Cohesion and Clarity
12- 40
Not: The study was conducted from May 1, 2002 to July 31, 2002. Correct: The study was conducted from May 1, 2002, to July 31, 2002. But: The study was conducted from 1 May 2002 to 31 July 2002. But: The study was conducted from May 2002 to July 2002.
Not: Paris, France is an interesting place to visit. Correct: Paris, France, is an interesting place to visit.
Correct: Houston, Texas, is unbearably hot and humid in the summer.
Correct: Edgardo Hidalgo, PhD, has been nominated for the Cranton Prize.
Use commas after introductory words, phrases, or clauses:
Correct: To be eligible for the study, patients must not have received any prior radiation therapy.
Correct: In contrast to previous studies, our study demonstrates that the therapy is ineffective.
Use commas to set off contrasted elements:
Correct: The therapy cured the underlying disease, not just improved the symptoms.
Correct: Patients younger than 60 years, but not those older, have a favorable prognosis.
Use commas after “e.g.” or “for example” and after “i.e.” or “that is”:
Correct: There are many treatment choices (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, and propoxyphene).
Correct: In linear writing, thoughts and ideas are expressed sequentially, that is, in a line.
When Not to Use Commas
Do not use commas between two verbs that share the same subject:
Not: The samples were paraffin-embedded, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain. Correct: The samples were paraffin-embedded and stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain. But: The samples were paraffin-embedded, and half were stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain. (This sentence has two independent clauses.)
Do not use commas between independent clauses that are not linked by a coordinating conjunction:
Not: The records of all 313 patients were reviewed, the 212 who met the inclusion criteria were included in this retrospective study. Correct: The records of all 313 patients were reviewed, and the 212 who met the inclusion criteria were included in this retrospective study. Correct: The records of all 313 patients were reviewed; the 212 who met the inclusion criteria were included in this retrospective study.
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