Replies

> > > I thought that is what commas are for, to place the modifier on one side or the other < < <

Uses of a Comma
Separating Items in a List:

Use commas to separate items in a series or list.
Example: I bought apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes.
Oxford Comma: The optional comma before the final “and” (as in the example) is a stylistic choice but can improve clarity.
Joining Independent Clauses:

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, so) when joining two independent clauses.
Example: She wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
Setting Off Introductory Elements:

Place a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
Example: After the meeting, we went out for lunch.
Separating Parenthetical Elements:

Use commas to set off nonessential information that could be removed without altering the sentence’s core meaning.
Example: The book, which was published last year, became a bestseller.
Direct Address:

Use commas when directly addressing someone.
Example: John, could you pass me the salt?
Separating Coordinate Adjectives:

Use commas between adjectives that independently describe the same noun.
Example: It was a long, exhausting trip.
Test: If you can insert “and” or reverse the adjectives without changing meaning, use a comma.
Setting Off Quotes:

Use a comma to introduce or follow direct quotations.
Example: He said, “I’ll be there at 5.”
Clarifying Numbers and Dates:

Use commas in large numbers (1,000; 10,000,000) and in dates (June 12, 2023).
Example: The population is 8,526,200.
Indicating Elliptical Constructions:

Use commas to show where words have been omitted.
Example: Mary liked the blue shirt; John, the red.
Setting Off Contrasting Elements:

Use commas before words like not or but in contrasts.
Example: He chose coffee, not tea.