COMMAS WITH NONESSENTIAL WORDS & PHRASES GREGG REFERENCE MANUAL (SIXTH EDITION)

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1 GREGG REFERENCE MANUAL (SIXTH EDITION) WITH TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSIONS AND INDEPENDENT COMMENTS GREGG RULE 138a Use commas to set off transitional expressions. These nonessential words and phrases are called transitional because they help the reader mentally relate the preceding thought with the idea now being introduced. They express the notion of: ADDITION: also, besides, furthermore, in addition, moreover, too (see 1143), what is more CONSEQUENCE: accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence (see 139b), otherwise, so (see 11179), then (see 139b), therefore, thus (see 139b) SUMMARIZING: after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case (event), in brief, in conclusion, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, on the whole, to sum up GENERALIZING: as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally (speaking), in general, ordinarily, usually RESTATEMENT: in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say CONTRAST AND COMPARISON: by contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the contrary, on the other hand, rather, similarly, yet (see 179) CONCESSION: anyway, at any rate, be that as it may, even so, however, in any case (event), nevertheless, still, this fact notwithstanding SEQUENCE: afterward, at first, at the same time, finally, first, first of all, for now, for the time being, in conclusion, in the first place, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, next, second, then (see 11139b), to begin with DIVERSION: by the by, by the way, incidentally ILLUSTRATION: for example, for instance, for one thing GREGG RULE 138b Use commas to set off independent comments, that is, nonessential words or phrases that express the writer's attitude toward the meaning of the sentence. By means of these independent comments, the writer indicates that what he is about to say carries his wholehearted endorsement (indeed, by all means) or deserves only his lukewarm support (apparently, presumably) or hardly requires saying (as you already know, clearly, obviously) or represents only his personal views (in my opinion, personally) or arouses some emotion in him (unfortunately, happily) or presents his honest position (frankly, actually, Compiled by Marla Sharp, RPR, CLR, CCRR, CSR Page 1 of 6

2 to tell the truth). Such terms modify the meaning of the sentence as a whole rather than a particular word within the sentence. AFFIRMATION: by all means, indeed, of course, yes DENIAL: no REGRET: alas, unfortunately PLEASURE: fortunately, happily QUALIFICATION: ideally, if necessary, if possible, literally. strictly speaking, theoretically PERSONAL VIEWPOINT: according to her, as I see it, in my opinion, personally ASSERTION OF CANDOR: actually, frankly, in reality, to be honest, to say the least, to ASSERTION OF FACT: tell the truth, as a matter of fact, as it happens, as you know, believe it or not, certainly, clearly, doubtless, in fact, naturally, needless to say, obviously, without doubt WEAK ASSERTION: apparently, perhaps, presumably AT THE BEGINNING OF A SENTENCE GREGG RULE 139a When the words and phrases listed in 11138a b appear at the beginning of a sentence, they should be followed by a comma unless they are used as essential elements. NONESSENTIAL: After all, you have done more for him than he had any right to expect. ESSENTIAL: After all you have done for him. he has no right to expect more. NONESSENTIAL: However, you look at the letter yourself and see whether you interpret it as I do. ESSENTIAL: However you look at the letter, there is only one possible interpretation. NONESSENTIAL: Obviously, the guest of honor was quite moved by the welcome she received. ESSENTIAL: Obviously moved by the welcome she received, the guest of honor spoke with an emotionchoked voice. (Here obviously modifies moved. In the preceding sentence, obviously modifies the meaning of the sentence as a whole.) GREGG RULE 139b When hence, then, or thus occurs at the beginning of a sentence, the comma following is omitted unless the connective requires special emphasis or a nonessential element occurs at that point. Thus they thought it wise to get an outside consultant's opinion. Then they decided to go back to their original plan. BUT: Then, after they rejected the consultant's recommendation, they decided to go back to their original plan. GREGG RULE 139c When an introductory transitional expression or independent comment is incorporated into the flow of the sentence without any intervening pause, the comma may be omitted. Compiled by Marla Sharp, RPR, CLR, CCRR, CSR Page 2 of 6

3 Of course I can handle it. Perhaps she was joking. No doubt he meant well. Indeed she was not. GREGG RULE 140 At the End of a Sentence Use one comma to set off a transitional expression or an independent comment at the end of a sentence. However, be sure to distinguish between nonessential and essential elements. NONESSENTIAL: Philip goes to every employee reception, of course. ESSENTIAL: Philip goes to every employee reception as a matter of course. NONESSENTIAL: The deal is going to fall through, in my opinion. ESSENTIAL: She doesn't rank very high in my opinion. GREGG RULE 141 Within the Sentence Use two commas to set off a transitional expression or an independent comment when it occurs as a nonessential element within the sentence. I, too, was not expecting a six-month convalescence. The doctors tell me, however, that I will regain full use of my left leg lf, however, the expression is used as an essential element, omit the commas. NONESSENTIAL: Let me say, to begin with, that I have always thought highly of him. ESSENTIAL: If you want to improve your English. you ought to begin with a good review of grammar. NOTE: In many sentences the only way you can tell whether an expression is nonessential or essential is by the way you say it. If your voice tends to drop as you utter the expression, it is nonessential and should be set off by commas. We concluded, nevertheless, that their offer was not serious. Millie understands, certainly, that the reassignment is only temporary. It is critical. therefore, that we rework all these cost estimates, If your voice tends to rise as you utter the expression, it is essential and should not be set off by commas. we nevertheless concluded that their offer was not serious. Millie certainly understands that the reassignment is only temporary. It is therefore critical that we rework all these cost estimates. Compiled by Marla Sharp, RPR, CLR, CCRR, CSR Page 3 of 6

