Page:Handbook of style in use at the Riverside press, Cambridge, Massachusetts (IA handbookofstylei00riverich).pdf/36

 The Comma is used— To separate a direct quotation, maxim, or similar expression, from the preceding part of the sentence, Grant nobly said, “Let us have peace.”

To separate month and year, and similar time divisions. November, 1910.

Before and, or, and nor, connecting the last two links in a sequence of three or more. Tom, Dick, and Harry.

Before the abbreviation etc.

Before not, introducing an antithetical clause. The quarrel was brought on, not because either really cared much about the matter in dispute, but because of a latent antagonism between them.

Before of, in connection with residence or position, except in cases in which the place name practically has become a part of the person’s name. Mr. Jones, of New York; Philip of Anjou.

After a participial clause, especially if it contains an explanation of the main clause. Being very tired, John did not hear him.

After here and there and now and then when they introduce contrasted clauses. Here, we have a complete and rounded argument; there, a loose, badly constructed, unintelligent view, badly expressed.

After such words as again, now, why, and the like, when they introduce a sentence, and refer, not to any particular word, but to the whole proposition.

Before and after parenthetical clauses not inclosed in parentheses. The increase of wealth and the extension of trade produced, together with immense good, some evils from which poor and rude societies are free.

To indicate the omission of a word or words,—the repetition of which is not essential to the meaning,—unless the construction is smooth enough to dispense with the comma. In Massachusetts the legislature meets annually; in Ohio, once in two years.

To point off sums consisting of five figures or more. In tabular work, where the figures in the column run up to five or more, use the comma with four figures also. The comma is never used in piece fractions.

Followed by an em dash, after the salutatory phrase at the beginning of a letter, if run in with the body of the letter; but if for special reasons the phrase is not run in, a colon and an em dash should be used.