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Comma help

Asked Sep 21, 2011, 09:40 PM — 3 Answers
Do you put a comma after or before the words such as. I don't know because it's a preposition I think.

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Wondergirl's Avatar
Wondergirl Posts: 31,353, Reputation: 24138
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#2

Sep 21, 2011, 10:17 PM


This is a paraphrase from wiki.answers --

1. A comma goes before "such as" when examples follow, making it nonrestrictive. (For nonrestrictive constructions: use a comma.)

Example: My favorite flavors of candy are fruit flavors, such as cherry and lemon.

This shows that the sentence is complete and the idea is complete without the list of examples. The list of examples simply illustrates "fruit flavors" (the category) but does not restrict it. So it is nonrestrictive and needs a comma.

2. Don't use a comma before "such as" when what follows defines or limits what went before, making it restrictive. (For restrictive constructions: no comma.)

Example: The refugees were unable to carry "things" such as clothes, bedding, and furniture.

Here, what comes after "such as" serves to define (restrict) the idea of "things." The category isn't named. The list is necessary to explain what kinds of things the refugees had to leave behind. The category might be "household goods," but it isn't stated--instead, the "such as" list supplies the definition. It is restrictive. No comma.
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superstar18's Avatar
superstar18 Posts: 232, Reputation: 19
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#3

Sep 21, 2011, 10:35 PM
So here is what I have, There are several different forms of verbal bullying such as name calling, insulting, or teasing. So in this case I would put a comma before
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Wondergirl's Avatar
Wondergirl Posts: 31,353, Reputation: 24138
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#4

Sep 21, 2011, 10:41 PM


Yes, that sentence is nonrestrictive, like the #1 example.
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