4 If commas are inserted in the previous example, the entire reading of the sentence will be changed. The voice will rise on the word is and drop on therefore. (If this is the inflection intended, then commas around therefore are appropriate.) It is, therefore, critical that we rework all these cost estimates, AT THE BEGINNING OF A CLAUSE GREGG RULE 142a When a transitional expression or independent comment occurs at the beginning of the second independent clause in a compound sentence and is preceded by a semicolon, use one comma following the expression. I would love to work in a side trip to Vail; however, I don't think I can pull it off. My boss just approved the purchase order; therefore, let's confirm a delivery date. NOTE: When hence, then, or thus appears at the beginning of an independent clause, the comma following is omitted unless the connective requires special emphasis or a nonessential element occurs at that point. (See also 139b.) Melt the butter over high heat; then add the egg. Burt Melt the butter over high heat; then, when the foam begins to subside, add the egg. GREGG RULE 142b When the expression occurs at the beginning of the second independent clause in a compound sentence and is preceded by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, use one comma following the expression. (See also 127d.) The location of the plant was not easy to reach, and to be honest about it, I wasn't very taken with the people who interviewed me. The job seemed to have no future, and to tell the truth, the salary was pretty low. In the first place, I think the budget for the project is unrealistic, and in the second place, the deadlines are almost impossible to meet. NOTE: If the expression is a simple adverb like therefore or consequently, the comma following the expression is usually omitted. (See also 180.) The matter must be resolved by Friday, and therefore our preliminary conference mustbe held no later than Thursday. All the general managers have been summoned to a three-day meeting at the home office, and consequently I have had to reschedule all my meetings for the week of May 6. GREGG RULE 142c If the expression occurs at the beginning of a dependent clause, either treat the expression as nonessential (and set it off with two commas) or treat it as essential (and omit the commas). Compiled by Marla Sharp, RPR, CLR, CCRR, CSR Page 4 of 6

5 If indeed they want to settle the dispute, why don't they agree to arbitration? He is a man who, in my opinion, will make a fine marketing director. She is a woman who no doubt knows how to run a department smoothly and effectively, The situation is so serious that, strictly speaking, bankruptcy is the only solution. The situation is so serious that perhaps bankruptcy may be the only solution. WITH THE ADVERB TOO GREGG RULE 143a When the adverb too (in the sense of "also") occurs at the end of a clause or a sentence, the comma preceding is omitted. If you feel that way too, why don't we just drop all further negotiation? They are after a bigger share of the market too. GREGG RULE 143b When too (in the sense of "also") occurs elsewhere in the sentence, particularly between subject and verb, set if off with two commas. You, too, could be in the Caribbean right now. Then, too, there are the additional taxes to be considered. GREGG RULE 143c When too is used as an adverb meaning "excessively," it is never set off with commas. The news is almost too good to be believed. WITH INTERRUPTIONS AND AFTERTHOUGHTS GREGG RULE 144 Use commas to set off words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt the flow of a sentence or that are loosely added at the end as an afterthought. She has received, so I was told, a letter of commendation from the mayor. The exhibit contained only modern art, if I remember correctly. Our lighting equipment, you must admit, is most inadequate. His record is outstanding, particularly in the field of electronics. This book is as well written as, though less exciting than, her other books. This course of action is the wisest, if not the most expedient, one under the given circumstances. CAUTION: When enclosing an interrupting expression with two commas, be sure the commas are inserted accurately. WRONG: That is the best, though not the cheapest method, of rebuilding your garage. RIGHT: That is the best, though not the cheapest, method of rebuilding your garage. Compiled by Marla Sharp, RPR, CLR, CCRR, CSR Page 5 of 6

6 WRONG: Glen has a deep interest in, as well as a great fondness, for jazz. RIGHT: Glen has a deep interest in, as well as a great fondness for, jazz. WITH DIRECT ADDRESS GREGG RULE 145 Names and titles used in direct address must be set off by commas. We agree, Mrs. Connolly, that your order was badly handled. No, sir, that is privileged information. I count on your support, Bob. WITH ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS GREGG RULE 146 A phrase introduced by as well as, in addition to, besides, along with. including, accompanied by, together with, plus, or a similar expression should be set off by commas when it falls between the subject and the verb. The trustees, as well as the creditors, approved the refinancing terms. When the phrase occurs elsewhere in the sentence, commas may be omitted if the phrase is closely related to the preceding words. The refinancing terms have been approved by the trustees as well as the creditors. Bur: I attended the international monetary conference in Bermuda, together with fire associates from our Washington office. WITH CONTRASTING EXPRESSIONS GREGG RULE 147 Contrasting expressions should be set off by commas. (Such expressions often begin with but, not, or rather than.) The Sanchezes are willing to sell, but only on their terms. He had changed his methods, not his objectives, we noticed. Paula, rather than Al, has been chosen for the job. NOTE: When such phrases fit smoothly into the flow of the sentence, no commas are required. It was a busy but enjoyable trip. They have chosen Paula rather than Al. Compiled by Marla Sharp, RPR, CLR, CCRR, CSR Page 6 of 6