1. Twistedben

    Twistedben New Member

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    Using a comma with direction

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Twistedben, Mar 1, 2010.

    I was wondering if you'd put a comma after direction phrases. For example:
    "Right above him, the shadow exploded into thin, black strands."
    Or possibly, another example: "To the right of him, it exploded into thin, black strands."
    Would the commas be correct these examples?

    Thank you for the help.
     
  2. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    yes... just because it's an modifying, adverbial phrase, that tells us 'where' it 'exploded'... same would apply to a phrase that tells us 'how, when, etc.'...
     
  3. architectus

    architectus Banned

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    Yes you place a comma before prepositional phrases, which these are examples of. You also place a comma before all types of phrases and instroductory clauses. Even an introductory adverb. Lovingly, she blah blah.

    There are exceptions, but it is always okay to place a comma before these things.
     

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