Cursed Commas

[J. A. Young]

I thought I'd open a topic about just a couple comma inconsistencies I've noticed. Over the past years, I've noticed that Ed likes how I do commas:) There is another editor(s) who have been calling me on a couple comma issues that Ed never calls me on and I want to avoid any inconsistences since I don't know who will be doing the editing. Let me provide an example:

"Plums are native to China where they have been revered for centuries."

The editor explained that I need a comma after China. I did this and resubmitted, but I disagree--I think the comma is excessive and makes a short, snappy sentence more choppy than it needs to be. I often use Purdue's comma usage rules and this is what I found in support of my *friendly* argument--I'm not bothered in the least--I just want to use commas right once and for all:

"Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).

Incorrect: She was late for class, because her alarm clock was broken.

Incorrect: The cat scratched at the door, while I was eating.

Correct: She was still quite upset, although she had won the Oscar. (This comma use is correct because it is an example of extreme contrast)"

and

Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.

That clauses after nouns:

The book that I borrowed from you is excellent.

The apples that fell out of the basket are bruised.

That clauses following a verb expressing mental action:

She believes that she will be able to earn an A.

He is dreaming that he can fly.

I contend that it was wrong to mislead her.

They wished that warm weather would finally arrive.

Examples of other essential elements (no commas):

Students who cheat only harm themselves.

The baby wearing a yellow jumpsuit is my niece.

The candidate who had the least money lost the election."
e
As I said, I don't mind making the change, but I've omitted the comma hundreds of times with these clauses and I'd like to get it rifght finally! Thanks for any help! --JA

[J. A. Young]

btw...I have made some perfectly ridiculous errors that I am thrilled that the editors caught! I've simply been submitting a lot lately and I feel dismayed with myself for wasting an editor's time with my mistakes. So, I just want to clarify so I can deal with the commas more consistently.

Thanks CC--I love it here:)