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Chapter 8
8.33.
In double colon as ratio sign.
- 1:2::3:6
Comma
The comma is used—
8.34.
To separate two words or figures that might otherwise be misunderstood.
- Instead of hundreds, thousands came.
- Instead of 20, 50 came.
- December 7, 1941.
- In 2003, 400 men were dismissed.
- To John, Smith was very kind.
- What the difficulty is, is not known.
but He suggested that that committee be appointed.
8.35.
Before a direct quotation of only a few words following an introductory phrase.
He said, "Now or never."
8.36.
To indicate the omission of a word or words.
- Then we had much; now, nothing.
8.37.
After each of a series of coordinate qualifying words.
- short, swift streams; but short tributary streams
8.38.
Between an introductory modifying phrase and the subject modified.
- Beset by the enemy, they retreated.
8.39.
Before and after Jr., Sr., Esq., Ph.D., F.R.S., Inc., etc., within a sentence except where possession is indicated.
- Henry Smith, Jr., chairman
- Peter Johns, F.R.S., London
- Washington, DC, schools
- Motorola, Inc., factory
- Brown, A.H., Jr. (not Brown, Jr., A.H.)
- but
- John Smith 2d (or II); Smith, John, II
- Mr. Smith, Junior, also spoke (where only last name is used)
- Alexandria, VA's waterfront
