, after

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Anonymous  #327148  Sat, 10 Feb 07 04:20 AM

Hi there,

What better way to belittle and marginalize someone than to insist on calling them the wrong name, after you've refused to so much as acknowledge their presence in your own home?

Why does the comma come before 'after'?

Simon

  
Buddhaheart  #327167  Sat, 10 Feb 07 06:34 AM

You think the comma should come after 'after'?

  
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Anonymous  #327179  Sat, 10 Feb 07 07:42 AM

Hi there,

I read these sentences from a book, so I would like to ask if the comma is necessary there.

simon

  
CalifJim  #327180  Sat, 10 Feb 07 07:46 AM
The comma indicates a pause.  Perhaps a dash would have been better.  It indicates a gap in the thought process.  It indicates that what follows is almost something that came to mind suddenly.  I can almost hear the word especially before after.

CJ

  
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Inchoateknowledge  #327182  Sat, 10 Feb 07 07:51 AM
You can separate off the adverbial by a comma.
  
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Anonymous  #327233  Sat, 10 Feb 07 10:36 AM

Hi there,

Do you mean we can say: I went to bed, after I had finished my housework.???

Simon

  
Feebs11  #327269  Sat, 10 Feb 07 12:21 PM
Yes
  
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Anonymous  #327312  Sat, 10 Feb 07 03:01 PM

Hi there,

According to the Chicago Manual of Style,

A dependent clause that follows a main clause should not be preceded by a comma if it is restrictive, that is, essential to the meaning of the main clause. If it is merely supplementary or parenthetical, it should be preceded by a comma. (Note that the distinction is occasionally tenuous; if in doubt, use a comma to indicate a pause.)

   We will agree to the proposal if you accept our conditions.   

PPaul was astonished when he heard the terms.

HHe didnt run because he was afraid; he ran because it had started to rain.

bBut

SShe ought to be promoted, if you want my opinion.

AAt last she arrived, when the food was cold.

HHe didnt run, because he was afraid to move.

So in the example, 'I went to bed after I had finished my housework.', the 'after-clause' tells the time of going to bed, so it is essential to the main clause.

  
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