When one of these parenthetical expressions occurs at the beginning or at the end of a sentence, only a single comma is used to separate the expression from the main part of the sentence. When any of the expressions above are used to modify some particular part of the sentence, they lose their parenthetical character, and are no longer set off by commas. Observe the use of the word "however" in the following: "We will, however, do our duty." However, we will do our duty." "However well we do our work, we get but little praise.” Note. Some words, known variously as independent adverbs, expletives, etc., as now, well, why, yes, no, again, further, first, secondly, etc., when they stand at the beginning of a sentence, are set off by a This is true also of now and then and here and there when used to introduce contrasted expressions; as,— comma. Now, all is harmony; then, all was confusion." EXERCISE. Punctuate the following where necessary : 1. There are as it happens several of us in the secret 2. Yes you have done well 3. Finally let us announce our conclusion 4. Let us announce our conclusion finally 5. However poor the work it will be paid for 6. The work was however very poorly done 7. Well what shall we say in reply 8. Again there are some points that have been overlooked 9. There are some points that have been overlooked again 10. In truth much may be said in favor of our project 11. There are doubtless other arguments to be offered 12. Every one therefore should do his best RULE 5. Intermediate Expressions.-Clauses and ex pressions not parenthetical in character, but so placed as to come between the essential parts of a sentence, are set off by commas. Ex.-"Physical exercise, especially in the open air, is of great importance to health.” EXERCISE. Punctuate the following where necessary : 1. Man even in his lowest state is a noble work 2. Prudence as well as courage is necessary to overcome obstacles 3. Clauses when non-restrictive are set off by commas 4. The soldiers fearing they would be surrounded retreated before night 5. The richest of men may from want of proper culture fail to grace society 6. All study regarded merely as a means of culture is useful Thy Hector wrapt in everlasting sleep 7. 8. Shall neither hear thee sigh nor see thee weep-Pope There is no flock however watched and tended But one dead lamb is there-Longfellow RULE 6. Transposed Elements.-Transposed phrases and clauses are usually set off by commas. Ex. Of all the cases considered, his was the worst. Note 1.-The comma is placed also after a surname when it precedes the Christian name; as,— Johnson, Dr. Samuel; Watson, W. H. Note 2.-When the connection is very close in the case of trans posed elements, the comma is not used; as, "At daylight the gun was fired." EXERCISE. Punctuate the following where necessary: 1. When spring returns the flowers will bloom 3. Of all the senses sight is the most perfect 4. In order to succeed in study the cultivation of attention is necessary 5. To confess the truth I never could understand his position 6. Of all the American poets Longfellow is the most admired Along the cool sequestered vale of life 7. They kept the noiseless tenor of their way-Goldsmith RULE 7. Series. In a series of words, all being the same part of speech, a comma should follow each word of the series. Ex.- -"The mind is that which thinks, feels, wills." "The air, the earth, the water, teem with life." Note 1.-When the conjunction is omitted between the last two words of a series, a comma is placed also after the last, unless it precedes a single word; as, "Days, months, years, have passed away." Note 2.-When the words in the series are connected by conjunctions, the comma may be omitted; as, "Days and months and years have passed since we saw him." Note 3.-When the conjunction is omitted between all except the last two of the series, it is common to put a comma before the conjunction, but many writers omit it. Note 4.-In such expressions as "A fragrant little flower" no comma should be placed between the two adjectives, as we do not mean a fragrant and a little flower. The word "fragrant" really modifies the expression "little flower." EXERCISE. Pur.ctuate the following where necessary: 1. Hedges trees shrubs and vines encircled the house 2. We are fearfully wonderfully made 3. Laura Mary and her sister came 4. Lead iron and coal were found 5. Kings rose reigned and fell 6. Our friend was a wise prudent and influential citizen 7. Our friend was wise prudent and cautious in all his actions 8. Our friend was wise prudent cautious in all his actions 9. The ocean the mountains the clouds the heavens the stars the rising and the setting sun all overflow with beauty 10. Hang around your walls pictures which shall tell stories of mercy hope courage faith and charity 11. War famine pest volcano storm and fire Intestine broils oppression with her heart RULE 8. Words in Pairs.- When words are used in pairs, a comma should be placed after each pair. Ex.-"Poor and rich, weak and strong, young and old, must submit to Death's summons." EXERCISE. Punctuate the following where necessary : 1. Houses and lands offices and honors gold and bonds are nothing to the man at Death's door 2. I inquired and rejected consulted and deliberated till the sixty-second year made me ashamed of wishing to marry Johnson 3. Brazil is by some regarded as a land of mighty rivers and virgin forests palm trees and jaguars anacondas and alligators howling monkeys and screaming parrots 4. Tower and temple hut and palace were consumed by fire RULE 9. Apposition.- Words in apposition, together with their adjuncts, are set off by commas. Ex. -"Webster, the orator and statesman, was a native of New Hampshire." Rev. Noah Porter, D. D., LL.D. Note 1.-When the noun in apposition stands alone or has only an article before it, no comma is required between it and the word with which it is in apposition; as, "The poet Burns," "Paul the apostle." Note 2.-When several words contain a description of some person or thing, if the name be mentioned it should be set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma; as, "The greatest of poets among the ancients, Homer, was blind." EXERCISE. Punctuate the following where necessary : 1. The end crowns all; And that old common arbitrator Time Will one day end it 2. Earth's noblest thing a woman perfected-Lowell 3. A schoolboy's tale the wonder of an hour!-Byron 4. Milton the author of Paradise Lost is one of the sublimest of poets 5. There is but one God the Author the Creator the Governor of the world 6. Now the bright morning star day's harbinger Comes dancing from the east 7. Everett the statesman and orator was a candidate for vicepresident 8. We were at the entrance of a small inlet or bay 9. Washington the first president was a Virginian 10. Diogenes the Greek philosopher was a cynic RULE 10. Words in the Vocative.-Nouns or pronouns in the Nominative Case Independent by address, with their accompanying words, are separated from the remainder of the sentence by commas. Ex.—“I am, my dear sir, your friend.” EXERCISE. Punctuate the following where necessary : 1. Draw archers draw your arrows to the head 2. Welcome my old friend Welcome to a foreign fireside |