Software USA 5 #5
/
Software USA Volume 5.05.iso
/
pc
/
educate
/
editor
/
run
/
c
/
items
/
data
/
c5a14z1.htf
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1997-01-16
|
1KB
|
134 lines
C5A14z1
Trends with Commas
9
0
13
1
There is a trend toward using fewer commas, and this trend
13
1
is noticeable with nonessential clauses. In cases where
13
1
nonessential clauses do not seem obviously parenthetical,
13
1
the clauses are increasingly not set off with commas. For
13
1
example, nonessential clauses beginning with while or
13
1
whereas frequently do not take commas unless the clauses
13
1
are long. In the examples below, both punctuation patterns
13
1
shown for the nonessential clause will be commonly seen.
13
1
Essential:
3
0
She finally ate her dinner while the baby was
6
0
13
1
sleeping.
7
0
13
1
17
0
13
1
Nonessential:
3
0
She likes coffee while her friend prefers
6
0
13
1
tea.
7
0
13
1
17
0
13
1
Nonessential:
3
0
She likes coffee, while her friend prefers
6
0
13
1
tea.
7
0
13
1
17
0
13
1
As a rule of thumb, commas are usually used with
13
1
nonessential clauses beginning with
13
0
who
8
0
,
13
0
which
8
0
,
13
0
where
8
0
, or
13
1
when
8
0
.
13
1
13
1
17
0
13
1