LESSON 45.
COMPOSITION—INDEPENDENT WORDS AND PHRASES.
+COMMA—RULE.—Words and phrases independent or nearly so are set off by the comma.+
+Remark+.—Interjections, as you have seen, are usually followed by the exclamation point; and there, used merely to introduce, is never set off by the comma. When the break after pleonastic expressions is slight, as in (5), Lesson 44, the comma is used; but, if it is more abrupt, as in (14), the dash is required. If the independent expression can be omitted without affecting the sense, it may be enclosed within marks of parenthesis, as in (15) and (16). (For the uses of the dash and the marks of parenthesis, see Lesson 148.)
Words and phrases nearly independent are those which, like however, of course, indeed, in short, by the bye, for instance, and accordingly, do not modify a word or a phrase alone, but rather the sentence as a whole; as, Lee did not, however, follow Washington's orders.
+Direction.+—Write sentences illustrating the several kinds of independent expressions, and punctuate according to the Rule as explained.
+Direction.+—Write short sentences in which these words and phrases, used in a manner nearly independent, shall occur, and punctuate them properly:—
In short, indeed, now and then, for instance, accordingly, moreover, however, at least, in general, no doubt, by the bye, by the way, then, too, of course, in fine, namely, above all, therefore.
+Direction.+—Write short sentences in which these words shall modify same particular word or phrase so closely as not to be set off by the comma:—
Indeed, surely, too, then, now, further, why, again, still.