Again this week, The Old Editor will attempt to address your entreaties for information and advice on grammar and usage, writing, writer-editor etiquette, and related subjects.
The Old Editor does not address marital and relationship matters, dietary questions, or automobile mechanics.
The question: I enjoy reading your blog. However, I am curious about your usage of a comma in the introductory paragraph.
"Each week The Old Editor will attempt to address your entreaties for information and advice on grammar and usage, writing, writer-editor etiquette, and related subjects."
Why doesn't the first sentence read, 'Each week, The Old Editor will attempt...'
I would appreciate any insights you may have about this.
The Old Editor answers: Because the comma can be used so variously for so many different purposes, it troubles many readers and writers. First, as I explained last month, some commas are grammatically required, as in separating the items of a series; some are discretionary, representing slight pauses the rhythm of spoken language. That said, there are two styles of comma use: the "close" style, which makes extensive use of commas (think The New Yorker), and the increasingly common "open" style, which omits them whenever possible.
The reader wonders whether a comma is necessary to set off that two-word adverbial phrase in the boilerplate. Here's an answer from Garner's Modern English Usage:
"The comma separates most introductory matter from the main clause, often to prevent misunderstanding. The introductory matter may be a word (Moreover,), a phrase (In the meantime,), or a subordinate clause (If everything goes as planned,). Matter that is very short may not need this comma (On Friday we leave for Florida), [emphasis added] but phrases of three or more words usually do—and even the shortest of subordinate clauses always do (That said,). On the other hand, a comma may prove helpful for clarity even with shorter phrases (For now, we must assume the worst). It may even be imperative (Outside, the world goes on)."
With those very short adverbial phrases, the writer has discretion for use of the comma: Yesterday I stayed home from work because of illness. Today I plan to be back at the desk. But sometimes: Tomorrow, who knows?
Got a question for The Old Editor? Write to him at john.mcintyre@baltsun.com. Your name will not be used unless you specifically authorize it.