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Commas before an excerpt from a quotation

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Latest post Mon, May 29 2006 8:32 PM by Winrow. 2 replies.
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Winrow  +  230028 Mon, 29 May 06 03:13 AM
Hello,

I hope that I am not overstepping the boundaries of this forum by posting this question, as I am not an ESL student. I have found a great deal of information on this site and I respect the authorities who respond herein. Please let me know if my posting is inappropriate and I will take my question elsewhere.

Here it is:

I have a website onto which I post celebrity quotes that contain grammar and usage errors. I would like to know others' opinions regarding whether or not I should be putting commas after the last word before an excerpt. These are examples:
  • The statement "It's not always you have the opportunity" is awkward in its construction.
  • There is a modifier error in the clause "because you're able to exorcise something quicker."
  • The participial phrase "being pregnant" functions as an adjective to modify the subject "it."
Should I use a comma after "statement" or "clause" or "phrase"? I don't like the aesthetics of the extra comma, which is why I have been leaving it out. Someone asked me about it today and I figured that since the excerpts are not being introduced as dialogue preceded by the name of the speaker, the comma is not necessary. What do you think?

Thanks for your time!

Dana
Winrow
Joined on Mon, May 29 2006
New Member 02
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Clive  +  230071 Mon, 29 May 06 06:28 AM

Hi Dana,

Welcome to the Forum.

Don't worry, this seems like a pretty reasonable question. I wouldn't say it's wrong to use commas. However, it seems to me to be fine and 'cleaner' not to put a comma.

If you do, you'll also have to think about putting one after the quotation if the sentence continues. Too many commas.

I think the key is to be consistent in the approach you take.

Best wishes, Clive
Clive
Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004
Canada
Veteran Member 29,298
El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
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Winrow  +  230218 Mon, 29 May 06 08:32 PM
Clive,

Thanks for your input! I appreciate it very much. I will be consistent in my lack of comma usage in these sorts of sentences.

Dana
Winrow
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