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Andrew F. Swartz whispered in utmost secrecy:
>
>Would you put commas in these sentences?
>
> First turn on the computer.
> Second go get a cup of coffee.
> Third eat some bagels.
> Then chat with co-workers.
> Finally take a break.
>
>I tried to find the info in Chicago Manual of Style, but got lost. Anyone
>have a clue what section this stuff is covered under?
FOUND IT!!!
The "Chicago Manual of Style" says the following:
5.38 The comma is usually omitted after short introductory adverbial
phraseunless misreading is likely:
On Tuesday he tried to see the mayor.
After breakfast the count mounted his horse.
For thirty years the widow had refused to move.
*but*
Before eating, the members of the committee met in the assembly
room.
5.39 A comma should not be used after an introductory adverbial phrase
that immediate precedes the verb it modifies:
Out of the automobile stepped a short man in a blue suit.
In the doorway stood a man with a summons.
Hope that helps!
--Lynn Gold "net.fogey" figmo -at- rahul -dot- net,
Senior Technical Writer, TCSI (weekdays) or lgold -at- tcsi -dot- com
News Anchor, KLIV & KARA News (weekends)
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can't help but cry. I mean, I'd love to be skinny like that, but not with
all those flies and death and stuff."
-- MARIAH CAREY, WENN (World Entertainment News Network)
and quoted on Radio 1 by both Kevin Greening and Chris Evans
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