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Writing for
Business and Pleasure |
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Change One of my favorite novels is Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms which I first read in high school.
To One of my favorite novels is Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms[,] which I first read in high school.
Missing nonrestrictive comma: Use commas to set off nonrestrictive phrases or clauses, or those that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Do not commas with restrictive phrases or clauses, or those that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. A “restrictive” element is so called because it “restricts,” limits, or defines the category to which it refers.
Compare “The report, which was written by Susan, was accepted by the board” [there’s only one report in question; the nonrestrictive clause merely describes that report rather than “restricts” or defines it; commas are needed] with “Although the report that was written by George was rejected by the board, Susan’s report was accepted” [there’s more than one report in question; the restrictive clause distinguishes George’s report from Susan’s; the clause is restrictive; no commas are needed].
For a more detailed explanation on when to use a comma with a nonrestrictive element and when to omit it with a restrictive element, see “Using that or which with that stupid comma.” |
See Error Checklist for a compilation of 75 common writing errors.
For more exercises in identifying common errors,
take the
M.B.A. exam and
the
Punctuation and Grammar Challenges.
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