Dear editors,
Last week, I wrote about how to use commas with essential and nonessential clauses. I’ve noticed a few lingering comma/clause errors since then, so here’s a brief review.

The feeling when you spot an improperly punctuated clause
An essential clause is part of a sentence that provides critical information about that sentence. Essential clauses should not be set off with commas.
Example: The space alien E.T. came to Earth to teach us how to love.
A nonessential clause provides extra information. Removing the clause would not change the meaning of the sentence. These are set off with commas.
Example: The protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield, runs away from boarding school.
A few recent errors, and their corrections:
Incorrect: Posh NY Mainstay, Freds at Barneys New York, Plans Union Square Outpost
Correct: Posh NY Mainstay Freds at Barneys New York Plans Union Square Outpost
Why? Because there is more than one posh mainstay in New York (there might even be hundreds), commas are not necessary here. The clause “Freds at Barneys New York” clarifies which mainstay you mean, making it an essential clause.
Incorrect: The design from Williams Architects will include space for track and field events.
Correct: The design, from Williams Architects, will include space for track and field events.
Why? Putting commas around the clause “from Williams Architects” signals to the reader that there is only one design. Deleting the clause would not change the meaning of the sentence, which means it’s nonessential.
Incorrect: The contributions of King’s fellow Atlantan, Ralph David Abernathy, could soon receive appropriate recognition in Vine City.
Correct: The contributions of King’s fellow Atlantan Ralph David Abernathy could soon receive appropriate recognition in Vine City.
Why? Since Martin Luther King Jr. had many fellow Atlantans, the clause “Ralph David Abernathy is essential in clarifying which one you mean.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Copy News
A reminder that I have a brand-new doc with guidance about when to send me your stories for a copy edit. I’m here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like a copy read!
The dictionary will not add a word if it gets a certain number of retweets. An argument in favor of puns. And an essay on language, colonialization, and power.
Have a great Labor Day weekend (note the lowercase “w”!),
Emma
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#curbed-copy-edit