Punctuation
201
8.40.
To set off parenthetic words, phrases, or clauses.
- Mr. Jefferson, who was then Secretary of State, favored the location of the National Capital at Washington.
- It must he remembered, however, that the Government had no guarantee.
- It is obvious, therefore, that this office cannot function.
- The atom bomb, which was developed at the Manhattan project, was first used in World War II.
- Their high morale might, he suggested, have caused them to put success of the team above the reputation of the college.
- The restriction is laid down in title IX, chapter 8, section 15, of the code.
but The man who fell [restrictive clause] broke his hack.
- The dam that gave way [restrictive clause] was poorly constructed.
- He therefore gave up the search.
8.41.
To set off words or phrases in apposition or in contrast.
- Mr. Green, the lawyer, spoke for the defense.
- Mr. Jones, attorney for the plaintiff, signed the petition.
- Mr. Smith, not Mr. Black, was elected.
- James Roosevelt, Democrat, of California.
- Jean's sister, Joyce, was the eldest. (Jean had one sister.)
but Jonathan's brother Moses Taylor was appointed. (Jonathan had more than one brother.)
8.42.
After each member within a series of three or more words, phrases, letters, or figures used with and, or, or nor.
- red, white, and blue
- horses, mules, and cattle; but horses and mules and cattle
- by the bolt, by the yard, or in remnants
- a, b, and c
- neither snow, rain, nor heat
- 2 days, 3 hours, and 4 minutes (series); but 70 years 11 months 6 days (age)
8.43.
Before the conjunction in a compound sentence containing two or more independent clauses, each of which could have been written as a simple sentence.
- Fish, mollusks, and crustaceans were plentiful in the lakes, and turtles frequented the shores.
- The boy went home alone, and his sister remained with the crowd.
